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:
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.
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. 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.
For more information on great forensic science
programs, try the following links:
University of New Haven, West Haven, CT
Penn State University, State College, PA
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Texas Tech University, Institute for Forensic Science
programs, try the following links:
University of New Haven, West Haven, CT
Penn State University, State College, PA
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Texas Tech University, Institute for Forensic Science
The fascinating world
of forensic
science...made simple
of forensic
science...made simple
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