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UF Forensic Science-by Apollidon-

Salary, Career, Degree: 10 Things to Know About Forensic Scientist

Do you enjoy watching crime shows? Do you find forensic scientists’ work to be fascinating? The intriguing subject of forensic science uses scientific techniques to investigate crimes and gather data that can be utilized in court. Forensic scientists are essential in helping to solve crimes and bring justice to victims and their families by performing tasks like DNA analysis and fingerprint identification. These are ten topics you should be aware of if you’re thinking about a career in forensic science or are simply interested in the subject.

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What exactly is forensic science?

As defined by the legal requirements of admissible evidence and criminal procedure, forensic science, also known as criminalistics, applies science to criminal and civil laws, mainly focusing on the criminal side during criminal inquiry. A wide range of techniques are used in forensic science, including DNA analysis, fingerprint analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, firearms examination and ballistics, tool mark analysis, toxicology, hair and fiber analysis, entomology, questioned documents, anthropology, odontology, pathology, epidemiology, footwear and tire tread analysis, drug chemistry, paint and glass analysis, and digital audio, video, and photo analysis.

10 Things to Know About Forensic Scientist

1. Forensic science is a highly specialized field that calls for advanced education and training

People graduating by Emily Ranquist-

You often require a degree in a scientific-based field, such as chemistry, biology, life sciences, applied sciences, or medical sciences, to gain a position in forensic science. A postgraduate degree in forensic science might also be required. Make sure the course you’re interested in is accredited by visiting the website of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. An additional choice is to begin working as a forensics lab support assistant. You will require A-levels, a BTEC, or an HND in science for that position. You will need at least four excellent GSCEs, including English and either science or math, plus at least one A-level or equivalent in a science topic to work as an assistant forensic scientist.

2. Forensic scientists have a wide range of career options

Forensic scientists have a wide range of career options, including working for government organizations like the FBI, regional police forces, medical examiner offices, or commercial laboratories.

The following positions are directly related to your degree;

• Analytical chemist
• Biomedical scientist
• Crime scene investigator
• Toxicologist
• Forensic scientist
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Detective

Your degree will be relevant for the following jobs;

• Border Force officer
• Forensic computer analyst
• Further education teacher
• Higher education lecturer
• Police officer
• Science writer
• Secondary school teacher

3. What do Forensic Scientists do?

Investigator in the crime scene by cottonbro studio-

In order to associate or disassociate suspects with victims or crime scenes, forensic scientists spend the majority of their time in laboratories looking for evidence of materials including blood, hair, textile fibers, paint, glass, explosives, and narcotics. Additional duties and obligations in forensics can be;

•  Collecting evidence from crime scenes
•  Writing reports
• Gathering evidence
• Confirming the veracity of documents
• Testing fluid and tissue samples for the presence of drugs or poisons
• Analyzing tools and tire marks
• Testifying in court
• Retrieving data from electronic devices like laptops, computers, and mobile phones
• Using suitable analytical techniques like chromatography, electron microscopy, and DSC

4. Forensic scientist salary

Based on 71 salaries, an entry-level forensic scientist with less than 1 year of experience can expect to make an average total compensation of $49,657 (tips, bonus, and overtime pay included). Based on 99 salaries, an entry-level forensic scientist with 1-4 years of experience receives an average annual salary of $55,484. With 47 salaries for a mid-career Forensic Scientist with 5 to 9 years of experience, the average total income is $62,754. Based on 46 salaries, an experienced forensic scientist makes an average total salary of $68,771 each year. Employees’ average annual total compensation in their late careers (20 years and up) is $67,211.

The level of schooling you have and the position you choose to pursue will all affect your salary in forensic science. Here is an explanation of some typical forensic science wage ranges;

Position                                                               Salary

Forensic Medical Examiner                     $200,000

Forensic Engineer                                         $83,580

Forensic Psychologists                               $72,580

Forensic Nurse                                                $71,000

Forensic Accountant                                    $67,190

Forensic Archaeologists                             $61,220

Crime Scene Investigator                          $56,320

Forensic Science Technician                    $56,320

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5. Excellent analytical abilities are required of forensic scientists

Skills text on a black background by Anna Tarazevich-

Check specific employment requirements before applying, regardless of whether you have a degree in forensic science or general science, as not all science-based topics guarantee access to the industry. While forensic laboratories do not give placements, gaining experience utilizing comparable scientific and analytical procedures can be helpful because it can be challenging to obtain relevant experience.

Key skills for forensic scientists

• A logical and independent mind
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Objectivity and sensitivity when dealing with confidential information
• Ability to work under pressure and to a deadline
• Concentration and patience
• Ability to deal with stressful and emotional situations
• Confidence in your own judgment

6. Working as a forensic scientist may need expert witness testimony in court

With their testimony as experts, forensic scientists contribute significantly to criminal proceedings. In addition to testifying about the findings, expert witnesses offer comments based on the findings of the study of the evidence gathered from the crime scene.

7. A forensic scientist’s work involves many ethical considerations

Ethics by rdaconnect-

Because forensic scientists are so important to the criminal justice system, ethics are a key part of forensic science practice. The lives of people, including suspects, victims, and their families, may be significantly impacted by their results. As a result, it is crucial for forensic scientists to uphold the highest ethical standards in their work. Objectivity is a crucial ethical factor in forensic science. Forensic scientists must maintain objectivity and abstain from any prejudices that can skew their conclusions.

Another crucial ethical factor in forensic science is accuracy. The accuracy and dependability of forensic scientists’ procedures and findings must be carefully considered. The duty of forensic scientists to accurately and concisely report their findings is another ethical consideration. The code of ethics established by their professional associations as well as privacy and confidentiality regulations must also be followed by forensic scientists. They must act in the public’s and justice’s best interests while upholding the highest levels of professionalism and honesty in their employment.

8. The discipline of forensic science is constantly developing

The importance of forensic science increased with the start of the 17th century as a result of other scientific advances. Methods like comparing footprints and clothes fibers from a suspect to evidence started becoming more and more prevalent. Criminal investigations began to gradually center more on logical, evidence-based methods. The method of fingerprint analysis was developed in 1880. Newer forensic methods for evaluating evidence saw a rise in development at the beginning of the 20th century. This made law enforcement organizations aware of the need for specialized forensic investigator teams for the collection and processing of evidence.

9. Why pursue a forensic career?

Scientist working at a laboratory by Tima Miroshnichenko-

Forensic science is the ideal program for you if you’ve ever wanted to use science to assist solve crimes and other puzzles. Forensic scientists examine the evidence at crime sites alongside detectives to construct likely models that aid in prosecuting offenders. 

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10. Forensic scientists can choose to specialize in a wide range of fields

Depending on their education, work history, and personal interests, forensic scientists might focus on a variety of different fields. Here are some examples;

i. DNA analysis -To identify suspects or victims of a crime, forensic experts who specialize in DNA analysis analyze biological evidence like blood, semen, or hair. They extract and analyze DNA samples using methods including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis.

ii. Firearms -To identify the type of firearm used, the direction of the shot, and other data pertinent to a crime, forensic scientists who specialize in firearms examine bullets, shell casings, and other firearms-related evidence.

iii. Toxicology -The effects of drugs, poisons, and other compounds on the body are studied by forensic toxicologists. To detect the presence and concentration of drugs or other harmful compounds, they test biological samples like blood or urine.

iv. Digital forensics -To recover and analyze data related to a crime, forensic scientists with expertise in digital forensics examine electronic devices including computers, smartphones, and tablets. To obtain information, they could look through social media accounts, email archives, or other digital evidence.

Document analysis, trace evidence analysis, arson investigation, and bloodstain pattern analysis are some further areas of specialization for forensic scientists.