Evidence technicians are often considered one of the main pillars of the US justice system. They provide support for law enforcement officers and forensic scientists in processing the evidence from crime scenes.

Their main task is to collect, identify, register and file physical evidence systematically in such a way that it can be retrieved or referenced later for use as a court exhibit or in supporting police cases. Due to their technical expertise, evidence technicians are often involved in crime scene investigation procedure training for law enforcement officers and private investigators.

As part of their day to day responsibilities, evidence technicians will be expected to accompany law enforcement officers to a crime scene where they will make use of their skills to process the evidence and develop reports for their superiors and law enforcement teams.

This is a demanding and relatively high stress position that requires one to be in good physical shape because they will be expected to stand, bend or stoop for extended periods. The sensitivity and urgency of evidence collection also means that evidence collection cannot wait and they must sometimes work under difficult weather conditions.

An evidence technician’s job is not only physically exerting but mentally challenging as well. One must be conversant with the latest scientific techniques and technical methods of handling crime scenes.

This means a fair amount of time must be spent on individual research, attending forensic seminars and understanding new evidence collection and analysis gadgets and software.

Since the evidence tech is considered the in house expert on evidence gathering and analysis and will be expected to train new personnel, they must familiarize themselves with crime scene investigation procedures and policies.

Evidence tech’s must make sure that they always have an adequate stock of the supplies they need to process crime scenes. Delay in processing evidence can have serious repercussions on proving the culpability or innocence of a suspect to a crime. They must therefore maintain tight monitoring on supply levels and contact the concerned vendors early enough and way before the stock runs out.

If you intend to be an evidence technician, the basic requirements are a minimum of a GED certificate or high school Diploma coupled with a criminal justice certificate or associate degree. Most criminal justice degree or certificate programs will offer courses that cover the collection and processing of evidence including cataloging, labeling and reporting.

For the certificate, the course should usually run for two semesters during which the students will be trained on criminology, social and criminal behavior, the United States legal system including general criminal law and the juvenile criminal system.

An associate degree goes deeper and broader than the certificate and incorporates modules on law enforcement management, evidence and court procedures as well as the relevant sections of the constitution that cover evidence management.

Other than the academic qualification, the evidence technician must also attend workshops and seminars where they can polish up on their skills and catch up with current trends.

This is a career worth looking into. You need to gather more information if you are interested. There are online websites that can help you accomplish this. Why wait any longer?

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Author Bio: Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth is a writer, expert author, and publisher. He currently writes for Criminal Justice Degrees. Get free scholarship report and learn to Become Evidence Technician by visiting. Affiliated website: Extra Income Ideas

Category: Career
Keywords: Evidence Technician,Evidence Technician Career,Evidence Tech Jobs,Evidence Tech Training