By: Mariah Beckman
Updated: January 7, 2026
Learn how to become an evidence technician
When a crime takes place, evidence is the only tool detectives have to piece together what may have happened. Every scene is a puzzle, and every detail has to be carefully considered—after all, you never know which bit of evidence holds the key to solving a mystery. But it isn’t detectives or police officers who handle this important task. Instead, this work falls to a specialist who knows what to look for, how to look for it and, most importantly, how to carefully preserve it.
That’s the realm of an evidence technician, a crucial player in the criminal justice system. Also sometimes known as forensic science technicians or crime scene investigators, these skilled professionals are the eyes and hands that meticulously collect, analyze and preserve evidence from crime scenes. Their work is vital in reconstructing events, identifying suspects and ultimately, bringing justice to victims.
From fingerprints and DNA to ballistics and bloodstains, evidence technicians uncover the hidden clues that tell the story of a crime. They are the bridge between science and justice, using their expertise to transform raw data into compelling evidence. In a world where technology and forensic science are constantly advancing, the demand for highly skilled evidence technicians is on the rise says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This exciting field offers diverse career paths and the opportunity to play a crucial role in upholding the law and ensuring public safety.
If you have a keen eye for detail, a passion for science and a desire to contribute to the pursuit of justice, earning the education to become an evidence technician could be your calling.
In this article
The path to becoming an evidence technician
Evidence technicians hold a unique role in the law enforcement ecosystem, because it’s a role that is equal parts clerical and scientific. You’ll need technical skills in order to collect, analyze, log and store evidence, but you’ll also need scientific training to help you preserve the biological integrity of your samples as well as analyze them.
The path to becoming an evidence technician requires a blend of education, training and hands-on experience.
Education for evidence technicians
Most law enforcement agencies and forensic labs prefer candidates with at least an associate degree. Preference is given, of course, to candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as forensic science or criminal justice.
There are a diverse range of majors that will teach you the skill you need to succeed as an evidence technician. Forensic science is one. This track offers specialized knowledge in various forensic disciplines, including crime scene investigation, evidence analysis and laboratory techniques.
Criminal justice is another. This degree offers students a broader understanding of the criminal justice system. Coursework will increase your exposure to the different branches of the legal system, including law enforcement, courts and corrections. This can be valuable for evidence technicians, helping them to understand their role within this ecosystem.
There are related fields that might be a good fit, especially if you’re not 100% sure what role in law enforcement is right for you. Degrees in biology, chemistry, or other natural sciences can provide a strong foundation for understanding the scientific principles behind forensic analysis.
Coursework
Regardless of the degree path you choose, you’ll want to make sure that your coursework includes topics that are relevant to you and your career goals. Every program is different, but the course catalog for every degree program is available to review before enrollment.
Depending on where your interests lie, an aspiring evidence tech could explore coursework in:
- Criminology: Understanding the nature of crime, criminal behavior and the social impact of crime.
- Forensic science: Introduction to various forensic disciplines, including fingerprint analysis, DNA analysis, ballistics and trace evidence analysis.
- Criminal investigations: Learning about investigative techniques, crime scene processing and evidence collection.
- Evidence handling: Proper procedures for collecting, preserving and documenting evidence to maintain chain of custody.
- Photography: Developing skills in forensic photography to document crime scenes and evidence.
- Legal studies: Understanding the legal framework surrounding evidence collection and admissibility in court.
Hands-on learning
Knowledge is an important part of your success as an evidence tech, and hands-on learning is an important part of the process. While not available everywhere, you may want to consider specialized training and certifications. For example, you might consider becoming a Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI). This certification, offered by the International Association for Identification (IAI), demonstrates a high level of competency in crime scene investigation.
Many institutions and organizations offer specialized training programs in specific areas of forensic science. When you’re considering your education goals, you may want to start with these types of programs. As a rule, these programs are accredited and attract professors with proven experience, and may be extremely valuable to evidence technicians.
If you aren’t finding anything particularly relevant to your goals, explore certifications and professional degree options. A few examples of specialized training that you might be interested in at technical colleges or through professional organizations might include:
- Fingerprint analysis: Learning advanced techniques for fingerprint identification and comparison.
- DNA analysis: Gaining expertise in DNA extraction, analysis and interpretation.
- Ballistics: Studying firearms, ammunition and trajectory analysis.
- Bloodstain pattern analysis: Learning to interpret bloodstain patterns to reconstruct events at a crime scene.
A solid education is the key to preparing for a career in this field. Combined with specialized training and certifications, you may be able to stand out in this competitive and rewarding field.
Essential skills and qualities
Once you’ve completed your education, you should have acquired some career-specific skills that will help you succeed in forensics. Your proficiency in various technical skills is crucial for effectively documenting and analyzing evidence. These types of skills may prove valuable:
- Photography: Mastering forensic photography techniques to capture clear and detailed images of crime scenes and evidence.
- Evidence collection: Utilizing proper techniques and tools to collect various types of evidence, including fingerprints, DNA, trace evidence and ballistics.
- Forensic equipment and software: Becoming proficient in using specialized equipment, such as fingerprint scanners, microscopes and forensic software for analysis and comparison.
Becoming a successful evidence technician requires more than just technical knowledge. It demands a unique blend of skills and personal qualities to navigate the challenges and complexities of crime scene investigations. Some of the most important attributes include:
Attention to detail
The bedrock of evidence collection is meticulous attention to detail. Evidence technicians must be keen observers, able to spot subtle clues and patterns that others might miss.
Communication skills
Evidence technicians must be able to communicate their findings clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Problem-solving and analytical skills
The ability to think critically and analytically is essential for interpreting evidence and contributing to investigations.
Physical stamina
Evidence technicians often work in challenging and unpredictable environments. The job can be physically demanding. You should be prepared for:
By cultivating these essential skills and qualities, you can become a valuable asset to the criminal justice system. But there’s more steps to learning about your place in the pursuit of justice and the assurance of public safety.
Gaining practical experience
While education and training provide a solid foundation, practical experience is invaluable for evidence technicians. Hands-on experience allows you to apply the knowledge you’ve learned and cement those concepts. It also helps you develop essential skills and gain a realistic understanding of the demands of the job. There are a few ways to gain experience as an evidence technician.
Internships
Internships offer an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in a real-world setting. You may find internship opportunities in a few settings. Some internships are exclusively for students enrolled in an accredited degree program, but others are open to anyone.
Law enforcement agencies are a great place to look for internship opportunities. Many police departments, sheriff’s offices and federal agencies offer internships in their crime scene units or forensic labs. If your local police departments don’t offer any, contact them and ask if they can recommend somewhere else to look.
Forensic labs are another option to consider. Private or government forensic labs may offer internships where you can observe and assist with evidence analysis and processing. These sort of experiences can be great because they may lead to a job offer if there’s a need or if you perform excellently.
During an internship, you may have a wide range of experiences. For instance, you might assist with crime scene processing, evidence collection, documentation or laboratory procedures. This experience provides valuable insight into the day-to-day work of an Evidence Technician and helps you build essential skills.
Entry-level positions
You can also consider starting in related entry-level position—or a position that’s evidence tech-adjacent—to gain relevant experience and knowledge. A lab assistant position, for instance, could be a great opportunity. Working in a forensic lab as an assistant or technician could provide valuable experience in laboratory procedures, evidence handling and analysis techniques.
You can also consider applying for positions such as records specialist, which has a strong administrative focus and requires great attention to detail. Active-duty police officers are another option. Police departments may hire entry-level candidates, provided you can pass a public service exam and physical fitness test. While these positions may not be directly involved in crime scene investigation, they offer valuable skills and knowledge that can be beneficial for a future career as an evidence technician.
Volunteering
Volunteering with organizations related to criminal justice or forensic science can provide valuable experience too, as well as some valuable networking opportunities. Some of the places that are known to accept volunteers in law enforcement include:
- Crime scene units: Some law enforcement agencies have volunteer programs within their crime scene units, allowing you to assist with non-sensitive tasks and observe experienced technicians.
- Forensic science organizations: Volunteer with organizations like the International Association for Identification (IAI) or your local forensic science society to gain exposure to the field and connect with professionals.
- Community service: Volunteer with organizations that support victims of crime or assist with community safety initiatives to gain a broader understanding of the impact of crime and the importance of evidence collection.
By actively seeking out these opportunities, you may gain practical experience, build your resume and demonstrate your commitment to a career as an Evidence Technician.
Preparing to enter the evidence technician field
Working as an evidence technician involves handling sensitive information and operating within the criminal justice system. Therefore, candidates must meet specific background and eligibility requirements to ensure they are suitable for the role.
Background check
A comprehensive background check is a mandatory step in the hiring process for evidence technicians. This typically includes both a criminal history background check as well as a drug screen.
- Criminal history check: A review of your criminal record to identify any past convictions or pending charges. Certain offenses may disqualify you from employment, especially those involving dishonesty or moral turpitude.
- Drug screening: A drug test to ensure you are free from illegal substances. Many agencies have a zero-tolerance policy for drug use, and a positive test result can lead to disqualification.
Physical exam
Some agencies may require a physical exam to ensure you are physically capable of performing the duties of the job. This may include:
- Vision and hearing tests: To assess your ability to observe and document evidence accurately.
- Strength and agility tests: To ensure you can lift and carry equipment, navigate crime scenes and perform physically demanding tasks.
Other requirements
In addition to the background check and physical exam, you may need to meet other requirements, including:
- Possessing a valid driver’s license: A valid driver’s license is usually required as evidence technicians often travel to crime scenes.
- Having a clean driving record: A clean driving record is important, as you may be driving agency vehicles.
- Ability to obtain security clearance: For positions with federal agencies or those involving access to sensitive information, you may need to obtain a security clearance.
Meeting the requirements
It’s essential to be honest and upfront about any past convictions or issues that might arise during the background check. Many agencies have specific guidelines regarding acceptable offenses and it’s best to address any concerns proactively.
By satisfying all these requirements, you demonstrated your commitment to professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct, all of which are crucial for maintaining the trust and credibility of the criminal justice system.
Career paths and specializations
The field of evidence technology offers diverse career paths and opportunities for specialization. Here’s a glimpse into some roles you can pursue once you’ve completed your education and training:
Crime scene investigator (CSI)
Often the first to arrive at a crime scene, CSIs are responsible for:
- Scene assessment: Securing the scene, evaluating potential hazards and determining the scope of the investigation.
- Evidence collection: Meticulously collecting and documenting various types of evidence, including fingerprints, DNA, weapons and trace evidence.
- Photography and sketching: Creating detailed photographs and sketches to document the scene and the location of evidence.
- Report writing: Preparing comprehensive reports that summarize their findings and contribute to the investigative process.
Latent print examiner
These specialists focus on the analysis and comparison of fingerprints:
- Fingerprint development: Using various techniques to develop latent fingerprints on surfaces at crime scenes or on evidence.
- Fingerprint comparison: Comparing latent prints to known fingerprints in databases or from suspects to establish identification.
- Expert testimony: Providing expert testimony in court regarding fingerprint evidence and analysis.
Forensic DNA analyst
Forensic DNA analysts play a crucial role in linking suspects to crime scenes or identifying unknown individuals using:
- DNA extraction: Isolating DNA from biological evidence, such as blood, saliva or hair.
- DNA analysis: Using sophisticated techniques to analyze DNA profiles and compare them to known samples or databases.
- Statistical interpretation: Calculating the statistical significance of DNA matches and presenting findings in court.
Ballistics expert
Ballistics experts specialize in the analysis of firearms and ammunition and some of the things this requires can include:
- Firearm examination: Examining firearms to determine their type, make, model and functionality.
- Ballistic analysis: Analyzing bullets, cartridge cases and gunshot residue to link them to specific firearms or crime scenes.
- Trajectory analysis: Reconstructing bullet trajectories to determine the position of the shooter and the sequence of events.
Bloodstain pattern analyst
These experts interpret bloodstain patterns to reconstruct events at a crime scene using techniques like:
- Pattern analysis: Analyzing the size, shape and distribution of bloodstains to determine the type of weapon used, the position of the victim and assailant and the sequence of events.
- Crime scene reconstruction: Using bloodstain patterns, along with other evidence, to create a comprehensive reconstruction of the crime.
The field of evidence technology is constantly evolving, with new specializations emerging. Some other areas you might consider include:
- Document examination: Analyzing handwriting, ink, paper and other document characteristics to authenticate documents or identify forgeries.
- Digital forensics: Recovering and analyzing data from computers, mobile devices and other digital storage media to support criminal investigations.
Q&A with an officer turned instructor: Joshua Lee
Q: How would you describe what you’re doing now? How did you get started?
I started my journey as a police patrol officer, responding to calls for service and taking reports. Because of my background in finance and fraud, I was asked to join our Organized Crime Section as a detective. I spent about seven years as a financial detective. During that time, I returned to school, earned an advanced degree in law and English, then became a university professor. I worked as a detective and university professor for several years until I decided to promote to sergeant. I am now back in Organized Crime but this time as a supervisor over our Complex Financial Investigations and Asset Forfeiture Unit. In short, I manage large-scale financial investigations linked to racketeering.
I was only able to get from point A to point B because I had a very specific plan. I knew exactly what education I needed and worked extremely hard to build a good reputation.
Q. What has your favorite part of your career been? What attracted you to digital crime?
The best part of this career is all the fun things we get to do that the everyday citizen doesn’t. Nearly every month we are training for something new, so I am always learning. I also get to meet lots of very interesting people, from famous people and sports athletes to World War II special operators, historians and authors.
I always loved advanced investigations and what led me to digital crimes was Harry Markopolos, the Bernie Madoff whistleblower from 2008. I got to speak with him about digital money laundering which was something very new at the time. That led me down the path of computer crimes, cryptocurrency and virtual currency in criminal investigations. Since I was already investigating money crimes, switching to digital crimes didn’t take much effort.
Q. What did your educational pathway look like, and is there anything you might have done differently?
If you are interested in law enforcement, any criminal justice or justice studies degree program will be a good option. Your goal should be to learn as much about the law and foundational principles of policing as possible. I don’t think I would change anything with my educational path. I was very methodical with my approach to education, did my research into the programs before joining and had a pretty detailed long-term plan.
Q. While you don’t have direct experience working as an evidence tech, you have worked with them. Can you speak to any kind of educational background that is typically required or preferred? Are there specific degrees or certifications that are particularly valuable?
Actually, all officers must learn to collect, process and manage evidence. Collecting and managing evidence is crucial and one little mistake can make your entire case fall apart. Your police agency will likely not have evidence technicians who respond to your scenes to collect evidence, so officers have to learn to process and collect their own.
There is not a set educational requirement for evidence technicians. You learn on the job how to manage evidence. Each state also has its own Rules of Evidence, and each city has its own policy. With that said, if you want to make a career as an evidence technician, it would be a good idea to earn a degree. Criminal justice degrees are good, but honestly, evidence technician jobs have changed over the past decade. They not only deal with evidence, but they manage a lot of data. A degree in data management or a degree in analytics will always be a good choice for those looking to get into evidence management.
Q. What are the most important skills and qualities for someone pursuing a career in evidence technology?
Number one is attention to detail. Officers make mistakes out in the field when they collect and package evidence, and it is up to the evidence technician to catch those mistakes long before trial. Communication, written and oral, is also important. Evidence technicians deal with everyone from angry citizens to disgruntled cops. Being able to clearly articulate what you need and why you need it is an important skill set to develop.
Q. How are evidence techs able to help you since most of the evidence you deal with is on hard drives? How does that work?
A lot of our evidence is digital, meaning investigators have to put them on physical devices like hard drives, CDs or flash drives. Most agencies still haven’t transitioned into a digital evidence management system, so we still need to submit physical devices into evidence. The evidence technicians will then take custody of the physical device and maintain custody while the case is going through the court system. They also have to manage digital evidence awaiting search warrants. In these special cases, they will likely have to put the device (phone or computer) into a Faraday box and keep it charged until a search warrant is granted.
Q. Being an evidence tech is likely a stepping stone job to get your foot in the door in law enforcement for some people. Do you think that’s true to some degree?
Absolutely. An evidence technician role is a great way to get your foot into the door if your long-term goal is to become a police officer. The fun thing about being an evidence technician is that you work with various units including records, the forensic lab and of course various investigative units. You will be able to get a good feel for the different areas in the police department which will shape your career path as you progress through the department.
With that said, many people start as evidence technicians with the full intention of becoming a police officer but change their minds before leaving for the police academy. My agency has several evidence and records technicians with over 15 years of experience and no intention of moving anywhere else.
Q. Can you speak to any new technologies and techniques being used in evidence collection and analysis? What role, for instance, is AI playing in investigations or evidence collection?
Absolutely. I love AI and am a huge proponent of bringing advanced technology into law enforcement. Most new technologies for evidence collection and analysis are software-based systems that can be used to quickly search, sort and manage evidence.
AI is completely changing how we do investigations. For example, I tested a system that uses advanced machine learning to analyze bank records. Instead of spending months analyzing data, the system can analyze and categorize the data in minutes instead of months.
Q. How do evidence technicians ensure the integrity and chain of custody of evidence? What are some of the ethical considerations that evidence technicians must be aware of?
This is where being detail-oriented comes in. Once an officer logs the evidence into an evidence management system, they will typically place that piece of evidence into an evidence locker. From there, the item is scanned and transported to the evidence warehouse, where it is assigned space, and then physically put into its designated spot. If an officer needs the evidence for a search warrant or court, the evidence technician will check that item out to the requesting officer. Evidence technicians are master record keepers. They need to know every movement of each item stored in their facility.
An issue we see come up is altering the chain of custody forms or accepting evidence that is not correctly packaged. Both issues can get a case dismissed and could even lead to criminal charges against the evidence technician.
Q. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career as an evidence technician?
Learn as much about your state’s rules of evidence and handling. This will allow you to promote quickly and to position yourself above your peers which is necessary if you are looking to move from one area to another. Also, agencies are struggling to keep up with technology. Being proficient in Microsoft Office and learning the basics of data management will go a long way.
Salary and job outlook
The salary of an evidence technician can vary significantly based on factors such as experience and education, certifications and any specializing you do. However, here’s a general overview of what you can expect:
Forensic Science Technicians
10%$45,560
25%$53,310
50%$67,440Median
75%$88,710
90%$110,710
Median Hourly Wage$32
Job growth12.8%
Total Employment19,450
| State | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $59,560 | $38,910 | $82,620 |
| Arizona | $60,620 | $45,590 | $109,850 |
| Arkansas | $46,210 | $39,680 | $62,370 |
| California | $96,850 | $61,380 | $137,020 |
| Colorado | $77,800 | $59,400 | $103,660 |
| Connecticut | $84,920 | $40,450 | $105,530 |
| Florida | $61,070 | $39,890 | $90,570 |
| Georgia | $58,500 | $39,060 | $83,600 |
| Idaho | $60,470 | $41,000 | $112,390 |
| Illinois | $117,590 | $57,590 | $147,370 |
| Indiana | $65,770 | $40,750 | $90,130 |
| Iowa | $63,650 | $34,240 | $97,220 |
| Kansas | $75,150 | $49,620 | $99,720 |
| Kentucky | $58,230 | $46,980 | $70,670 |
| Louisiana | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Maine | $68,710 | $44,470 | $74,320 |
| Maryland | $78,220 | $58,440 | $110,760 |
| Massachusetts | $75,210 | $60,560 | $105,010 |
| Michigan | $69,040 | $36,500 | $198,320 |
| Minnesota | $68,790 | $50,530 | $101,150 |
| Mississippi | $54,720 | $36,950 | $82,890 |
| Missouri | $64,700 | $45,360 | $87,420 |
| Montana | $78,610 | $38,470 | $97,670 |
| Nebraska | $63,390 | $45,140 | $80,080 |
| Nevada | $76,540 | $52,350 | $127,890 |
| New Jersey | $54,230 | $40,650 | $81,190 |
| New Mexico | $61,890 | $44,490 | $96,410 |
| New York | $78,170 | $60,680 | $101,370 |
| North Carolina | $50,460 | $42,720 | $77,720 |
| North Dakota | $74,470 | $54,410 | $95,680 |
| Ohio | $73,310 | $50,720 | $118,100 |
| Oklahoma | $64,990 | $43,990 | $95,690 |
| Oregon | $78,100 | $53,090 | $129,220 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,820 | $40,260 | $84,410 |
| South Carolina | $49,960 | $37,490 | $69,510 |
| South Dakota | $49,280 | $24,960 | $80,050 |
| Tennessee | $70,500 | $45,830 | $127,040 |
| Texas | $55,830 | $40,290 | $79,900 |
| Utah | $64,430 | $45,960 | $88,940 |
| Vermont | $67,750 | $54,680 | $91,540 |
| Virginia | $62,860 | $46,900 | $107,210 |
| Washington | $77,650 | $58,090 | $103,650 |
| West Virginia | $59,930 | $38,190 | $80,550 |
| Wisconsin | $61,920 | $50,210 | $95,470 |
| Wyoming | $60,670 | $45,870 | $88,510 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Here is a more complete list of the factors that can influence your salary:
- Experience: As you gain experience and expertise, your earning potential increases.
- Education: Higher levels of education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, may lead to higher salaries.
- Location: Salaries tend to be higher in metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living.
- Specialization: Specializing in a high-demand area like DNA analysis or digital forensics can command a higher salary.
- Employer: Government agencies often have structured pay scales, while private labs may offer more competitive salaries based on performance and expertise.
You can find reliable sources regarding salary information online via the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or professional organizations like the International Association for Identification (IAI), which occasionally posts salary surveys or resources for members. Salary transparency in law enforcement, like all government jobs, is a fairly common practice and more often than not the evidence technician job description will disclose the salary details before you ever submit an application.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for evidence technicians is positive, with the BLS projecting an 12.8% employment growth through 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to:
- Increased reliance on forensic science: Law enforcement agencies are increasingly relying on forensic evidence to solve crimes and prosecute offenders.
- Advancements in technology: New technologies and techniques in forensic science are creating new opportunities for evidence technicians.
- Public awareness: Increased public awareness of forensic science through popular media has fueled interest in the field.
By considering these factors and researching salary data, you can gain a better understanding of the earning potential and career opportunities available to Evidence Technicians.
Helpful resources
Want to learn more about becoming an evidence technician? Here are some professional organzations, websites and publications to help you on your journey:
- International Association for Identification (IAI):
- The IAI is the oldest and largest forensic association in the world, offering certifications, training and resources for forensic professionals, including evidence technicians.
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS):
- The AAFS is a multidisciplinary professional organization that provides a forum for forensic scientists and professionals to connect, share research and advance the field.
- Forensic Magazine:
- This online magazine provides news, articles and resources on various forensic science topics, including crime scene investigation and evidence analysis.
- National Institute of Justice (NIJ):
- The NIJ is a federal agency that funds research and development in forensic science and provides resources for law enforcement and forensic professionals.
By utilizing these resources and actively pursuing your goals, you may enhance the knowledge, skills and experience needed to succeed as an evidence technician and contribute to the important work of justice and public safety.
What’s next?
Becoming an evidence technician is more than just a job; it’s a commitment to uncovering the truth and contributing to the pursuit of justice. If you have a passion for science, a keen eye for detail and a desire to make a difference, this exciting field offers a unique opportunity to use your skills to serve your community and uphold the law.
The world of evidence technology is dynamic and ever-evolving, offering diverse career paths and opportunities for specialization. Whether you’re passionate about fingerprint analysis, DNA profiling, ballistics or other forensic disciplines, there’s a path for you to contribute your unique skills to the pursuit of justice.
If you’re ready to embark on a challenging and rewarding career that combines science, investigation and a commitment to truth, take the first step today. Explore educational programs, seek out internships and connect with professionals in the field. Your journey to becoming an evidence technician starts by clicking the Find Schools button.