What is the Medical Examiner's Office

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office is staffed by dozens of employees such as forensic science technicians, lab technicians, pathologists, forensic scientists, investigators, photographers, and other similar roles.

Staff have different specialties, but all are responsible for the investigation of violent, suspicious, and sudden and unexpected deaths, and the provision of laboratory services.

Medical Examiner’s staff performs scientific examinations in the areas of Forensic Pathology, Trace Evidence, Serology, DNA, Parentage and identification, Toxicology, Controlled Substance Analysis, and Forensic Chemistry.

Learn about the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office

Basic Duties

Forensic science technicians work at crime scenes or in laboratories. At crime scenes, forensic science technicians typically do the following:

• Analyze crime scenes to determine what evidence should be collected and how to collect it.
• Take photographs and make sketches of the crime scene.
• Record observations and findings, such as the location and position of evidence.
• Collect evidence, including weapons, fingerprints, and bodily fluids.
• Catalog and preserve evidence for transfer to crime labs.
• Reconstruct crime scenes.

In laboratories, forensic science technicians typically do the following:

• Perform chemical, biological, and microscopic analyses on evidence taken from crime scenes.
• Examine results of DNA analyses of biological substances, such as hair and skin cells, and other evidence for their significance to investigations.
• Consult with experts in specialized fields, such as toxicology (the study of poisons and their effect on the body) and odontology (a branch of forensic medicine that concentrates on teeth).
• Prepare technical reports, including statistical analyses of forensic evidence.
• Operate, maintain, and clean laboratory facilities and equipment.

Hiring Roadmap

Typical Entry-Level Requirements

• A bachelor's degree, may specialize in a specific area of study, such as toxicology, pathology, or DNA.
• Additional interviews and evaluations may occur such as physical agility test, medical evaluation, criminal history/background check, and psychological evaluation.
• Technicians may need to pass a proficiency exam through the state government or otherwise be approved by a laboratory or accrediting body.

Training

Forensic science technicians receive on-the-job training before they are ready to work on cases independently.

Newly hired crime scene technicians may be supervised by experienced workers, who instruct them in procedures for collecting and documenting evidence.

Forensic science technicians learn laboratory specialties on the job. The length of this training varies by specialty but is usually less than a year.

Average Pay & Benefits

• With all the various roles, it is difficult to identify an average pay. Some staff are medical doctors, others clerical staff, with dozens of others in between. The national median average for a Forensic Science Technician per US Bureau of Labor Statistics: $65,890 per year.
• Cuyahoga County Pay: $37.28/hour (Forensic Scientist)
• Benefits will vary but often include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holiday pay, overtime pay, and retirement/pension plan.

Work Environment

Forensic science technicians may spend some time in an office setting. Some have to work outside in all types of weather, and others may spend many hours in laboratories.

Crime scene technicians may travel throughout their jurisdictions.

Most forensic science technicians work full time. Crime scene technicians may work staggered day, evening, or night shifts and may have to work overtime because someone must be available at all times to collect or analyze evidence. Technicians working in laboratories may work a standard workweek, although they might have to be on call outside of normal business hours.