{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:39:11.444Z","occupation":{"soc":"19-4092.00","title":"Forensic Science Technicians","group":"Life, Physical & Social Science","sector":"54","jobZone":3,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers forensic science technicians working in crime laboratories, field crime scenes, morgues, and courtroom settings within law enforcement and government agency environments at the associate-degree and early career experience level.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Physical evidence collection procedures — follow under direct supervision when securing and packaging items at an assigned crime scene.","Evidence storage protocols — apply established chain-of-custody rules to label and store collected materials in a controlled laboratory environment.","Photographic documentation equipment — operate basic camera and video tools to capture crime scene images under the guidance of a senior technician.","Crime scene measurements and sketches — produce hand-drawn diagrams of scene dimensions following standard departmental templates and checklists.","Latent fingerprint chemicals — apply designated reagents to surfaces under supervision to develop prints for initial comparison review.","Laboratory case records — draft basic notes and preliminary reports documenting observed findings using office suite software and approved formats.","Fingerprint database interfaces — perform entry-level queries in AFIS or equivalent systems to retrieve known prints for comparison tasks.","Scene visit preparation — accompany senior technicians to morgues or outdoor crime scenes, assisting with equipment transport and evidence logging.","Legal terminology and courtroom conduct — recognize basic expectations for forensic testimony and courtroom decorum through orientation training.","Analytical software tools — enter raw data into assigned forensic or scientific software programs under direction to support laboratory analysis."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Crime scene evidence collection — independently collect, package, and log physical evidence at moderately complex scenes while maintaining chain-of-custody integrity.","Investigative reports and case files — prepare clear, detailed written reports summarizing methods, findings, and laboratory techniques for routine case submissions.","Photographic and video documentation — select appropriate equipment settings and angles to fully document evidence and scene conditions without direct supervision.","Latent fingerprint development and comparison — apply multiple chemical and physical methods to develop latent prints and compare results against database records with limited oversight.","Crime scene diagramming — use CAD or mapping software to produce accurate, scaled sketches that reflect measured scene dimensions and evidence placement.","Morgue and field visits — conduct independent visits to morgues or secondary crime scenes to gather supplemental evidence and coordinate with responding personnel.","Courtroom testimony preparation — organize case notes and analytical findings to deliver accurate, concise testimony in straightforward legal proceedings.","Spreadsheet and database tools — maintain evidence tracking spreadsheets and query case databases to support ongoing investigations in a laboratory setting.","Analytical problem-solving — apply inductive reasoning to identify inconsistencies in physical evidence patterns and escalate anomalies to a supervising scientist.","Interagency communication — coordinate evidence handoffs and information requests with law enforcement and medical examiner offices using professional written and verbal communication."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Complex evidence collection — plan and execute full evidence recovery at multi-location or large-scale crime scenes, adapting collection strategies to challenging environmental conditions.","Comprehensive case documentation — author technically precise investigative and laboratory reports that meet legal standards for admissibility across a varied caseload.","Advanced scene photography — design and execute photographic documentation plans, including alternate light source and macro imaging, to capture nuanced physical evidence.","Fingerprint evidence analysis — independently process ambiguous or degraded latent prints using advanced chemical techniques and render expert comparison conclusions for case submission.","Expert witness testimony — deliver authoritative, well-organized courtroom testimony on complex analytical methods and findings across diverse legal proceedings without supervisory guidance.","Scene reconstruction and spatial analysis — integrate measurements, photography, and CAD-based diagrams to reconstruct event sequences and present spatial findings to investigative teams.","Multi-source evidence correlation — synthesize biological, chemical, and physical evidence gathered from crime scenes, morgues, and laboratory analysis to support investigative conclusions.","Forensic software proficiency — leverage analytical, process-mapping, and database software to manage case data, identify patterns, and generate visualizations for court or agency reports.","Quality assurance review — evaluate own work and peer case files against accreditation standards, identifying procedural gaps and recommending corrective actions in a laboratory setting.","Critical incident decision-making — apply sound judgment under field or laboratory stress conditions to prioritize evidence handling when resources or time are constrained."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Forensic science program leadership — direct unit-wide evidence collection, laboratory operations, and reporting standards to ensure consistent quality across all active cases in the agency.","Technician training and mentorship — design and deliver structured onboarding curricula and ongoing skill-development sessions that transfer forensic science techniques to new and junior staff.","Organizational policy development — author and update agency-wide protocols for evidence handling, chain-of-custody documentation, and laboratory safety aligned with accreditation requirements.","Expert testimony strategy — coach forensic staff on effective courtroom communication and serve as the agency's primary expert witness in high-profile or legally complex proceedings.","Cross-agency collaboration — represent the forensic unit in multi-jurisdictional task forces, establishing shared evidence protocols and coordinating resources with law enforcement and prosecutorial partners.","Technology evaluation and adoption — assess emerging analytical software, instrumentation, and imaging systems, leading pilot programs and recommending investments that advance laboratory capability.","Performance monitoring and systems evaluation — analyze unit-level case metrics, turnaround times, and error rates to identify systemic inefficiencies and implement process improvements.","Budget and resource oversight — manage laboratory supply procurement, equipment maintenance schedules, and staffing allocations to sustain operational readiness within fiscal constraints.","Accreditation and compliance leadership — guide the laboratory through ASCLD or equivalent accreditation cycles, ensuring all documentation, training records, and quality controls meet auditor standards.","Strategic knowledge management — develop learning strategies and institutional knowledge repositories that preserve forensic best practices and accelerate competency development across the technician workforce."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}