19-4092.00 · Task explorer
Forensic Science Technicians: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 24 tasks, including 15 marked Core and 9 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2023.
24 tasks shown
Core · Task 1577 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Core · Task 18478 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
Core · Task 20399 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
Core · Task 1571 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
Core · Task 18479 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
Core · Task 23965 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
Core · Task 1584 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
Core · Task 18481 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
Core · Task 1574 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
Core · Task 1582 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
Core · Task 18482 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.
Core · Task 1583 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
Core · Task 1589 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
Core · Task 1575 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
Core · Task 23966 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Examine footwear, tire tracks, or other types of impressions.
Supplemental · Task 23967 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Examine physical evidence, such as hair, biological fluids, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
Supplemental · Task 1580 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
Supplemental · Task 20401 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings.
Supplemental · Task 20400 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.
Supplemental · Task 1573 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.
Supplemental · Task 1590 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.
Supplemental · Task 1578 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.
Supplemental · Task 1587 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.
Supplemental · Task 23969 · 08/2023 · Incumbent
Analyze data from computers or other digital media sources for evidence related to criminal activity.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
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