Becoming a Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists help with crime investigations. They apply scientific principles and techniques to the analysis, identification, and classification of materials found at the scenes of crime. Forensic scientists may collect the physical evidence themselves, but most work in laboratory testing evidence and recording results. Forensic scientists may be called as expert witnesses to present scientific findings in court.

The Job:

Forensic scientists assess and examine material related to a variety of crimes. They examine traces of material to provide a clue to the identity of a criminal, to eliminate the innocent, or to establish an important factor about the crime itself.

These traces might include blood, saliva, hair, clothing, body fluids, paint, glass, explosives, flammable substances, soil, tire impressions, and metal fragments.

Other forensic scientists specialize in toxicology and analyze tissues, blood, and urine for toxic substances, including drugs, poisons, and alcohol.

Specialist sections cover firearms, bullets, fingerprint enhancement, handwriting comparison, and documents. Genetic fingerprinting is another specialization.

The laboratory work is mainly chemical and biological and much of the routine work is automated. Many analytical techniques are used, including spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and chromatography, and there are specialist techniques for fingerprinting, blood grouping, DNA profiling, and fiber identification.

Forensic scientists work closely with the police, pathologists, and other experts providing an impartial service based on factual evidence. After every examination, the forensic scientist produces a detailed report, often referred to as a "witness statement" which may be produced in court. Occasionally, forensic scientists have to appear in court to be questioned on their evidence. They are not directly concerned with proving guilt or innocence, even though their evidence maybe crucial.

Forensic medical examiners, forensic pathologists, and forensic dentists are qualified doctors or dentists who have had additional training and chosen to specialize in forensic work.

Forensic experts usually work in clean, air-conditioned laboratories but may have to travel to crime scenes. They have to be able to cope with the sight of blood. Evening and weekend work maybe required.

Training Involved:

A bachelor's degree or higher diploma in an appropriate scientific, mathematical, or technological discipline is usually required. Degrees in forensic science, pathology, biochemistry, biology or analytical chemistry may be preferred.

Master's degrees in forensic science may be available. Relevant postgraduate degrees are usually required for forensic scientists who present evidence in court.

Graduates usually combine on-the-job training with in-house courses on the theory and practice of forensic science. The training period usually lasts 2 years.

Forensic science staff may occasionally he recruited with fewer qualifications and then be encouraged to study part-time for relevant chemistry, applied biology or biochemistry qualifications.

Useful Qualifications to Have:

Useful subjects include: chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics.

Salary Expectations:

The base salary range of a Forensic Scientist ranges from $52,027 to $83,187 annually, while the median salary for most Forensic Scientists is $67,523 annually. (US Base Pay)

Future Prospects:

Forensic science is a small career area - there are only a few thousand forensic staff employed in the United States. However, rising crime and greater emphasis on scientific methodology requires forensic experts, so the employment outlook appears reasonable.

Forensic scientists are employed by national or federal governments, the police, or other law-enforcement agencies. Forensic science work is often sensitive and law-enforcement agencies may check applicants' backgrounds very carefully.

Promotion prospects are limited but there are opportunities to specialize in areas such as firearms. Promotion is based on academic and scientific achievements, personal qualities, and aptitude for supervisory or management roles. Competition for senior posts is keen and forensic scientists may have to change jobs to gain promotion. Some experienced forensic scientists are self-employed. There may be opportunities to work abroad.

For further information, contact a relevant professional body, such as an academy or society of forensic sciences or forensic toxicologists, or a society or bureau of document examiners. Also contact forensic science laboratories.