Today’s criminals all have one very formidable opponent, and that is the forensic science technician. Simply put, forensic science technicians, or criminalists, are the people who investigate the physical evidence in a crime scene.

Not only do they have to test and analyze every last tissue sample, fiber, or drop of blood, forensic science technicians have the responsibility of preserving all this evidence used in any of the cases they are working on. They have to make sure it is readily available whenever any side of a trial needs said evidence.

After the crime scene evidence has all been catalogued and identified by the forensic science technician, it is their job to compile a report based on this evidence, stating what they believe the criminal events to have been, how they happened, as well as try to arrive at conclusions on who the criminal was. Forensic science technicians are responsible for tying all the evidence in a crime scene together to make it tell a story, be it body fluids, weapons, track marks or fingerprints left behind by the criminal.

Forensic science technicians must undoubtedly have a strong science background, and have studied and trained for long hours under close supervision. This field is one in which error cannot occur, and if it does, the outcome is disastrous. Forensic science technicians have to work with the knowledge that one careless instant can send an innocent man to jail, as well as a guilty one free. It all comes down to one single forensic report. That is a lot of pressure!

Imagine going to school and having to do a research paper every day, a very exiting research paper, but still hard work none the less. That is what being a forensic science technician is like. Researching and re-searching that evidence until you have arrived at a formidable conclusion on what criminal events occurred. It is their job to answer the important questions such as who, what when, where, why and how, and prove it.

On most instances, forensic science technicians are involved in the trial of the actual criminal in question as well. They are asked to testify as an expert witness on the evidence. It is part of their job to go to the trial and explain to the jury the relationship of all the evidence being presented by the defense and prosecution. Forensic science technicians must go into detail, in terms of the crime in question, as well as divulge into why through their professional analyzing they arrived at the conclusion stated in their report, be it that the defendant is guilty or not guilty. That’s a lot of pressure. And remember, there is no room for mistakes.

Bottom line is forensic science technicians hold the key to solving crimes. With their knowledge they can make the tough judgment calls on whether someone committed a crime, as well as help police investigators find out what exactly happened during an altercation. Their job is to provide accuracy and truth, and to make real sense out of bad situations, so that the world can ultimately become a better place.