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How To Become A Crime Scene Technician

A Crime Scene Technician or CST is equal to a crime scene investigator. Individuals working as CSTs work strongly among different law enforcement personalities like police offers, prosecutors, and FB special agents. Crime Scene Technician job description focuses mainly in recognizing, collecting, and protecting physical evidences found in the crimes scene. Also, processing and analyzing fingerprints, taking photos, and inspecting and studying physical evidences are part of the Crime Scene Technician job description.

As the Bureau of Labor Statistics looks at the current trend of this type of career, it foresees an increase of demand for new CST’s. Crime Scene Technicians are also called Forensic Science Technicians.How does one become a crime scene technician or a forensic science technician? Individuals who finished any degree - associates or bachelor - is qualified to undergo a crime scene investigation training.

However, many law enforcement units prefer hiring applicants who have associates or bachelor’s degree in forensic science, crime scene investigation, criminal justice, chemistry, or biology. It would count more if the applicant has experience in photography, forensic lab, and crime scene investigation. Since the job requires high level of performance and analytical prowess, applicants are subject to series of examinations, including psychological assessment, polygraph test, physical exam, and background check.

For applicants without any related study or background on forensic science may gain knowledge about the craft by studying and earning crime scene technician or forensic science technician certificate. Finding a certified school or training institution should not be difficult as there are many forensic studies offered in different state. Crime scene technician salary vary, depending on the law enforcement agency, the level of education and experience. In a city with around 200,000 population for example, a crime scene technician working for the police department receives an annual pay scale of $40,265 - $52,785. Pay scales are different from one state to another. In North Carolina, a forensic science technician only receives a salary range of $30,812 to $46,443.

Understandably, the crime scene technician job descriptionis also a big factor to consider when determining the pay scale for a CST or FST. Individuals who are yet starting up with their career have to work their way up to the top. Usually, senior technicians hold a bigger responsibility and receive higher pay. The job is pretty challenging and good for people who love discovery and adventure. While studying and learning the craft needs time and diligence, it’s worth the resolve. Although the pay scale is different in every state, it is nonetheless a good pay scale compared to other careers.