Forensic science career may define different criminal justice professional paths which follow either a specific specialization in lab environments or a more challenging approach directly at the crime scene.
The forensic science career is structured on three different directions. Investigation is the initial stage and crime scene examiners take charge of gathering useful pieces of criminal evidence which later are thoroughly analyzed and interpreted (second stage).
Crime scene examiners and medical examiners are definitely exposed to less pleasant scenes. To act professionally, examiners are required to investigate the whole crime scene and to delimitate pertinent evidence. Forensic science career relies on objective analysis and interpretation, therefore a CSI (crime scene investigators) needs to leave behind personal bias when he gets professionally involved in crime investigations.
Crime laboratory analysts are responsible for providing valuable results which later on, will support experts’ testimony. Lab analysts are less exposed to crimes although the have a major contribution in solving various criminal cases. Criminal laboratory analysts’ work relies on the latest technological lab devices. Proper examination of body tissues and fluids generating valuable information is based on scientific interference (genetics, microbiology, toxicology and chemistry).
Medical examiners take charge of corpse examination in order to identify possible death causes. This type of forensic science career requires forensic pathology education.
A forensic science career might comprise auxiliary professional paths in computer forensics (criminologists collect and analyze digital evidence), in forensic psychology (psychologists elaborate psychological reports for court of justice) or in forensic odontology (also known as forensic dentistry deals with dental evidence).
No matter the type of evidence, all forensic reports go to the court of justice and forensic scientists are called to testify (third stage). Sometimes final decisions are taken exclusively on forensic evidence without witness testimony, therefore, forensic experts assume a tremendous responsibility.
As for education, all related fields generally require a bachelor’s degree correlated to a science educational background and any forensic science career starts with entry level positions such as lab assistants, forensic technicians and gradually reaches supervision positions or even academic approaches. For career advancement a master’s degree is often required.
Forensic science career has experienced lately waves of popularity due to several TV series which have relaunched this professional field on the labour market, although many young aspiring forensic specialists have created an improved and positive image of the real day-to day forensic science career and sooner or later will realize that they have already enrolled in a program which might not meet their professional expectations. The major asset of this professional is definitely versatility which allows graduates to embrace the branch that suits their profile.
