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What are the negative aspects of this job?

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What are the negative aspects of this job?

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info can be wrong, people with put a target on your back if you present evidence

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Forensic science is a cornerstone of today's television programs. The public has become more familiar with what these scientists do and how they complete their jobs. There is little doubt as to the positive aspects forensic science services provide. However, the application of forensic science causes controversy regarding the handling of the information and privacy concerns.

The use of DNA evidence has resulted in overturning the sentences of 250 jury-convicted individuals in the United States, according the to Justice Project. Forensic science techniques and technology has rapidly advanced. These 250 individuals had been wrongly convicted of crimes they did not commit. The use of forensic science, specifically DNA testing, has helped earn many of these individuals freedom.

Forensic science is used to help identify victims of crimes and victims of disasters. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process can make millions of copies of DNA from just a few skin cells. These DNA techniques can help tie criminals to a crime and victim. DNA is also used in disaster situations where bodies may not be able to be identified by other means. This allows the remains to go back to the rightful families and gives those families closure.

Forensic science laboratories may not be run in the same manner. Cases involving unqualified practitioners, lax standards and the absence of quality control standards have plagued different laboratories within the United States. According to Senior Circuit Judge Harry T. Edwards, in an audit of the Detroit police lab 10 percent of 200 random cases were determined to have sub-par quality control and shocking levels of incompetence. These inconsistent practices can lead to entire cases being thrown out, allowing the guilty to go free or to create erroneous data, which may convict the innocent.

The CODIS system holds DNA evidence from all convicted criminals and DNA evidence collected from crime scenes. DNA collected from crime scenes may contain DNA from innocent individuals who happened to be in the same location. Sensitive DNA information such as genetic diseases may be seen by police, forensic scientists and other individuals allowed to access the system, which is a breach of privacy. The CODIS system could possibly be compromised, allowing this sensitive information to be leaked.

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Forensic science is a cornerstone of today's television programs. The public has become more familiar with what these scientists do and how they complete their jobs. There is little doubt as to the positive aspects forensic science services provide. However, the application of forensic science causes controversy regarding the handling of the information and privacy concerns.

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What are the positive aspects of this job?

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What are the positive aspects of this job?

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Exonerating the Innocent
Identifying Individuals

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Forensic science is a cornerstone of today's television programs. The public has become more familiar with what these scientists do and how they complete their jobs. There is little doubt as to the positive aspects forensic science services provide. However, the application of forensic science causes controversy regarding the handling of the information and privacy concerns.

The use of DNA evidence has resulted in overturning the sentences of 250 jury-convicted individuals in the United States, according the to Justice Project. Forensic science techniques and technology has rapidly advanced. These 250 individuals had been wrongly convicted of crimes they did not commit. The use of forensic science, specifically DNA testing, has helped earn many of these individuals freedom.

Forensic science is used to help identify victims of crimes and victims of disasters. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process can make millions of copies of DNA from just a few skin cells. These DNA techniques can help tie criminals to a crime and victim. DNA is also used in disaster situations where bodies may not be able to be identified by other means. This allows the remains to go back to the rightful families and gives those families closure.

Forensic science laboratories may not be run in the same manner. Cases involving unqualified practitioners, lax standards and the absence of quality control standards have plagued different laboratories within the United States. According to Senior Circuit Judge Harry T. Edwards, in an audit of the Detroit police lab 10 percent of 200 random cases were determined to have sub-par quality control and shocking levels of incompetence. These inconsistent practices can lead to entire cases being thrown out, allowing the guilty to go free or to create erroneous data, which may convict the innocent.

The CODIS system holds DNA evidence from all convicted criminals and DNA evidence collected from crime scenes. DNA collected from crime scenes may contain DNA from innocent individuals who happened to be in the same location. Sensitive DNA information such as genetic diseases may be seen by police, forensic scientists and other individuals allowed to access the system, which is a breach of privacy. The CODIS system could possibly be compromised, allowing this sensitive information to be leaked.

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Forensic science is a cornerstone of today's television programs. The public has become more familiar with what these scientists do and how they complete their jobs. There is little doubt as to the positive aspects forensic science services provide. However, the application of forensic science causes controversy regarding the handling of the information and privacy concerns.

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 What computer or technological skills do you need for this?

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 What computer or technological skills do you need for this?

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Forensic science technicians must be skilled in using laboratory equipment. For example, they use microscopes to examine evidence such as hair, fibers and bullets. They use lab equipment to extract DNA from blood collected at the scene. In addition, technicians must be skilled at using computers to input data and to use databases to compare DNA, fingerprints and ballistics data.

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Forensic science technicians must know how to handle evidence.

Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images

Forensic science technicians assist in investigating crimes by working at the crimes scene to identify and collect evidence. Then, they help to analyze the evidence in the laboratory. They use this evidence to determine what happened at a crime scene and communicate this information to detectives, investigators and attorneys so that they can complete the investigation, make arrests and prosecute criminals. In addition to scientific knowledge, technicians utilize a variety of skills to conduct thorough investigations.

Legal Process

Forensic science technicians must have a complete understanding of the role of forensic science within the law. Forensic science is a key component in prosecuting many crimes, so technicians must know how to collect evidence properly so it is not contaminated. They must also understand their state's regulations for transferring evidence so that all of the paperwork is handled properly when giving processed evidence to the police detectives or attorneys.

Processing Crime Scenes

Forensic science technicians must be meticulous when collecting evidence and documenting a crime scene. Technicians must identify and document each piece of evidence and its specific location at the crime scene. They take photographs and make sketches of the crime scene. In addition, they must look for less-obvious evidence such as finger prints, bodily fluids and bullets and shell casings that may be lodged in a wall or hidden under furniture. Technicians must pay close attention to detail and maintain their composure, even when confronted with difficult or gruesome crime scenes.

Laboratory Equipment

Forensic science technicians must be skilled in using laboratory equipment. For example, they use microscopes to examine evidence such as hair, fibers and bullets. They use lab equipment to extract DNA from blood collected at the scene. In addition, technicians must be skilled at using computers to input data and to use databases to compare DNA, fingerprints and ballistics data.

Critical Thinking

Forensic science technicians walk away from a crime scene with many pieces of evidence that may include photographs of blood splatter, fingerprints, footprints, blood samples and shell casings. At the lab, technicians not only analyze each piece of evidence individually, they must then put all of that data together to form a picture of what happened at the crime scene. They answer questions such as where the attacker was standing relative to the victim and how the criminal entered the building.

Communication

Forensic science technicians must be able to communicate clearly. During the course of an investigation, they may need to consult with experts in other fields. For example, if a poison is found in a blood sample, they may need to consult with a toxicologist to determine how that poison would have affected the victim. In addition, they must clearly explain their findings to detectives or investigators. In some cases, they may appear as witnesses at a trial and must explain to a judge and jury how evidence was collected and processed and what the evidence shows about the crime.

2016 Salary Information for Forensic Science Technicians

Forensic science technicians earned a median annual salary of $56,750 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, forensic science technicians earned a 25th percentile salary of $42,710, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $74,220, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 15,400 people were employed in the U.S. as forensic science technicians.

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Skills Needed to Be a Forensic Science Technician

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Forensic science technicians assist in investigating crimes by working at the crimes scene to identify and collect evidence. Then, they help to analyze the evidence in the laboratory. They use this evidence to determine what happened at a crime scene and communicate this information to detectives, investigators and ...

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What are the best colleges that will help you prepare for this job?

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What are the best colleges that will help you prepare for this job?

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Pennsylvania State University, Syracuse University,The University of California  and   Boston University's School of Medicine.

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Forensic science programs are offered at many top schools in the country, including Boston University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of California, and Syracuse University. Programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Forensic science programs teach aspiring professionals how to use specialized equipment and laboratory tests to analyze evidence, a vital part of any criminal investigation.

The programs at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Boston University, and the University of California at Davis, three of the schools we'll profile below, have been approved by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Pennsylvania State is the only one of the four schools listed to below to offer an undergraduate program in forensic science. All four of the schools offer master's degree programs in the same field of study. Each profiled school earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report's 2017 rankings.

In 2017, Pennsylvania State University was ranked tied as the nation's 50th best college by U.S. News & World Report. Through the Eberly College of Science, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forensic Science with a focus in biology or chemistry. Penn State also offers a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Forensic Science. Students can participate in on-campus organizations, including the Penn State Forensic Science Club.

Listed at #44 on the 2017 U.S. News & World Report ranking of best value schools, Syracuse University tied as the 60th best national university. Syracuse University features degrees in many fields of science, including forensic science. Syracuse's forensic and national security sciences department offers a number of master's degrees, including a Master of Science (M.S.) in Forensic Science and a combined M.S./Juris Doctor (J.D.) in Forensic Science and Law. Although Syracuse doesn't offer a major in forensic science at the undergraduate level, students can still explore this field as a minor or an Integrated Learning Major. The latter requires 25 to 26 credits to complete, in addition to a major in chemistry, sociology, or another related area. Students can take part in internships offered by various organizations, including the FBI, New York State Police, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The University of California - Davis (UC Davis) was tied as the #10 public university by U.S. News & World Report in 2017. The forensic science faculty at UC Davis consists of engineers, psychologists, scientists, and doctors, as well as faculty who work with the California Criminalistics Institute. At UC Davis, students can pursue an M.S. in Forensic Science with a specialization in criminalistics or DNA analysis. Students take classes in forensic science instruments and methods, identification and DNA typing, arson inspection, courtroom testimony, and forensic science research methods.

School highlight: an M.S. in Biomedical Forensic Sciences is offered at Boston University's School of Medicine Graduate Medical Sciences. Boston University was ranked tied as the nation's 39th best college by U.S. News & World Report. Forensic science courses are taught by faculty who are active in case work. Students engage in research and lab work. Students must pass a general competency exam to graduate.

Other top schools with forensic science programs include the following:

Forensic science students looking for programs at some of the nation's top schools can consider options that include concentrations, internship opportunities, and student organizations.

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Top Forensic Science Colleges in the U.S.

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Forensic science programs are offered at many top schools in the country, including Boston University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of California, and Syracuse University. Programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Forensic science programs teach aspiring professionals how to use specialized equipment and laboratory tests to analyze evidence, a vital part of any criminal investigation.

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a bachelors degree and a stomach for dead bodies

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Types of Degrees Necessary to Work in Forensic Science

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What forensics major is right for your career? Focus on the sciences and don't overlook the value of elective forensics courses.

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 Where is the best place to live to do this job?

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 Where is the best place to live to do this job?

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most likely Los Angeles

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forensic scientist

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roughly 52,956

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The average salary for a Forensic Scientist is $52,956. Visit PayScale to research forensic scientist salaries by city, experience, skill, employer and more.