Careers in Forensic Science - Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Laboratory Analyst
There is a reason television shows like CSI and NCIS have been long-running hits. Both provide an inside look at the fascinating world of forensic science. The shows are not for the faint of heart, and neither is the work in real life. It takes a strong stomach and a scientist’s logic. If you have what it takes, being a forensic scientist is an incredibly rewarding career.
Forensic science combines two major fields, science, and law (“forensic” means related to the legal system). For that reason, forensic scientists are commonly referred to as forensic investigators. They are professionals who investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Most specialize in one area, like DNA analysis, or firearm examination, or particular substances, such as fiber, glass, hair, tissue, and body fluids. They use chemistry, biology, and other sciences to analyze evidence like fingerprints and footprints, blood splatters, and bullet patterns to help determine how a crime was committed, and who did it. When criminal cases come to trial, forensic science specialists give testimony as expert witnesses on laboratory findings.
The day-to-day work ranges from examining evidence at crime scenes, to matching DNA sequences in the laboratory, to analyzing fingerprints under a microscope. Some forensic scientists work only in the laboratory, while others travel around to different crime scenes. Some specialists work full-time jobs in other positions, and are called in as experts to review the details of particular cases. For example, a forensic botanist may work at a university greenhouse, and come in to analyze plant residue from crime scenes on an as-needed basis.
The working conditions for forensic scientists vary. Those employed in laboratories can expect clean, safe, and well-equipped workspaces, with regular working hours, except for when evidence is brought in after hours and needs to be analyzed right away. Forensic scientists who investigate crime scenes may have to work night shifts or irregular hours. They are subject to whatever working conditions a crime scene presents. This includes disturbing, uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous conditions.
The rewards of this profession are many. The pay is good and so is the job outlook. More important is the professional and personal satisfaction. You make a positive difference in society every time you help put a criminal behind bars. The general public respects you because of this. Your law enforcement colleagues respect you as well. Your work is an invaluable part of criminal investigation, and investigators cannot make conclusions without corroborating their theories with your findings.
This is a job that keeps you engaged. Your work in the laboratory analyzing evidence such as DNA, gun residue, soil, and ink is not just a scientific experiment. It is fitting together pieces of a puzzle to a completion that will lead to justice. To some, such high stakes are stressful. But to many, the world of forensic science is an exciting place to be. If you enjoy science and want to fight crime, forensic science might be the career for you!
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