Forensic Experts Job Description: Career, Education, Job Outlook and Salary Information
Submitted by: Cheska Davenport
Job Overview: Forensic experts are people who use scientific theories and principles to analyze, classify and identify physical evidence related to criminal or suspected criminal cases. They work mostly in laboratories, where they test evidence and record the findings. They may also be found in crime scenes collecting physical facts which can be used for evidence. They are also called to testify as expert witnesses to present their findings in court.
Education, Knowledge and Training Required: The job of a forensic expert is highly specialized, thus one should be knowledgeable about the tenets of forensic science, pathology and different aspects of crime scene and lab work. Persons who wish to apply for the job should have backgrounds in medicine, chemistry, biology, anthropology, anatomy, physiology as well as criminology. Some specialists, particularly those working in toxicology and document examination, may secure a certificate for added credibility.
Skills and Abilities: Forensic experts are expected to have the aptitude for scientific investigation, as well as a logical and inquiring mindset. They should be able to make precise observations and measurements. Working at the crime scene and laboratory may take hours, thus a patient and persistent attitude is important, as well as good, reliable short term and long term memory. Forensic experts should be accurate in their investigations, as their findings usually make or break a trial, case that involves many other lives.
Tasks: The job of a forensic expert tackles on a variety of tasks, the most common of which is using different instruments to see, analyze and observe different items found at the crime scene. They check on drugs, poisons and other substances found in the stomach of the victim, as well as blood samples and other related content. They use instruments such as microscopes, spectroscopes, gas chromatographs, microphotography and other equipment to learn more about fibers, dust, fabric, soil, paint chips, fragments, paper and ink and other items to see their composition and origin, as well as their relevance to the crime. Forensic scientists search for DNA samples in these materials, which they will use to match with the body tissue of the victim.
They gather fingerprints to match that of the victim and the suspect, search for spent bullets or exploded bomb fragments, footprints, tire tracks, study floor plans and the different parts of the crime scene to determine how the crime was done.
Earnings and Job Outlook: The earnings of forensic experts vary. Median salary of people in this field is $25,000, especially those who have entered as research assistants, while those who are already specialized in the said career may earn as much as $50,000 to $100,000 per year. Forensic experts are usually employed by the government as part of criminal and fact finding commissions, while others are found in medical schools and hospitals.
Cheska Davenport is a career search strategist who focuses on creating power resumes and providing job search advice that aim to help individuals achieve their target goals in the job market.
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Word Count: 485 Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2010 Time: 4:38 AM
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