FORENSIC TECHNICIAN

Summary

Forensic Technician

The Department of Public Safety's mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state's premier public safety agency.

Job Summary: The Forensic Technician plays a critical role in supporting forensic investigations by collecting, processing, and analyzing evidence under the guidance of forensic scientists, forensic pathologists, and law enforcement personnel. This position requires strong attention to detail, technical proficiency, and excellent organizational skills to ensure accurate handling and documentation of evidence.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Receive, document, and preserve physical and digital forensic evidence in accordance with chain-of-custody protocols.
• Utilize forensic software and laboratory instruments to analyze and catalog evidence.
• Assist forensic scientists by preparing materials, solutions, and equipment for laboratory testing.
• Operate and maintain specialized forensic instruments used in evidence examination.
• Follow safety protocols and laboratory best practices to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results.
• Maintain detailed logs, reports, and case files to document forensic procedures and findings.
• Work alongside forensic analysts, law enforcement agencies, and legal teams to support case investigations.
• Provide technical assistance in evidence handling and preservation.
• Ensure forensic procedures comply with state and federal regulations, legal standards, and accreditation requirements.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of forensic science principles, medicolegal death investigations, and laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with forensic instrumentation, imaging techniques, and evidence-handling procedures.
• Ability to assist in preliminary analysis under supervision.
• High level of accuracy in documenting and processing forensic evidence.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple cases, maintain records, and track evidence.
• Ability to identify and minimize risks of contamination or procedural errors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Strong understanding of legal procedures, evidence handling, and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Ability to work with sensitive and sometimes disturbing case materials while maintaining professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least one year of experience in forensic analysis, laboratory work, crime scene processing, medicolegal death investigation, evidence management, or a related field.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Job Description

Forensic Technician

The Department of Public Safety's mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state's premier public safety agency.

Job Summary: The Forensic Technician plays a critical role in supporting forensic investigations by collecting, processing, and analyzing evidence under the guidance of forensic scientists, forensic pathologists, and law enforcement personnel. This position requires strong attention to detail, technical proficiency, and excellent organizational skills to ensure accurate handling and documentation of evidence.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Receive, document, and preserve physical and digital forensic evidence in accordance with chain-of-custody protocols.
• Utilize forensic software and laboratory instruments to analyze and catalog evidence.
• Assist forensic scientists by preparing materials, solutions, and equipment for laboratory testing.
• Operate and maintain specialized forensic instruments used in evidence examination.
• Follow safety protocols and laboratory best practices to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results.
• Maintain detailed logs, reports, and case files to document forensic procedures and findings.
• Work alongside forensic analysts, law enforcement agencies, and legal teams to support case investigations.
• Provide technical assistance in evidence handling and preservation.
• Ensure forensic procedures comply with state and federal regulations, legal standards, and accreditation requirements.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of forensic science principles, medicolegal death investigations, and laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with forensic instrumentation, imaging techniques, and evidence-handling procedures.
• Ability to assist in preliminary analysis under supervision.
• High level of accuracy in documenting and processing forensic evidence.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple cases, maintain records, and track evidence.
• Ability to identify and minimize risks of contamination or procedural errors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Strong understanding of legal procedures, evidence handling, and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Ability to work with sensitive and sometimes disturbing case materials while maintaining professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least one year of experience in forensic analysis, laboratory work, crime scene processing, medicolegal death investigation, evidence management, or a related field.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.