Forensic Analyst: Using Science as Evidence
Forensic analysts work within the justice system providing key evidence to criminal investigations. Within the field of forensics, there are six general areas of study including, crime laboratory analyst, medical examiner, crime scene examiner, forensic engineer, technical assistance and academic assistance. The main job of all forensic analysts is to help investigators solve crimes.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a forensic analyst include classifying and performing tests on specific pieces of evidence found from a crime scene. This evidence may include hair, fibers, tissue, and firearms. Each piece of evidence must be handled and stored in an isolation unit as to avoid contaminations or tampering of evidence. Each test that is run on a particular piece of evidence must be carefully recorded. After analyzing the data, a forensic analyst will then prepare a detailed report that documents the work that was performed and the findings of the procedures. This report is handed in to superiors and leading investigators of the crime.
The responsibilities of a forensic analyst include classifying and performing tests on specific pieces of evidence found from a crime scene. This evidence may include hair, fibers, tissue, and firearms. Each piece of evidence must be handled and stored in an isolation unit as to avoid contaminations or tampering of evidence. Each test that is run on a particular piece of evidence must be carefully recorded. After analyzing the data, a forensic analyst will then prepare a detailed report that documents the work that was performed and the findings of the procedures. This report is handed in to superiors and leading investigators of the crime.
Education
Forensic analysts need to have a strong background in all areas of science and math. Communication skills are also extremely important because information must be reported both in writing and in person. When choosing a college and/or university, it is important to find a program that has an emphasis on forensics. Some of the classes that you may be required to take include Criminology, Theories of Crime, Research Methods, Statistical Analysis, DNA Analysis, Forensic Processing, Victimology, Laboratory Methods, Trace Evidence Evaluation, and other science/math based classes.
Forensic analysts need to have a strong background in all areas of science and math. Communication skills are also extremely important because information must be reported both in writing and in person. When choosing a college and/or university, it is important to find a program that has an emphasis on forensics. Some of the classes that you may be required to take include Criminology, Theories of Crime, Research Methods, Statistical Analysis, DNA Analysis, Forensic Processing, Victimology, Laboratory Methods, Trace Evidence Evaluation, and other science/math based classes.
Working Conditions
Most of the forensic analyst's time will be spent inside a laboratory conducting tests on key pieces of evidence. Sometimes a forensic analyst will also visit crime scenes in order to collect and secure evidence. Handling bodily fluids such, as blood, are part of the job as well so safety procedures must be carefully followed in order to avoid injury, infections, and contamination of the evidence. The schedule of a forensic analyst will vary depending on the requirement of work and effort needed in criminal investigations. During high profile cases, a forensic analyst can expect to put in long hours.
Most of the forensic analyst's time will be spent inside a laboratory conducting tests on key pieces of evidence. Sometimes a forensic analyst will also visit crime scenes in order to collect and secure evidence. Handling bodily fluids such, as blood, are part of the job as well so safety procedures must be carefully followed in order to avoid injury, infections, and contamination of the evidence. The schedule of a forensic analyst will vary depending on the requirement of work and effort needed in criminal investigations. During high profile cases, a forensic analyst can expect to put in long hours.
Salary and Job Prospects
In Canada, the salary of a forensic scientist generally ranges from $39,000 to $66,000 Canadian, which is well above the average Canadian salary of $22,000. If you are willing to work outside of Canada, salaries may be higher. A forensic scientist in the United States, for example, can make upwards of $100,000 US
Forensic analyst's jobs are fiercely competitive and in order to obtain a job in the field it will be important to land an internship early in your education. It will also be important to consider education beyond a bachelor's degree, as many jobs within the field will require continuing education throughout your career. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that students try to get a masters before entering the working field.
In Canada, the salary of a forensic scientist generally ranges from $39,000 to $66,000 Canadian, which is well above the average Canadian salary of $22,000. If you are willing to work outside of Canada, salaries may be higher. A forensic scientist in the United States, for example, can make upwards of $100,000 US
Forensic analyst's jobs are fiercely competitive and in order to obtain a job in the field it will be important to land an internship early in your education. It will also be important to consider education beyond a bachelor's degree, as many jobs within the field will require continuing education throughout your career. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that students try to get a masters before entering the working field.
References
ForensicAnalyst.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.forensicanalyst.org/
Richardson. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.edu.pe.ca/kish/grassroots/chem/forsci.htm
Richardson. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.edu.pe.ca/kish/grassroots/chem/forsci.htm