The Job and What it Involves
Forensic science is the application of science to the law. Forensic scientists are often involved in criminal cases, searching for an examination of physical traces which might establish or exclude an association between someone suspected of committing a crime and the scene of the crime or victim. For example, blood and other body fluids, hairs, textile fibres from clothing etc, materials used in buildings such as paint and glass, footwear, tool and tyre marks, flammable substances used to start fires.
The forensic scientist could also be called to the crime scene itself to advise on likely sequence of events, who the perpetrator might be, and join in the initial search for evidence. Another role is to analyse suspected drugs of abuse, specimens from people thought to have taken them or to have been driving after drinking too much alcohol, or to have been poisoned. Others specialise in firearms, explosives, or documents whose authenticity is questioned.
The Main Areas of Work
In addition to attending and examining crime scenes, forensic scientists develop new techniques; offer expert advice; writing detailed reports for court.
Forensic scientists can appear for prosecution or defence in criminal matters, and plaintiff or defendant in civil ones. They tend to present their findings and opinions in written form either as formal statements of evidence or reports. Sometimes they are required to attend court to give their evidence in person.
Qualities Required
You should have a thorough understanding of science and problem solving; you must have good written and verbal communication skills to explain what you have found whilst being attentive to detail. Crime scenes can be distressing, so a calm personality and ability to handle stress is key.
Route to Success
Forensic scientists in the UK are mostly are employed by the Forensic Science Service (in England and Wales), by specific police forces (in Scotland), and by regional government (in Northern Ireland), and by private companies which also specialise in providing primary forensic science services to the police such as the Laboratory of the Government Chemist.
Qualifications
To become an assistant forensic scientist or equivalent or a technical specialist, you are likely to need at least four good passes at GCSE including English and either science (Biology/Chemistry) or Maths, and at least one A level in a science subject.
To become a case-reporting forensic scientist and/or a forensic science researcher, you will usually require at least a good first degree in Biology, Chemistry or related subject, followed up, in many cases, by a postgraduate/MSc qualification in forensic science or direct employment.
Training
Training to become a forensic scientist involves academic courses and on-the-job training – usually with one of the main suppliers of primary services to police.
On-the-job training generally includes a combination of specialist in-house courses and practical casework – all forming part of a professional apprenticeship.
Forensic scientists could move on to become self-employed consultants or lecturers at university.
Salary
The salary varies depending on your experience and length of stay, a junior would earn around £12, 900 and reach £50, 000 plus for the head of department.
Star Players
Dr Angela Gallop is the director of Science and Innovation at LGC Forensics. She has been a practising forensic scientist for over 34 years. Originally with the Home Office Forensic Science Service, in 1986 she set up the private forensic science consultancy, Forensic Access. In 1997, she co-founded Forensic Alliance – the first independent provider of comprehensive forensic science services to police and other investigators. Angela has contributed to the deliberations of various Parliamentary committees and she has written extensively on forensic science and its place in the Criminal Justice System. She is a Past President of the Forensic Science Society and a member of the Governing Council of the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners.
Hilary Parkinson is a forensic scientist based in Yorkshire, she has had to work on a number of well known cases, one regarding 10 year old Sarah Moslin who was horrifically raped and murdered in Leeds, she has also testified against Michael Sharp, 25, and Ryan Hill, 29 who were accused of murdering Businessman Mr Ward in Leeds, she explained the blood stained clothes she found and the evidence the murderer left behind in Ward’s house. Parkinson is a star player as she plays a significant role in taking criminals off the streets, trying to make the world a better place by identifying DNA left over at crime scenes to put these people behind bars.
More Information
Forensic Science Service (FSS), www.forensic.gov.uk
LGC Forensics, www.lgcforensics.com
Orchid Cellmark, www.orchidcellmark.co.uk
New Scientist, www.newscientist.com
SRG Labstaff, www.srg.co.uk
Prospects Graduate, www.prospects.ac.uk/links/graduate
Prospects Finalist, www.prospects.ac.uk/links/finalist
Reed, www.reed.co.uk
Tip: Look up your local police force websites
Tags: forensic scientist, job profile, Women in Science Engineering and Technology
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July 10th, 2010 at 6:05 amA peek in the life of … a real-life CSI scientist « FMWF says:
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