Criminalist Technician Onboarding Checklist

Criminalist Technician Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Criminalist 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 Forensics onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Criminalist Technician, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Criminalist Technician onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Criminalist Technician Onboarding Checklist

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

2. Introduction to the Forensics Department: The new technician is introduced to their immediate team members, supervisors, and colleagues within the Forensics Department. This helps them establish relationships and understand the dynamics of the team. The task is usually performed by the department head or a designated team leader.

3. Equipment and Tools Training: The technician receives comprehensive training on the various equipment and tools used in forensic analysis, such as microscopes, DNA analysis machines, fingerprinting tools, and evidence collection kits. This training is typically conducted by experienced technicians or senior staff members.

4. Laboratory Safety and Protocols: The new technician undergoes training on laboratory safety procedures, including handling hazardous materials, proper use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to protocols for evidence handling and storage. This training is usually conducted by a safety officer or a designated expert in laboratory safety.

5. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The technician is provided with a detailed overview of the department’s standard operating procedures, which outline the step-by-step processes for various forensic analyses. This task is typically performed by a senior technician or a designated SOP coordinator.

6. Case Management System Training: The technician receives training on the company’s case management system, which is used to track and document forensic cases, evidence, and analysis results. This training is usually conducted by an IT specialist or a designated system administrator.

7. Evidence Collection and Preservation: The technician is trained on proper evidence collection techniques, including documentation, packaging, and chain of custody procedures. This training is typically conducted by experienced forensic investigators or senior technicians.

8. Quality Assurance and Quality Control: The technician learns about the company’s quality assurance and quality control processes, which ensure accuracy, reliability, and adherence to industry standards in forensic analysis. This training is usually conducted by a quality control manager or a designated expert in quality assurance.

9. Courtroom Testimony Preparation: The technician receives guidance on preparing for courtroom testimony, including understanding legal procedures, presenting scientific evidence effectively, and responding to cross-examination. This training is typically provided by forensic experts or experienced criminalists.

10. Continuing Education Opportunities: The technician is informed about the company’s continuing education programs, workshops, conferences, and certifications relevant to their field. This task is usually performed by the training and development department or a designated education coordinator.

11. Performance Evaluation and Feedback: The technician is informed about the company’s performance evaluation process, including the criteria used, frequency of evaluations, and feedback mechanisms. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or the technician’s immediate supervisor.

12. Team Building Activities: The technician participates in team-building activities, such as group projects, team outings, or social events, to foster camaraderie and collaboration within the Forensics Department. These activities are usually organized by the department head or a designated team-building coordinator.

13. Mentorship Program: The technician is paired with an experienced criminalist technician or senior staff member who serves as their mentor, providing guidance, support, and career advice. This program is typically coordinated by the Human Resources department or a designated mentorship coordinator.

14. Familiarization with Legal and Ethical Guidelines: The technician receives training on the legal and ethical guidelines that govern forensic analysis, including privacy laws, evidence handling regulations, and professional codes of conduct. This training is typically conducted by legal experts or designated ethics officers.

15. Cross-Departmental Collaboration: The technician is introduced to other departments within the organization that they may interact with, such as law enforcement agencies, legal teams, or administrative staff. This introduction is typically facilitated by the department head or a designated liaison.

16. Performance Expectations and Goals: The technician meets with their immediate supervisor to discuss performance expectations, set goals, and establish a timeline for achieving those goals. This task is typically performed by the technician’s supervisor or a designated performance manager.

17. Resource Allocation and Budgeting: The technician learns about the company’s resource allocation and budgeting processes, including how to request necessary equipment, supplies, and funding for forensic analysis. This training is typically conducted by the department head or a designated resource manager.

18. Professional Development Opportunities: The technician is informed about professional development opportunities, such as attending conferences, publishing research papers, or participating in industry associations, to enhance their knowledge and skills. This task is usually performed by the training and development department or a designated professional development coordinator.

19. Performance Metrics and Reporting: The technician is trained on the company’s performance metrics and reporting requirements, which may include tracking analysis turnaround times, accuracy rates, and other key performance indicators. This training is typically conducted by the technician’s supervisor or a designated performance analyst.

20. Employee Benefits and Policies: The technician receives information about the company’s employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation policies. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated benefits coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Criminalist Technician checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Criminalist Technician up to speed and working well in your Forensics 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.