Careers in Forensic Sciences
Careers in Forensic Sciences
Crime Scene Forensics,LLC
Many people contact us to inquire about working in the field of forensic sciences. Here are a few
quick facts about the field, and some recommendations for entry level positions:
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI):

With the popularity of shows such as CSI, many
people are interested in pursuing a career in the
crime scene field. More and more colleges are
offering careers in forensic science and crime scene
investigations. The truth of the matter is that although
this can be a very exciting field, it is extremely
demanding, and requires an unexplainable amount of
patience, perseverance, experience, and time.

Although it is not entirely necessary, a degree in
crime scene investigation and/or forensic science is
certainly a step in the right direction.
First Considerations:

1. If you're serious about a career as a crime scene investigator, the first thing you need to ask      
   yourself is whether or not you'd like to become a sworn police officer. Different agencies have    
   different policies on using sworn vs non-sworn personnel. If you have a list of agencies in           
   mind, for which you'd like to apply, inquiry as to what each requires in their respective CSI units.
   Many people have strong aspirations to work as a crime scene investigator, but are not willing    
   to commit to a police academy. If this is the case, research agencies that use non-sworn    
personnel to staff their crime scene units.

2. When you submit your application for employment to the respective police agencies on your      
    list, keep in mind that some departments do not have budgets that will allow for a full time/full
service crime scene units. Inquire whether the agency to which you are applying has a full
service crime scene response unit.

3. Keep in mind that CSI work is not a typical 40 hour work week. It often involves shift work,
and/or constantly being attached to a beeper. Prepare yourself to live a lifestyle in which you
are required to report for work each and every time the phone rings; anytime...day or night.      

1. Among the best courses you can take to benefit your      
    career in forensics are English courses...particularly        
    those that pertain to writing. Remember, police
investigative work involves heavy report writing, and
how well you compose your reports, and document
your crime scene work, will largely dictate how
successful you will become in the field.

2. If you are interested in laboratory work, a biology or
chemistry degree is usually the first requirement of
most forensic crime labs.

3. Criminal Justice courses certainly won't hurt, but are
not entirely necessary. There will be plenty of criminal
justice instruction available when you are hired.  
The fascinating
world of forensic
science...made
simple