Forensic Science Technician

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Being a forensic science technician is not like many jobs you see today. They work long, staggered shifts that range from evening to the middle of the night and also must be available to work overtime; when a crime happens they must be available to collect or analyze evidence taken up from the incident("Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). They must also collect evidence right away because often times if it is left out over a period of time then their results will not be as accurate as it could have been in the beginning(McKay, Dawn Rosenberg. "Forensic Scientist - Career Information."). Some evidence may include: fingerprints, blood, hair, and bullets. With a job like a forensic science technician, you…show more content…
There are rare cases in which a major for forensic science is offered at any public college or university, however if such a major is offered you would want to be sure to have extensive coursework in mathematics, chemistry, and biology. Important qualities to possess include communication skills, in order to effectively write reports and testify in court about their findings; composure, various crime scenes could contain gruesome material; and critical-thinking skills, in order to use their best judgement of what they decide is important to pick up at crime scenes and what simply could be left behind("Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Before forensic science technicians are able to work on cases independently, they must complete extensive on the job training by more experienced investigators and pass a proficiency exam. During their novice years, they will learn the proper methods and procedures of collecting and analyzing evidence. Some training can take months to complete while others can take years, it all depends upon what they specialize in("Forensic Science…show more content…
In order to discard these setbacks, scientists have developed the Lightweight Analyzer for Buried Remains and Decomposition Odor Recognition or LABRADOR for short which helps locate dead bodies by “sniffing” out thirty different chemicals that decaying bodies give off. It collects air samples and emits a visual and auditory signal that relays information about the chemical concentration which allows forensic scientists to dig in places where those readings are the highest. K-9 units are commonly used in these types of situations, but are unable to detect those differing chemical concentrations. The LABRADOR is also capable of detecting how long the person has been dead. When you die you give off a certain chemical and as time passes and as your body starts to decompose that chemical signature changes which accounts for the differing odors that bodies

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