What makes a good forensic investigator

Forensic psychologists evaluate the psychological state of those on trial, convicts seeking parole, and witnesses, who may or may not be telling the truth. Finally, there are forensic pathologist careers for students with a more scientific bent who want to learn how to identify human remains. Forensics experts can also be found in fields you might not expect. Forensic Engineering:.

From bridge collapses to product defects, forensic engineers focus their attention on the health and safety of humans. They are often called upon to investigate issues related to environmental damage and personal injury. Forensic Dentistry:. Also known as odontology, this field of forensics focuses primarily on identifying human remains through the use of dental records. However, you may also be asked to analyze bite marks or dental injuries that occurred during a crime.

In many cases, medical examiner offices have an ongoing relationship with a forensic odontologist. Forensic Toxicology:. Forensic toxicologists perform scientific tests and often testify in court cases. They work closely with crime scene investigators, police, and attorneys. Questioned Documents:. Forensic document examiners are primarily known for analyzing handwriting and signatures. Those seeking careers in this field should be aware that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment.

Personal candor in these areas is critical. Forensic scientists need to have a strong fundamental background in the natural sciences. For example, new hires who analyze drugs, DNA, trace, and toxicological evidence in forensic science laboratories typically have a degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or forensic science from an accredited institution.

Although forensic scientists involved in the recognition and comparison of patterns such as latent prints, firearms, and questioned documents historically may not have been required to have a degree, the trend in the field is to strengthen the academic requirements for these disciplines and require a baccalaureate degree, preferably in a science. The academic qualifications required for some of the emerging disciplines, such as digital evidence, are currently being defined and will be published by the appropriate groups.

Achieving the appropriate academic qualifications is discussed in greater detail later in this Guide.

Copies of diplomas and formal academic transcripts are generally required as proof of academic qualification. Awards, publications, internships, and student activities may be used to differentiate applicants. For some of these skills, systematic tools are available that may be used to measure skill or proficiency at or after the time of hire. A model career path for a forensic scientist begins with formal education and continues with training, postgraduate education, certification, and professional membership.

Indicators of professional standing include academic credentials, professional credentials, training credentials, and competency tests. You can also make yourself more marketable by earning a certificate or a degree in Crime Scene Investigations or Forensic Science online from a college with a respected program.

Many online programs can be completed in less time than traditional campus based programs. The availability of each program is dependant on your zip code. Not all programs are available in every location. Other related areas of study include click on the topic to see lists of online colleges and universities offering these programs :.

Regardless of what the education and experience are for the job you are seeking, there are some things you can do to prepare for the job and the interview. Again, reading over the material on this website will give you some information.

But if you really want to be prepared, you must do more. As a person who interviews candidates for law enforcement jobs I can tell you that agencies are inclined to give jobs to those who have a clear understanding of the job they are applying for, and have done something to prepare themselves for the job. One way to gain knowledge and be able to show you have prepared yourself is to read the right books.

I strongly recommend you read the following books before interviewing for the job and be sure you tell those interviewing you that you have read these books.

Fisher June 15, Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation , Eighth Edition examines concepts, field-tested techniques and procedures, and technical information concerning crime scene investigation. This comprehensive text has been widely adopted by police academies, community colleges, and universities.

Three professional organizations the International Association for Identification, the American Board of Criminalistics, and the Forensic Science Society recommend this book as a text to prepare for their certification examinations. Order this book from Amazon. As you read through the job announcements, you will see that two areas are frequently mentioned. They are photography and fingerprints. Some even require photographic skills to apply. What can I do with my degree?

Getting a job CVs and cover letters. Applying for jobs Interview tips Open days and events. Choosing a course Getting into university Student loans and finance. University life Changing or leaving your course Alternatives to university.

Log in Register. Getting a job CVs and cover letters Applying for jobs Interview tips Open days and events Applying for university Choosing a course Getting into university Student loans and finance University life Changing or leaving your course Alternatives to university Post a job. View all science and pharmaceuticals vacancies. Add to favourites. Forensic science is a competitive area to get into so make sure you have some lab experience and a related scientific degree As a forensic scientist you'll provide scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.

This material can include: blood and other body fluids hairs fibres from clothing paint and glass fragments tyre marks flammable substances used to start fires.

Types of forensic scientist Job activities depend on the area of forensics in which you work. The main areas are: chemistry - connected to crimes against property, such as burglary and arson. You'll be involved in the examination of substances such as paint or chemicals, including fire investigation and accident reconstruction. You'll be carrying out DNA testing and the examination of minute contact traces, such as blood, hair and clothing fibres. Responsibilities As a forensic scientist, you'll need to: analyse samples, such as hair, body fluids, glass, paint and drugs, in the laboratory apply techniques such as gas and high-performance liquid chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and genetic fingerprinting sift and sort evidence, often held in miniscule quantities record findings and collect trace evidence from scenes of crimes or accidents attend and examine scenes of crimes liaise with teams and coordinate with outside agencies, such as the police analyse and interpret results and computer data review and supervise the work of assistants present the results of your work in written form or by giving oral evidence justify findings under cross-examination in courts of law research and develop new forensic techniques.

Income figures are intended as a guide only. Working hours Although you'll typically work normal office hours, you may have to do shifts or be on call. What to expect Although most of the work is laboratory-based, experienced forensic scientists may have to attend crime scenes. The balance of work in the laboratory, court and office varies between roles.

The work may be stressful and distressing at times, particularly when attending scenes of crimes.