How to become A Forensic Scientist

Forensic science is a catch-all for the various distinct disciplines that may be used to resolve a court case, either civil or criminal. Forensic Scientists are truth-seekers who are not partisan, who do not have any personal interest in the outcome, who call it as they see it no matter the consequences.

• Criminalists
• Forensic Toxicologist
• Forensic Pathologist
• Forensic Anthropologist
• Forensic Odontologist
• Forensic Botanist
• Forensic Biologist
• Forensic Chemist
• Questioned Documents Examiner
• Fingerprint Examine
• DNA Analyst
• Trace Evidence Analyst
• Medical Examiner

What do Forensic Scientists do?

A Forensic Scientist would typically need to:

• Work in laboratories to identify and interpret physical evidence retrieved by crime scene investigators at the scene of the crime; provide scientific evidence to support the prosecution or defense in criminal and civil investigations
• Attend and examine scenes of crimes when the methods or techniques surrounding the collection or preservation of the physical evidence are in question
• Perform chemical, biological, and microscopic analyses, including infrared spectroscopy, DNA profiling, and genetic fingerprinting on evidence taken from crime scenes; ensure adherence to all lab protocols and regulations
• Perform blood grouping; analyze fluid and tissue samples for traces of drugs and poisons; examine splash patterns and the distribution of particles; analyze handwriting, signatures, ink, and paper; verify the authenticity of documents
• Recover data from laptops, computers, mobile phones, and other electronic equipment
• Analyze and interpret results and computer data; explore possible links between suspects and criminal activity
• Prepare written reports that detail findings and investigative methods; explain them to lawyers, detectives, and other law enforcement officials; testify in court about the methods used and the results
• Coordinate with other members of the forensic team and outside agencies; serve as a liaison between the forensic laboratory and crime scene investigators
• Oversee maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment; develop, maintain and update work quality standards, standard operating procedures, and new forensic techniques

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. Although there isn’t generally much travel involved, you may need to travel to attend conferences and training courses. If attending a crime scene, you will need to wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of the scene and sometimes to protect yourself from hazardous materials.

Forensic Scientists typically work regular office hours, but they may have to do shifts or be on call outside of regular business hours if needed to work immediately on a case.

Check the websites of relevant professional bodies, police forces, key employers, and industry publications for job listings. Speculative applications are advisable. Strong links may exist between some university departments and employers - check with your university for potential contacts.

Commercial companies provide forensic science services to the police and other agencies. Police forces usually have in-house forensic science units.

Forensic Scientists are generally employed by:

• Commercial Companies
• Government Forensic Services
• Government Defence Wings
• Government Science & Technology Departments
• Police Forces
• Departments of Justice
• Medical Schools
• University Research Departments
• Public Health Laboratories
• Specialist Private Consultancies

Professional associations and organizations are crucial for Forensic Scientists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Stressful and distressing, particularly when attending unpleasant scenes of crimes
• The need to attend crime scenes in all kinds of weather
• The need to feel comfortable presenting and defending evidence in court under cross-examination
• Painstaking and time-consuming work requiring patience

Relevant experience can be difficult to acquire as forensic laboratories do not offer placements. Experience gained using similar scientific and analytical techniques can come in handy.

Students will typically need experience working in a laboratory in hospitals or research centers. Work placements occasionally arise in biological research and development. It will help if you can land an apprenticeship with a company that provides forensic science services.

It may be worth sending targeted speculative applications to enquire about work experience or work shadowing opportunities with relevant organizations such as a police force that may have its own in-house laboratory facilities.

Prospective Forensic Scientists usually need a degree in forensic science, biological sciences, or chemistry. It may help to choose a university qualification accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Check the exact requirements of potential employers as not all science-based subjects guarantee entry into the profession. Subjects such as statistics and geology can help ease entry into specialty areas of forensic science such as archaeology, anthropology, toxicology, pathology, or DNA. Where a degree program in forensic science is not available, take courses in criminology, criminal justice ethics, crime scene analysis, and criminal law. They will help you get a more in-depth insight into the criminal justice system and its processes. The intense competition for jobs makes it imperative to have an MSc or PhD in forensic science or a masters in a forensic specialty. Forensic Scientists who work for police departments are sworn police officers and have fulfilled the educational requirements necessary for admittance into a police academy.

Certification from an objective and reputed organization can help you gain professional credibility, build your expertise in a specific area, and stay up-to-date on technology. Certification is commonplace, given the many specialties that exist within Forensic Science. You can earn a certification in criminalistics, forensic toxicology, forensic document examination, and medicolegal death investigation, to name a few. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. Adherence to the code helps Forensic Scientists earn trust and respect, the most critical elements in securing their future.

Although the specific requirements may vary by location, candidates seeking to become Forensic Scientists may need to undergo a background investigation. They must pass a polygraph examination and a urinalysis drug test. They must possess a valid driver’s license and show proof of a formal training program. They should complete a training course under the guidance of a seasoned forensic scientist and provide proof of education, certification, and experience through original transcripts, diplomas, and certificates.

There is a small number of vacancies available each year in the field of forensic science, making entry into the profession competitive. It is highly probable for job applicants to enter at a junior level, such as assistant forensic scientist, but from that point, the career prospects of a Forensic Scientist are generally good. Career progression is driven by experience, performance, appraisal reports, and acquisition of professional qualifications. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. Geographic mobility can be helpful when looking for new roles.

Generally, Forensic Scientists with two to five years of experience after entry progress to the role of a Reporting Officer. It involves taking on your own cases, dealing directly with the police, and bringing together evidence into a statement. You may need to give evidence in court as an expert witness.

With further experience, you could go on to become a Casework Examiner. You would supervise others, visit crime scenes, attend conferences, carry out research, and publish articles.

Promotion to the position of Forensics Manager requires significant expertise in a specific area; it involves more emphasis on managing and directing other staff members and less scope for hands-on work.

A career in research or science journalism is a realistic possibility if your future interests move in that direction. As a Reporting Scientist, you may often need to act as an expert witness in court.

Competition for jobs is expected to be healthy. There are many applicants but very few job openings. Applicants who have a master’s degree should have the best opportunities. Work experience will enhance your value in the job market.

The continuously changing nature of forensic science makes it vital for you to keep up to date with the latest research and developments throughout your career. A series of qualifications, as well as other continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities such as conferences, seminars, lectures, and workshops, will help progress your career as a Forensic Scientist.

The training you receive will vary depending on your employer and area of specialty. However, you will usually follow a program of on-the-job training and development involving short courses and practical casework. Areas covered may include laboratory skills and proficiency tests, blood pattern analysis, and statement writing. You may typically receive training in health and safety, courtroom and presentation skills, and project management.

Professional postgraduate diplomas in crime scene investigation, document examination, identity documents, firearms examination, and fire investigation will enhance the skills of experienced Forensic Scientists. The pursuit of a master’s program or PhD in forensic science or a forensic specialty such as archaeology or anthropology is also a viable option.

The more significant part of a Forensic Scientist’s work is laboratory-based. They examine traces of blood, hairs, textile fibers, paint, glass, explosives, drugs, and the like to explore possible links between suspects and criminal activity.

Overlap with Various Areas of Science

The job activities of a Forensic Scientist depend on the area in which they work. Chemistry connects to crimes against property such as burglary & arson; it is utilized to examine substances such as paint and chemicals in fire investigation and accident reconstruction. Biology is connected to crimes against people, such as murder, assault, and rape. It is used for DNA testing of minute contact traces such as blood, hair, and fibers. Drugs and toxicology are used to test for restricted drugs, alcohol, and poison in blood, urine, and tissue samples.

Forensic Scientists may take on one or more of the following jobs: criminalist, forensic toxicologist, forensic pathologist, forensic anthropologist, forensic odontologist, forensic botanist, forensic biologist, forensic chemist, questioned documents examiner, fingerprint examiner, DNA analyst, or trace evidence analyst.

Specialists in Tackling Computer-Based Crimes

Digital forensics analysts collect and analyze data to uncover and prosecute electronic fraud, scams, and identity theft. The abundance of digital data helps them solve crimes in the physical world as well.

Hair roots can help identify gender. The hair found at a crime scene can be helpful in terms of evidence, but only the hair root contains a person’s DNA that helps determine their gender.

It would appear as though Forensic Scientists are wizards who make use of nothing short of witchcraft to solve crimes. In reality, they are courageous souls who know that physical evidence cannot be intimidated. It does not forget. It sits there and waits to be detected, evaluated, and preserved. All in the pursuit of justice.

Forensic Scientists must be impartial and not advocate for the defense or the prosecution.