forensic science education. “neat-o. maybe i want to be a forensic scientist.” questions: what...

Forensic ScienceEducation

“Neat-o. Maybe I want to be a forensic scientist.”

Questions:

What does a forensic scientist do?

What type of education is needed?

Forensic Education > The Beginning

Summary

Jobs in Forensic Science

Education in Forensic Science

Finding a Job in Forensic Science

George W. Bush

American

Dick Cheney

Conspiracy

Let’s GO!Conspiracy

Summary

Jobs in Forensic Science

Education in Forensic Science

Finding a Job in Forensic Science

Jobs in Forensic Science

Investigation Laboratory Work Crime Scene Work Performing Autopsies Looking at Bones and Bugs

The police investigate crimes.

Forensic scientists do not investigate.

Forensic Education > Jobs

Investigation of Crime

Scientists conduct laboratory analysis.

Police investigators do not work in lab.

Laboratory Work

Forensic Education > Jobs

Who performs work at the crime scene?

What do they do at the crime scene?

Crime Scene Work

Forensic Education > Jobs

Police or Scientist may collect evidence.

Or collected by Crime Scene Technician.

Crime Scene Work

Forensic Education > Jobs

Crime Scene Tech only processes evidence.

Does not investigate or conduct lab work.

Crime Scene Work

Forensic Education > Jobs

Crime Scene Tech only processes evidence.

Does not investigate or conduct lab work.

Crime Scene Work

Forensic Education > Jobs

Many fields of study have forensic applications:

Forensic scientists in these fields are educated in the general field, then specialize in the forensic application of the science.

Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology

Bugs, Bones, and other stuff

Many fields of study have forensic applications:

Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology

Entomologists and Anthropologists most likely work mainly in a University setting.

Forensic Education > Bugs, Bones, Etc.

Many fields of study have forensic applications:

Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology

Forensic Odontologists are probably practicing dentists.

Forensic Education > Bugs, Bones, Etc.

Many fields of study have forensic applications:

Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology

Forensic Pathologists are probably full-time Medical Examiners/Coroners.

Forensic Education > Bugs, Bones, Etc.

Jobs in Forensic Science

Investigation Laboratory Work Crime Scene Work Performing Autopsies Looking at Bones and Bugs

Forensic Scientists in the Lab

Fingerprinting Firearms Documents Trace Evidence DNA Drugs

What would I do?

Where would I work?

How much money would I make?

What about advancement?

Forensic Education > In the Lab

Questions:

Two main areas of forensic science:

Forensic Chemistry

Forensic Biology

Other areas (entomology, anthropology, psychiatry, odontology, etc.)

Forensic Education > In the Lab

Forensic Chemistry

Drugs Trace Firearms

Fingerprints Arson

What does the analyst do?

Forensic Education > In the Lab

Forensic Chemistry in the lab:

Instrumental Analysis GC/MS, Infrared spectroscopy

Database Analysis Fingerprint, ballistic search

Microscopic Analysis Fibers, drugs, hair, trace

Forensic Education > In the Lab

Crime Scene Work Not necessarily required

Scientific Meetings Presentations, continuing education

Court Testimony

Forensic Education > In the Lab

Forensic Chemistry outside the lab:

Forensic Biology in the lab:

DNA Extraction and Amplification Pipettes and small tubes

Forensic Serology Detecting blood or semen stains

Instrumental and Computer Analysis Generates a genetic profile

Forensic Education > In the Lab

Crime Scene Work Not necessarily required

Scientific Meetings Presentations, continuing education

Court Testimony

Forensic Education > In the Lab

Forensic Biology outside the lab:

What would I do?

Where would I work?

How much money would I make?

What about advancement?

Forensic Education > In the Lab

Questions:

Forensic Scientist or Criminalist (entry level): In Alabama, enter as Forensic Scientist I Perform analysis & testify

Forensic Scientist and Criminalist II - IV Can have additional supervisory duties Sometimes other titles (technical leader or

coordinator)

Director or Assistant Director

Forensic Education > In the Lab > Advancement

What would I do?

Where would I work?

How much money would I make?

What about advancement?

Forensic Education > In the Lab

Questions:

Where would I work?

1. State Agency

2. Federal Agencies

State Police State Bureau of Investigation County or City Crime Labs

FBI DEA

ATF Armed Forces

Secret Service U.S. Postal Service

Forensic Education > In the Lab > Where to work

3. Private Labs

4. Non Forensic Laboratories

Private DNA Labs Paternity Labs Drug Analysis

Analytical Chemistry Research Labs

Pursue an advanced degree

Where would I work?

Forensic Education > In the Lab > Where to work

What would I do?

Where would I work?

How much money would I make?

What about advancement?

Forensic Education > In the Lab

Questions:

Marry a rich person

Entry Level: $30,000 – $40,000

Forensic Education > In the Lab > Money

Government job has benefits

Education in Forensic Science

What do I need to get a job?

B.S.? Masters? Ph.D.?

Law Degree? Medical Degree?

In my opinion, a Masters Degree in Forensic Science will best prepare an individual for a career in forensic science.

Undergraduate Education:

What’s my major?

Myth: Forensic Science is half science and half criminal justice

Fact: Forensic Science is mostly science

Forensic Education

Undergraduate Education

Chemistry or Biology (B.S.)

Forensic Science (B.S.) (also Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology)

B.S. in Forensic Science may help, but does not guarantee a job after undergrad.

Forensic Education

Masters of Science in Forensic Science

Masters Degree makes you more competitive compared to B.S. applicants

Allows for additional lab experience including internships

Graduate Education

Allows for promotion to supervisory positions

Forensic Education

Education for Other Areas:

Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Psychiatry

Requires a Ph.D.

Research mentor should work in the field.

Forensic Education

Education for Other Areas:

Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology

Requires a M.D. or dental degree (D.D.S.)

May be specialized degree programs.

Forensic Education

Note about Crime Scene Work:

Some, but not all, forensic scientists work crime scenes

System varies from region to region Death scene investigator is a real job

Landing your ideal job requires patience and the ability to relocate.

Forensic Education

CSI: Fact or Fiction?

Fact: Crime scene investigators do exist. Investigation system varies from region to region

The Fiction: They do too much! Not very likely that they dramatically

communicate with the victims or suspects

Forensic Education

Forensic Education

FORENSIC SCIENTIST I, II, or III(Posted 8/11/06)

The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Forensic Scientist I, II, or III. Qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, including the successful completion of 16 semester hours of chemistry and a minimum of one 3-semester-hour course each in genetics, upper division molecular biology (molecular genetics), and biochemistry (transcripts required). Applicants must be skilled in the use of laboratory equipment/materials. Responsibilities include conducting analyses/examinations of tissue/body fluids of human/animal origin to detect the presence of blood stains/semen/other stains; examining/comparing hairs to establish origin/descriptive characteristics; conducting DNA typing tests on human tissues to compare criminal evidence with samples of known origin; evaluating/interpreting/documenting the DNA test conducted and testifying in court as to the findings; appearing at crime scenes to collect evidence and assist law enforcement officers; preparing reagents; reviewing work of other forensic scientists; maintaining records of evidence and its disposal; performing proficiency tests and other quality assurance duties; participating in continuing education; and performing other duties as assigned. On the job training will be provided for a period of about six months. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Annual Salary: $39,312. Applicants may be compensated at a higher level when hired depending on previously qualifying Crime Laboratory work experience. Application deadline: August 23, 2006.http://www.txdps.state.tx.us

FORENSIC SCIENTIST I, II, or III(Posted 8/11/06)

The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Forensic Scientist I, II, or III. Qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, including the successful completion of 16 semester hours of chemistry and a minimum of one 3-semester-hour course each in genetics, upper division molecular biology (molecular genetics), and biochemistry (transcripts required). Applicants must be skilled in the use of laboratory equipment/materials. Responsibilities include conducting analyses/examinations of tissue/body fluids of human/animal origin to detect the presence of blood stains/semen/other stains; examining/comparing hairs to establish origin/descriptive characteristics; conducting DNA typing tests on human tissues to compare criminal evidence with samples of known origin; evaluating/interpreting/documenting the DNA test conducted and testifying in court as to the findings; appearing at crime scenes to collect evidence and assist law enforcement officers; preparing reagents; reviewing work of other forensic scientists; maintaining records of evidence and its disposal; performing proficiency tests and other quality assurance duties; participating in continuing education; and performing other duties as assigned. On the job training will be provided for a period of about six months. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Annual Salary: $39,312. Applicants may be compensated at a higher level when hired depending on previously qualifying Crime Laboratory work experience. Application deadline: August 23, 2006.http://www.txdps.state.tx.us

FORENSIC SCIENTIST I, II, or III(Posted 8/11/06)

The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Forensic Scientist I, II, or III. Qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, including the successful completion of 16 semester hours of chemistry and a minimum of one 3-semester-hour course each in genetics, upper division molecular biology (molecular genetics), and biochemistry (transcripts required). Applicants must be skilled in the use of laboratory equipment/materials. Responsibilities include conducting analyses/examinations of tissue/body fluids of human/animal origin to detect the presence of blood stains/semen/other stains; examining/comparing hairs to establish origin/descriptive characteristics; conducting DNA typing tests on human tissues to compare criminal evidence with samples of known origin; evaluating/interpreting/documenting the DNA test conducted and testifying in court as to the findings; appearing at crime scenes to collect evidence and assist law enforcement officers; preparing reagents; reviewing work of other forensic scientists; maintaining records of evidence and its disposal; performing proficiency tests and other quality assurance duties; participating in continuing education; and performing other duties as assigned. On the job training will be provided for a period of about six months. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Annual Salary: $39,312. Applicants may be compensated at a higher level when hired depending on previously qualifying Crime Laboratory work experience. Application deadline: August 23, 2006.http://www.txdps.state.tx.us

Finding a Job in Forensic Science

Internet. Internet. Internet.

American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) www.aafs.org

Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD) www.ascld.org

State or Federal Web Pages

Word of Mouth (through University)

Interview Process:

Extensive Background Check Past Landlords Past Employers

Polygraph

Relatively Strict on Past Drug Use

Forensic Education > Finding a Job

Job Availability:

10,000 positions to fill,

but no money to pay employees.

Flexibility in relocation greatly enhances your chances of getting a job.

Forensic Education > Finding a Job

Web Links American Academy of Forensic Sciences -

www.aafs.org American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors

www.ascld.org List of Graduate Programs

http://www.gradschools.com/listings/all/forensic.html FSU Professor Opinion

http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/faculty/nute/FScareers.html