Forensic Technician

Duties

Examples of Work Performed

• Prepare for autopsies by setting up instruments, equipment, and bodies.
• Assist the forensic pathologists with autopsies by removing internal organs for pathological examinations; collecting tissue and body fluid samples; collecting finger and palm prints; taking and developing x-rays; removing jaws and teeth for identification purposes; and removing foreign objects or projectiles and transporting the samples to the proper laboratory for further study.
• Label, organize, and store all retained specimens to ensure their proper retention; review specimens and destroy outdated ones by following the proper procedures for the disposal of anatomical waste.
• Collect evidence at the direction of the Physician and secure the evidence for disposition at a later date; responsible for the chain of custody for said evidence.
• Process bodies upon intake by taking height and weight measurements, collecting biological specimens, and inventorying personal property of deceased.
• Attend to the care and disposition of bodies by returning the internal organs to the body cavities, sewing shut the incisions, washing and drying the external surfaces, and releasing the body to the designated funeral home.
• Maintain records relating to autopsies.
• Clean and maintain instruments, equipment, and rooms in the morgue area, including sanitizing autopsy rooms and the walk-in cooler and freezer.
• Inventory supplies to ensure that sufficient quantities are maintained.
• Take digital photos and transfer to computer as instructed by Physicians.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• Experience in working with deceased individuals in a morgue-like setting that should include the routine drawing of postmortem specimens, setting up for a forensic-type autopsy that would include the processing procedure for an assault victim, assisting a pathologist in the performance of a forensic autopsy including the removal of organs and the preparation of the body following the autopsy for release.
• Knowledge of chain-of-custody procedure and experience in the releasing process for forensic specimens.

Certifications/Licensure:

• Valid driver's license for the class of vehicles to be driven.

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