Forensic science technicians study physical evidence to solve crimes.

Forensic science technicians usually specialize in one of the following areas:

• Crime scene investigation
• Laboratory analysis

Crime scene investigation

Crime scene investigators determine what and how much evidence to collect. They take photos and make sketches of the crime scene. They collect physical evidence that includes:

• Bloodstains
• Drugs
• Pieces of clothing
• Weapons
• Fibers
• Hair

Laboratory analysis

Forensic science technicians who work in laboratories examine the evidence in order to reconstruct the crime scene. They try to determine the relationships among all the evidence in order to link a suspect to the crime.

Technicians analyze guns and tool marks. If a gun was used, they may analyze bullets, gunshot residue, and the paths bullets take when shot. They examine weapons left at the scene to see if they were legally obtained and identify the owner.

Technicians also analyze impression evidence. This may be a shoe or tire print made in soil or bite marks in food. They also analyze body fluid evidence, such as bloodstains or saliva. They may look for poisons, illnesses, or drugs.

Forensic science technicians interpret lab findings and often confer with experts or other technicians. They might consult a medical expert about the exact time and cause of a death. They might also consult a technician who specializes in DNA typing.

Forensic science technicians prepare reports of their findings. They keep records of their investigation methods and lab techniques. Technicians often have to testify in court about evidence or lab work.

Forensic science technicians are also known as criminalists.