PROFILE
JOB: Forensic Technician
SALARY: $61, 930
SCHOOL: UW Milwaukee
#WHAT IS A FORENSIC TECH?
A forensic technician is someone who aids criminal investigations by inspecting and taking evidence to analyze. They use scientific and technical methods to analyze evidence and work to match the evidence to people and other components. Forensic technicians may have to consult with other forensic specialists who are specialized in a specific area of forensic science. After having analyzed the evidence, forensic technicians have to present the materials to other officials involved in the case. They may also be brought into court to hear about their findings of the evidence.
#HOW TO BECOME ONE?
The first step to becoming a forensic technician is to take classes that aim toward science and math throughout high school. The next step is to graduate and earn a high school diploma, this step is essential for students who want to go further in the forensic science field. Once you graduate, apply to a college or university that offers programs focused on forensic science. Majors you can take to become a forensic technician is biology, physical science, or forensic science. You need at least a bachelor's degree or higher to enter the field of work, which can take two to four years. After college, you would apply for an internship and the last step would be becoming professionally certified.
WORK PLACE
LOCAL GOVT
STATE GOVT
LABORATORIES
#WHERE COULD YOU WORK?
Following being professionally certified, the next big step would be applying for a position. Job positions for forensic scientists in Wisconsin are in cities such as Madison, Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Waukesha. Under the forensic department, forensic technicians will aid police departments or the FBI in a criminal investigation. After taking the evidence, the analysis will be done at the laboratory where forensic technicians work most of the time. Other times, they would work in morgues or outside of the crime lab but mainly their workplace is in the lab. Forensic techs have an essential role in criminal investigations to find an objective answer to how the victim died.
#REASON INTERESTED?
I chose forensic technicians as my presentation because I was interested in the work that they do. I think that being able to analyze and identify the cause of death by using scientific and technical methods is interesting and intriguing. There are many different methods to find evidence, and doing hands-on work is what I find the most interesting in forensic science.
