Crime Scene Technician Career – Learn How to Become a Crime Scene Technician

Crime scene technicians work for law enforcement agencies and play a very important role in helping police solve crimes.  The job can be both demanding and stressful, but also exciting and rewarding. However, before becoming  a crime scene technician, it is important you understand what your job will entail and the education you must complete to get the position.

Crime Scene Technician Job Duties

A crime scene technician is responsible for analyzing and obtaining evidence from a crime scene and then reporting the findings to authorities. A crime scene technician is also referred to as a forensic specialist or criminologist investigator.

Crime Scene Technician Career Education and Requirements

To become a Crime Scene Technician, there are certain requirements that must be met. Department requirements will vary from state to state. Listed below are the underlying requirements to become a Crime Scene Technician.

First, you must attend college and earn at least an associate’s degree in courses such as Chemistry, Criminal Justice, or Forensics. Better yet, attend an institution that offers a specific program in crime scene technology. To increase your chances of having more job opportunities and higher earnings, consider earning at least one of the following Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs,  online bachelors in criminal justice,  a online bachelors in criminology , criminal justice administration degree, online masters degree in criminal justice

How To Become a Crime Scene Technician

You must choose your specialization. Decide on the specific area you’d like to have your career on such as: fingerprinting analysis, crime scene investigation, DNA typing, or firearms. Select programs which can offer practical training and internships.

You must become certified. This will oftentimes come with your college degree. Each state will have a different licensing requirement or certification for Crime Scene technicians.

You must attend a police academy. Although optional, this is very useful if you plan on specializing as an investigator, especially since you must become a member of the police force to do so.

You must pass a series of background checks that will include a polygraph test, a physical test, psychological evaluation, and a credit check. Each state or agency will have different sets of minimum requirements for employment. In some cases, you must first pass these tests before even attending college to pursue your program while others are required to take the tests after an employment offer has been made. You can check with your state department for the full list of requirements.

Crime Scene Technician Career Salaries and Job Prospects

After being employed as a Crime Scene Technician, it is very important to stay updated with laws and advanced studies in criminal science. Anyone who decides to become a Crime Scene Technician must stay abreast on recent studies on science and technology. If you have the right set of skills and knowledge, the field of criminal justice can give you a very fulfilling career.

Salaries of Crime Scene Technicians will vary depending on the department and agency. Salary will depend on education and work experience. Generally, a crime scene technician earns about 37,000-42,000 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS, there is an increasing need for Crime Scene Technicians and its job outlook appears to be promising. Those who hold 4-year college degrees related to Science or Criminal Justice, and have specialized in the field of Crime Scene Technician have better opportunities for employment.

Additional Career & Salary Resources: