Forensic science technicians investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Often, they specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination, performing tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, tissue, or body fluids to determine significance to the investigation. They also prepare reports to document their findings and the laboratory techniques used. When criminal cases come to trial, forensic science technicians often provide testimony, as expert witnesses, on specific laboratory findings by identifying and classifying substances, materials, and other evidence collected at the crime scene.

Career Sources and Professional Organizations

Forensic Sciences

	American Academy of Forensic Psychology
	American Academy of Forensic Sciences
	American Board of Criminalists
	American Board of Forensic Document Examiners
	American Board of Forensic Entomology
	American Board of Forensic Odontology
	American Board of Forensic Toxicology
	American College of Forensic Examiners
	American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors - links to jobs in forensic science.
	American Society of Questioned Documents Examiners
	Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction
	Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners
	California Criminalists Institute
	California Department of Justice (Office of the Attorney General)
	College of American Pathologists
	Forensic Art Services
	Forensic Science Resources
	Forensic Science Society
	International Association of Blood Stain Pattern Analysts
	International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists
	International Association of Forensic Toxicologists
	International Association for Identification
	Knowledge Solutions - online courses in forensic science
	MEL Forensic Science - an extensive site
	National Association of Medical Examiners
	National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC)
	National Training Center for Forensic Support
	Occupation Profile:  Forensic Scientist
	Police List of Resources - Forensics
	Sealy Bibliography on Career Resources in Forensic Science
	Society of Forensic Toxicologists
	US Fish & Wildlife Forensics Laboratory - Ashland, Oregon
	Young Forensic Scientists Forum

Forensic Nursing:

	American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants
	American Forensic Nurses
	Forensic Education
	Forensic Nursing Schools
	International Association of Forensic Nurses
	Palomar-Pomerado Health - Forensic Health Services
	Worldwide Nurse - two forensic links under "Specialties"

Arson Specialty:

	Corporate Investigative Services - Fire and Arson Investigation
	Fire Cause Analysis
	Forensic Science Resources - Arson Investigation
	Interfire Online - Dedicated to improving fire investigation worldwide
	International Association of Arson Investigators
	Kellough & Associates - Fire and Arson Investigation
	National Fire Protection Association
	U.S. Fire Administration (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

SAMPLE JOB TITLES

Entry Level:		Experienced:
	Criminalist/Evidence Technician		Analytical Chemist
	Crime Scene Photographer		Medical Examiner
	Finger Print Analyst		Microbiologist
	Forensic Science Technician		Pathologist
	Lab Technician		Toxicologist

ENHANCING EMPLOYABILITY

	Participate in internships
	Computer-related skills
	Strong problem-solving, decision-making skills
	Ability to communicate ideas in writing, visually and verbally
	Strong ability to work under pressure
	Strong leadership skills