Are there any prerequisites to becoming a Forensic Evidence Technician?
Yes. A person who applies for the position of Forensic Evidence Technician must meet one of the following education/experience requirements:
An Associate of Science degree and a community college certificate in Evidence Technology or equivalent, or
One (1) year of experience in the identification, documentation, collection, preservation, and transportation of physical evidence, which must include fingerprinting processing, or
Two (2) years of full-time experience as an Evidence Technician at a law enforcement agency.
Candidates must also have a valid California Class C driver’s license and must be willing to travel to and from crime scenes located within (and occasionally outside of) the County of San Diego. Forensic Evidence Technicians rotate through a call schedule that requires them to be on standby for significant periods of time. When called, they must respond at all hours of the day and night, including weekends and holidays. Also, before being accepted, a job candidate must successfully pass a thorough background check (medical and drugs).
What are the job duties and responsibilities of a Forensic Evidence Technician?
Forensic Evidence Technicians are responsible for the documentation, collection, preservation, and transportation of physical evidence from crime scenes and autopsies, including the fingerprint processing of evidence items and vehicles. The documentation process includes crime scene, subject, autopsy, and aerial photography (aerial photography involves riding in a helicopter above and around crime scenes while taking pictures). Forensic Evidence Technicians are also responsible for processing and collecting evidence from suspects, witnesses, victims, and deceased individuals. Additional duties involve operating various types of audio and video equipment, preparing extensive reports using a computer, and testifying in court when asked to do so.
Any other miscellaneous information about the Forensic Evidence Technician position and the Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory?
In addition to extensive training within the Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory, Forensic Evidence Technicians have many opportunities to receive training outside of the laboratory from various agencies, such as the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Training includes access and exposure to various advanced evidence processing methods and equipment.
The Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory places a heavy emphasis on customer service. Forensic Evidence Technicians are often called upon by deputies, investigators, and attorneys to give advice, training, and/or presentations about crime scene processing. Our goal is to accommodate the needs of all of our customers.
