17 Crime Scene Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Crime scene technicians play a critical role in the criminal justice system by collecting and preserving evidence from crime scenes. This evidence is used by law enforcement to identify, apprehend, and prosecute criminals. Crime scene technicians may also be called upon to testify in court as expert witnesses.

To be a successful crime scene technician, you need to be able to think on your feet, have a strong attention to detail, and be able to work independently. You also need to be able to handle difficult situations and remain calm under pressure.

If you’re looking to become a crime scene technician, it’s important to know what to expect during the interview process. In this guide, we’ll provide you with questions and answers that are commonly asked in interviews for this position.

Are you comfortable working in potentially stressful and dangerous situations?

Working as a crime scene technician can be stressful and dangerous. Employers ask this question to make sure you are prepared for these challenges. In your answer, explain that you have the skills and experience necessary to work in these situations. Share an example of how you handled a stressful or dangerous situation in the past.

Example: “Yes, I am comfortable working in potentially stressful and dangerous situations. Throughout my career, I’ve worked at many different crime scenes. Some of them were more intense than others, but I always remained calm and collected. For instance, once there was a shooting at a restaurant. The police officers on the scene asked me to collect evidence from inside the building. I knew it would be challenging, so I brought along two other technicians with me. We all stayed safe while collecting the evidence.”

What are some of the most important skills for a crime scene technician to have?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for the job. They want someone who is detail-oriented, organized and able to work independently. When answering this question, think about what skills you possess that would be beneficial in this role.

Example: “I believe some of the most important skills a crime scene technician can have are attention to detail, organization and problem-solving skills. As a crime scene technician, I will be working with evidence at a crime scene. It’s important that I am able to find clues and details that may help solve the case. Being organized is also important because it helps me keep track of all my tools and supplies. Finally, being able to solve problems is essential because there will always be challenges when working on a crime scene.”

How would you handle working with a victim of a crime who is still alive?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to work with victims and their families. This is an important skill because crime scene technicians often have to interact with the people who are most affected by a crime. Your answer should show that you can be empathetic, compassionate and respectful of the victim’s privacy.

Example: “I would first make sure that the victim was comfortable and safe. I would also explain what I am doing at each stage of the investigation so they know what to expect. If possible, I would try to get them alone for a few minutes to talk about how they’re feeling and offer any support they need.”

What is your process for handling and documenting evidence?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and what methods you use to complete it. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for handling evidence, including any specific tools or techniques you use.

Example: “I always start by taking photos of the scene before collecting evidence. I then collect all relevant evidence from the scene using tweezers and bags that are labeled with information about where they were found. After I’ve collected all the evidence, I take more photos of the scene to document its state after evidence collection. Finally, I transport the evidence to the lab for further analysis.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to remain calm during a stressful situation at a crime scene.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to remain calm under pressure. They want to know that you can handle stressful situations and still perform your job duties effectively. In your answer, try to describe a specific situation in which you had to stay calm while working at a crime scene.

Example: “When I was working as a crime scene technician for the police department, we were called to a homicide scene where there was a lot of blood present. The victim’s family members were all crying around the scene, and it was difficult not to get overwhelmed by their emotions. However, I knew that I needed to focus on my work so that I could collect evidence properly. I took deep breaths and focused on my task until I finished processing the scene.”

If you discovered new evidence at a crime scene, how would you determine if it was relevant to the case?

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach your work and determine what evidence is important to the case. Use examples from past experiences where you discovered new evidence that helped solve a crime or assisted in an investigation.

Example: “When I discover new evidence at a scene, I first look at all of the evidence we’ve collected so far. If there’s something missing, then I know it could be relevant to the case. For example, when I was working on a homicide case last year, I noticed that one piece of evidence was missing from the collection. I immediately notified my supervisor, who sent me back to the scene to collect the missing evidence. It turned out to be a crucial piece of evidence that led us to solving the case.”

What would you do if you were assigned to investigate a crime scene but it was already contaminated by curious onlookers?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to work under pressure and make decisions quickly. In your answer, explain how you would handle the situation and what steps you would take to ensure that you could still gather evidence from the scene.

Example: “If I arrived at a crime scene only to find it had already been contaminated by onlookers, I would first try to determine if there was any evidence left behind. If not, I would then call my supervisor for advice on whether we should leave the scene as is or attempt to collect evidence ourselves. Depending on their instructions, I might use special equipment like UV lights to see if there are any remaining traces of DNA or other evidence.”

How well can you see in low light conditions?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the necessary visual acuity to perform your job duties. It is important that you answer honestly, but also highlight any skills or training you may have that could improve your ability to see in low light conditions.

Example: “I am able to see well in low light conditions, however I do have a pair of glasses with night vision lenses that I wear when working at crime scenes where there are no lights on. This helps me see even better than I would without them and allows me to document evidence more thoroughly.”

Do you have experience using chemical solutions to process crime scenes?

This question can help interviewers understand your experience with the tools and chemicals you use to process crime scenes. Use examples from previous work experiences to highlight your skills in using chemical solutions to process evidence at a crime scene.

Example: “I have used chemical solutions for processing crime scenes before, but I prefer not to use them because they are dangerous to handle without proper training. In my last position, however, we had no choice but to use these solutions when there was blood or other bodily fluids that needed to be processed. I worked alongside another technician who had more experience handling these solutions, so I learned how to use them safely by observing her techniques.”

When investigating a homicide, do you prefer to work alone or with a partner?

This question can help an interviewer determine how you work in a team setting. Your answer should show that you are comfortable working with others and have the interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively.

Example: “I prefer to work alone when investigating a homicide because I need to focus on collecting evidence at the crime scene. However, I also understand that there may be times when it’s necessary for me to work with a partner. For example, if I’m processing a large crime scene or am looking for specific clues, having another technician to assist me can be helpful. In these situations, I make sure to communicate clearly with my partner so we both know what we’re doing.”

We want to improve our investigative processes to catch perpetrators faster. What type of evidence collection system would you implement if you were hired?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the crime scene technician industry and how you can improve processes. When answering this question, it’s important to be specific about what type of evidence collection system you would implement and why you chose that particular one.

Example: “I believe a more efficient way to collect evidence at crime scenes is through digital systems. Digital systems allow for immediate documentation and analysis of data, which allows investigators to make decisions faster. I’ve worked with digital systems in my previous role as a forensic scientist, so I’m familiar with their benefits. If I were hired here, I would suggest we transition from paper-based systems to digital ones.”

Describe your experience with using digital cameras to document crime scenes.

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your experience with digital cameras and how you use them in the field. When answering, it can be helpful to mention any specific software or programs you’ve used to help document crime scenes.

Example: “I have been using digital cameras for over five years now, so I am very comfortable with their operation. In my previous role as a crime scene technician, I would always make sure to bring two fully charged batteries with me when responding to a call. This allowed me to take photos of every angle of the crime scene without having to worry about running out of battery power.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this crime scene technician position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you would fit in with their team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight a few of your strongest skills or experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the role.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, which is why I became a crime scene technician. In my previous position, I helped find evidence that led to solving several cases, including one where I found DNA evidence at a murder scene. This case was particularly challenging because there were no witnesses and little evidence left behind. However, I used my training and experience to collect samples from the scene and process them until we found enough evidence to convict the suspect.”

Which forensic science fields do you have the most experience in?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your experience level and how you can contribute to their team. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about the forensic science fields you have experience in and what makes them unique from other fields.

Example: “I’ve worked as a crime scene technician for five years now, so I have quite a bit of experience in all aspects of the job. However, my favorite part of the job is collecting evidence at the crime scene because I love being outside and getting to know the area where the crime occurred. I also enjoy analyzing evidence in the lab because there are always new techniques to try out.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of collecting evidence at a crime scene?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much you know about your job and what skills you use most often. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of evidence collection at a crime scene and which methods are best for collecting it.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of collecting evidence is being thorough. I always make sure to look in every possible place where evidence could be, including places that may seem unlikely or out of the way. For example, when I was working on a case involving a missing person, we looked under rocks and in bushes for any sign of the individual. We found some hair that belonged to the missing person, which helped us find their body.”

How often do you update your knowledge of current forensic technology?

Employers want to know that you are committed to learning new techniques and technologies in your field. They may ask this question to see if you have a passion for the work you do, as well as how often you stay up-to-date on current events within the industry. In your answer, explain what steps you take to keep yourself informed about advancements in forensic technology.

Example: “I am passionate about my career choice, so I make it a point to read articles and attend seminars related to crime scene investigation. I also subscribe to several online newsletters that provide tips and advice from experts in the field. I find that staying informed helps me perform my job more efficiently.”

There is a high-profile case where your analysis is key to solving the crime. How do you feel about the pressure that comes with these situations?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your ability to handle pressure and stress. It also allows them to see how you would react in a high-pressure situation, which can be common when working with law enforcement. In your answer, try to show that you are confident in your abilities and willing to take on these types of challenges.

Example: “I feel honored to have been chosen as part of this case. I know it’s an important one, so I will do everything I can to make sure my analysis is thorough and accurate. I am confident in my skills, so I don’t think the pressure would get to me too much. I would just remind myself that I’m here because I am good at what I do.”