1. Crime Scene Technician
By Mark Faugno

2. Educational Requirements

Some of the educational requirements for Crime
Scene Technician include

60 credit hours of College

Associate Degree in Science

Recommended to have a degree in Chemistry,
Biology, Criminal Justice, or Crime Scene Tech

3. General Requirements

Good computer, communication, and detail-oriented
nature

Strong Stomach

On Call (nights, holidays, weekends at any hour)

Dedication

Extensive background checks

Polygraph exam/Physical exam

Credit check

Psychological evaluation

4. Job Responsibilities

Attend autopsies

Assist Pathologist with collecting any physical
evidence on the body

Collection and preservation of physical
evidence left at the crime scene

Paperwork

Laboratory work

Testify in Court

5. Salary

The salary of a Crime Scene Technician varies
depending on where in the United States you
live.

National Average is $46,000-$60,000

Average for the Tampa Bay area is around
$51,000

Average for the Miami area is around $65,000

Larger Cities have higher salaries due to
population and higher chance for crime.

6. Employment Outlook

The employment outlook for the Crime Scene
Technician field is positive.

Rapidly growing field

Jobs in this field are expected to increase up to
20% by 2018 which is much higher than the
national average

Techniques expected to improve over time
which would make a CST more important in a
court preceding

7. Employment Outlook (Cont.)

Improving techniques will also increase the
relevance for forensic technicians in general

Continued growth in biotechnology and medical
research is expected to increase the demand
for people in this field and similar fields

8. Miscellaneous Information

Can prove that a crime has been committed

Establish and key elements of the crime

Link a suspect with a scene or a victim

Establish the identity of a victim

Confirm and support verbal witness testimony

Exonerate the innocent

9. Why This Career Suits Me

Cases will always be different

Requires problem solving

Not Typical 9 to 5 career

Want to get the correct people convicted for
violent crimes