The Forensic Scientist: A Job Profile

As of 2006, there are more than 13,000 forensic science technician positions held in law enforcement, academic institutions, and forensic institutions. The salary earned by a forensic science technician depends upon his or her level of experience. Beginning forensic scientists earn roughly $1,900 per month and those with more laboratory experience can earn up to $3,000 per month. Top scientists can earn anywhere from $35,000 to $50,000 a year. Since most forensic science positions are with a state or federal agency, most include insurance and retirement plans. The typical work week is around 40 hours, but the needs of the current case load may require overtime. The job prospects of becoming a forensic scientist are very good, with many employers seeking experienced scientists, though entry-level positions are scarce.

The growth of this field of science has led to it branching into many different sub-disciplines. Criminalistics is the general term for the multi-discipline approach used by law enforcement agencies. Digital forensics is the recovery of digital evidence. Forensic anthropology is the recovery and identification of human skeletal remains. Forensic archeology consists of forensic techniques that have been combined with archeology. Forensic DNA analysis is the specialization in DNA extraction and identification. Forensic entomology is the examination of insect activity to determine a victim's time of death and true location of the crime scene. Forensic geology is the specialization of dirt and rocks. Forensic interviewing consists of techniques used to extract information during an interview. Forensic meteorology is the understanding of how the weather may have affected the location being investigated. Forensic odontology is the study of human teeth to identify someone. Forensic pathology is the use of medicine and pathology to determine cause of death. Forensic psychology is the use of psychological tools to understand the mental processes of an individual. Forensic toxicology is the study of drugs and toxins. Forensic document examination is the study of forms, legal documents, financial documents, and handwriting.

Many of the specialized fields require specialized training to obtain a position, but all forensic scientists follow the same basic educational outline. For specialized fields, additional degrees in biology, business administration, accounting, finance, and geology may be useful. Many programs will give specialized training in respective fields, though it will require the basic skill set obtained through the aforementioned bachelor's degree.



First the forensic scientist will obtain a bachelor's degree in a physical science or applied science. Typically the degree is in biology, chemistry, or some related field. In the case of technical forensic scientists, computer science or computer engineering are options. Most programs will typically also require a higher-level degree, usually in a forensic science program, which have become increasingly popular. Again, experience can also be a tool of advancement into and up the ranks of a forensic science institution.

One of the problems with pursuing a career in forensic science is the over-saturation of the market for entry-level positions. This results in a highly competitive, entry-level market. The over-saturation is a result of the popularization of forensics on television in many crime dramas, resulting in an influx of individuals wishing to emulate their television idols. In addition, because of these dramas, juries are now expecting a greater amount of forensic evidence and this puts pressure onto forensic scientists to be above reproach in methodology and accuracy.

Forensic scientists can fall under three categories: laboratory, medical, and field. Field forensic scientists collect evidence at the scene of a crime for further processing in the laboratory. There are quite a few tests that can be done in the field to aid investigators in theirs jobs. Popularized techniques include the use of luminol to detect blood traces and detectors to determine the location of chemical and biological agents. Laboratory scientists take the evidence collected from field agents and apply forensic science to determine concrete facts. The results of the tests will be given to investigators. Medical forensic investigators examine human remains to determine what happened to the body and the circumstances of the individual's death.