Forensic science
technicians investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical
evidence. Often, they specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or
firearm examination, performing tests on weapons or on substances such
as fiber, glass, hair, tissue, and body fluids to determine their
significance to the investigation. Proper collection and storage methods
are important to protect the evidence.
Forensic science technicians also
prepare reports to document their findings and the laboratory techniques
used, and they may provide information and expert opinions to
investigators.
When criminal cases come to trial, forensic science
technicians often give testimony as expert witnesses on laboratory
findings by identifying and classifying substances, materials, and other
evidence collected at the scene of a crime. Some forensic science
technicians work closely with other experts or technicians. For example,
a forensic science technician may consult either a medical expert about
the exact time and cause of a death or another technician who
specializes in DNA typing in hopes of matching a DNA type to a suspect.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by
the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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