Crime Lab Technician Onboarding Checklist

Crime Lab Technician Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Crime Lab Technician starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Science onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Crime Lab Technician, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Crime Lab Technician onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Crime Lab Technician Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new Crime Lab Technician attends a comprehensive orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s policies, procedures, and safety protocols. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Introduction to the Crime Lab: The new technician is given a tour of the crime lab facility, including the different departments, equipment, and resources available. This task is usually performed by a senior Crime Lab Technician or a supervisor.

3. Equipment Training: The technician receives training on the various equipment and instruments used in the crime lab, such as microscopes, spectrometers, DNA analyzers, and forensic software. This training is typically conducted by experienced Crime Lab Technicians or specialized trainers.

4. Safety Training: The new technician undergoes safety training to understand the potential hazards in the crime lab environment and learn how to handle chemicals, biological samples, and evidence safely. This training is usually conducted by a safety officer or a designated safety trainer.

5. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The technician is provided with a comprehensive set of SOPs that outline the step-by-step protocols for different laboratory procedures, evidence handling, and documentation. These SOPs are typically prepared by senior Crime Lab Technicians or supervisors.

6. Evidence Handling and Chain of Custody: The new technician is trained on the proper procedures for receiving, documenting, storing, and analyzing evidence while maintaining the chain of custody. This training is usually conducted by experienced Crime Lab Technicians or forensic scientists.

7. Quality Control and Quality Assurance: The technician learns about the importance of quality control and quality assurance in the crime lab, including the use of control samples, calibration, and proficiency testing. This training is typically provided by a quality control officer or a designated trainer.

8. Case Management System: The technician is trained on the company’s case management system, which includes entering case information, tracking progress, generating reports, and maintaining confidentiality. This training is usually conducted by a designated IT specialist or a supervisor.

9. Collaboration and Communication: The new technician is introduced to the team members and other departments they will be working with, fostering effective collaboration and communication within the crime lab. This task is typically performed by a supervisor or a designated team leader.

10. Continuing Education and Professional Development: The technician is informed about the company’s policies and opportunities for continuing education, professional development, and attending relevant conferences or workshops. This information is usually provided by the Human Resources department or a designated training coordinator.

11. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The technician receives clear performance expectations and is informed about the evaluation process, including periodic performance reviews and opportunities for growth within the company. This task is typically performed by a supervisor or a designated HR representative.

12. Ethical and Legal Considerations: The new technician is educated on the ethical and legal considerations specific to their role, such as maintaining confidentiality, adhering to professional codes of conduct, and understanding the legal requirements for evidence handling and reporting. This training is typically conducted by a senior Crime Lab Technician or a legal advisor.

13. Departmental Policies and Procedures: The technician is provided with department-specific policies and procedures, such as work schedules, timekeeping, leave management, and any other administrative guidelines. This information is typically provided by the Human Resources department or a designated supervisor.

14. Mentorship and Shadowing: The new technician is paired with an experienced Crime Lab Technician who serves as a mentor, guiding them through their initial tasks, answering questions, and providing support. This mentorship is typically arranged by a supervisor or a designated mentorship coordinator.

15. Introduction to Relevant Software and Tools: The technician is trained on the software and tools specific to their role, such as forensic analysis software, database systems, or statistical analysis tools. This training is usually conducted by an IT specialist or a designated trainer.

16. Familiarization with Laboratory Documentation: The new technician is introduced to the various documentation requirements in the crime lab, including case files, laboratory notebooks, evidence logs, and report writing. This task is typically performed by a senior Crime Lab Technician or a supervisor.

17. Understanding the Organizational Structure: The technician is provided with an overview of the crime lab’s organizational structure, including reporting lines, departmental responsibilities, and key personnel. This information is typically provided by a supervisor or a designated HR representative.

18. Introduction to Quality Management Systems: The technician learns about the crime lab’s quality management system, including ISO accreditation, internal audits, and continuous improvement initiatives. This training is typically conducted by a quality control officer or a designated trainer.

19. Health and Wellness Programs: The new technician is informed about the company’s health and wellness programs, such as employee assistance programs, fitness facilities, or mental health support. This information is typically provided by the Human Resources department or a designated wellness coordinator.

20. Team Building Activities: The technician participates in team-building activities or social events to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration within the crime lab. These activities are typically organized by a supervisor or a designated team-building coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Crime Lab Technician checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Crime Lab Technician up to speed and working well in your Science team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.