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Forensic Science Careers - Real Life Csi By Lindsay Jaroch, Thu Dec 8th
Advances in scientific technology in examining crimes sceneshave turned science into a high demand and rapidlygrowing career field. Adding to the popularity of forensicscience jobs are TV shows like CSI – Crime Scene Investigators.This article will serve as an overview for a career in forensicscience that includes many subcategories like scienceconsultants, fingerprint technicians, fingerprint examiners,forensic investigators and evidence technicians. ForensicScientist Job Description
Forensic scientists investigate crimes by collecting crime sceneevidence and using the natural sciences to analyze the data theyrecover. They generally work 40 hours each week in a forensicscience laboratory. science technicians are oftenrequired to go to the crime scene and collect the physicalevidence that can be found. They work closely with governmentofficials and police detectives in order to help solve crimes.
Additional tasks scientists have include:
Reconstructing crime scenes
Collecting and analyzing DNA samples
Reporting investigative findings
Examining firearms and bullets
Analyzing textual evidence
Taking fingerprints
Interpreting laboratory findings
Keeping logs and records
Operating all laboratory equipment
Most scientists specialize in certain types of evidencesuch as DNA analysis, firearm research and weapons testing,examining fiber, hair, tissue, or body fluid substances. Theyoften work with chemicals, fluid samples and firearms thatdemand safety precautions. However, the risk of harm orcontamination within these working conditions is minimal.
Salary Ranges / Job Outlook for a Scientist
Of all science technicians, scientists currently earnthe second highest annual salary. In 2002 the average pay ratefor a scientist was $19.73 per hour, or approximately$41,000. The low ten percent of this scale earned around $12.06per hour - $25,100 yearly. The highest ten percent earned around$31.49 per hour - $65,500 yearly. However, the pay range dependsupon factors like type of specialty, years of experience, typeof employment and location.
In the United States, the employment rate for forensicscientists is expected to grow steadily over the next decade.Current Nationwide trends estimate that job openings forforensic scientists will rise approximately 19 percent by 2012.These numbers indicate more than 360 job positions opening upeach year. In 2002, scientists held approximately 8,400job positions. These scientists work mainly for State and localgovernments, but keep close professional relationships withpolice investigators and other
crime experts.
Employment rates are dependent upon field development,government spending abilities, local population growth and thelocality’s crime rate. Job growth for scientists can beattributed to rapid scientific and technological advances.Researchers are developing and perfecting new experimentalmethods every day. This will cause science departmentsto fill the technician positions this research will create.Currently, the number of skilled, experienced applicants is low.These low numbers mean that scientists working forState and government departments are highly likely to receivepositive employment prospects and benefits.
Education / Getting Started
Although organizations seek applicants with bachelor’s degrees,many employers will hire candidates who have completed specifictraining programs, obtained certification or possess anassociate’s degree. Training and certification programsgenerally take only two years to complete and will earngraduates the opportunity for a career in science.Programs with a focus in criminal investigations and criminaljustice can help prospective applicants specialize as forensicconsultants, fingerprint technicians, investigators,laboratory technicians and fingerprint examiners.
There are various courses that must be taken to qualify as aforensic science technician. Some important courses includechemistry, computers and electronics, law and government, publicsafety, mathematics, writing and communications. Prospectivescientists must have good decision making skills as well aswritten and oral expression. Additional skills include inductivereasoning, information ordering, critical thinking and theability to identify patterns and details. Because forensicscientists work in crime scenes that may be stressful andemotionally draining, they must be able to control theiremotions and handle situations that can be distressful.
Employers usually look for people with previous forensicexperience. Many science technicians begin in entrylevel trainee positions that help them gain job experience.Another good way to get experience is through internshipprograms that are offered by numerous schools. Forensicscientists also start out as laboratory technicians andafter developing those skills, advance to crime scenetechnicians.
Advancements in science and technology continue to improve theaccuracy and importance of crime scene evidence in prosecutingcriminals and defending the accused. Training to be a forensicscientist will put you on the front line of this interesting andnecessary analysis.
More Details at:http://www.top-colleges.com/v/criminal-justice.html
About the author:Lindsay Jaroch is a freelance writer who writes about educationtopics. http://www.degreesource.com/articleswww.degreesource.com
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