Crime scene technicians face uncertainty every time they respond to the scene of a crime or accident. They never know what potentially dangerous substances they'll come in contact with, or what kind of trauma they'll see. As a result, they face immediate risks, such as encountering blood tainted by disease. They also must deal with the long-term effects of working long hours and witnessing horrific crime scenes.
At a crime scene, technicians frequently encounter bodily fluids, such as blood and urine, which could put them at risk if not handled properly. These fluids could be tainted with communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, or could contain bacteria or other contaminants that could sicken anyone who handles them without taking precautions. Crime scene technicians must wear gloves and protective clothing when investigating crime scenes to prevent contact with anything dangerous. Even if they're careful when collecting evidence or examining a body for clues, they can't know what they'll encounter at a scene. Blood and bodily fluids can sometimes be found several feet away from the victim.
Chemicals and Toxins
Chemicals found at a crime scene can be just as dangerous as biological material discovered there. For example, when investigating a suspected meth lab, crime scene technicians must wear protective gear, including a face mask, to prevent inhaling fumes from the chemicals used in creating the drug. If they inhale these fumes, they could become ill. Or, when investigating an arson fire, they could come in contact with the substance used to start the blaze.
Crime scene technicians never know what kind of situation they're walking into. It could be a dilapidated, abandoned building that may not be structurally sound, or a dark and dirty alley littered with used syringes or other hazards. If a crime scene is outdoors, they must remain outside until they've collected all of the evidence, even if that means working in searing heat or frigid rain. They also face the possibility of encountering something they're sensitive or allergic to or something that could aggravate breathing problems, such as asthma. For example, a scene could contain chemicals that could set off an asthma attack.
Investigating crime scenes can also take a psychological toll. Crime scene technicians often encounter the bodies of murder or accident victims, sights that can cause significant emotional distress. They also sometimes work irregular or long hours, including overtime, if the police department is shorthanded or if the scene needs to processed quickly, as in the case of a public space such as an office building. It can be difficult for crime scene technicians to leave their jobs at the door when they go home, especially if they've worked an especially troubling case. This can cause not only psychological problems, but also place a strain on their home lives.
2016 Salary Information for Forensic Science Technicians
Forensic science technicians earned a median annual salary of $56,750 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, forensic science technicians earned a 25th percentile salary of $42,710, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $74,220, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 15,400 people were employed in the U.S. as forensic science technicians.
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