ABSTRACT
Successful technicians are given periodic advanced training in the technical collection of physical evidence which they forward for laboratory examination. The purpose of the institutionalization of the evidence technician is to optimalize the entire forensic science operation by bringing representatives of the laboratory into the field. The work of the evidence technician is actually conducted in three places: at scene of the crime, in his own “laboratory,” and in the courts. Many evidence technicians also have responsibilities in the area of technical surveillance, which is also done outside the laboratory. The equipment needed by the evidence technicians is provided through the central laboratory which has its own supply center. The central laboratory also has responsibility for the special vehicles used by the evidence technicians. Supervison of the evidence technician units is carried out by a special department in the Division of Criminal Identification, the home divison of the central laboratories.
