“Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him” (Newton). This quote summarizes what the branch of forensic science does, collecting evidence and solving who committed the crime. A crime scene investigator and a forensic scientist are common jobs in the forensic science field (Franklin, “Crime Scene Investigation vs. Forensic Science”). Although both crime scene investigators and forensic scientists act when someone commits a crime, many differences and some similarities exist between the two careers. A forensic scientist and a crime scene investigator differ greatly in the work that they do. A forensic scientist determines cause of death, examines of injuries due …show more content…
Forensic scientist need a bachelor’s degree in a natural science such as: biology, chemistry, or a forensic science degree and take classes such as: Criminal Procedure and Evidence, Fingerprint Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, Crime Victim Studies, Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedures, and Theories of Crime Causation (Rhee). Most jobs as a forensic science require a four-year degree but not all do, some positions allow an associate’s degree but these positions are not usually in contact with the actual evidence and lab work (“Forensic Science Technicians.” O*NET). Similarly, crime scene investigators also require a four-year degree for most jobs and take many of the similar classes. A degree in a natural science is recommend for this job. However, on could chose to go to a police academy instead of a college (Franklin, “How to Become”). Another difference is more on the job training is needed as a crime scene investigator (“Criminal Investigators). Forensic scientist and crime scene investigators both require basic science knowledge, and a four-year degree in a natural science is recommend for both. Even though their education does have some variation, becoming either is roughly the …show more content…
Forensic scientists work a typical 40-hour work week and most of the time inside (“Forensic Science Technicians.” Occupational). They work in places such as laboratories, in a court room, and occasionally at a crime scene (“Careers In...”) The annual pay for a forensic scientist is $57,000 and the job growth is higher than average (“Forensic Science Technicians.” O*NET). Crime scene investigators also work 40-hour work weeks but they can also work overtime and on holidays. Forensic scientists do not usually have to work a lot of overtime. The annual pay for a crime scene investigator differs a little from that of a forensic scientist. Crime scene investigators make $78,000 a year and their job growth is little or none. The work environment, pay, and job outlook show another way that these two jobs
...or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes. You need a high school diploma or equivalent and the annual pay is $56,980. Private detectives and investigators find facts and analyze information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer many services, including verifying people’s backgrounds, finding missing persons, and investigating computer crimes. You need a high school diploma or equivalent for this one also, and the annual pay is $45, 740. These jobs are related to a forensic science technician because they all have to do with investigating or helping with a crime scene.
Although all crime scene investigator teams investigate the same case, their job and salary typically varies (Florida Tech University Online). There are four different branches on some...
Society may not think that it takes much energy to become a forensic scientist or to work in the forensic field, but it actually does. In fact, there are many different types of degrees that must be acquired. In fact the “World of Forensic Science” article notes several degrees that are required including the ones many people interested in pursuing forensics go after. “This would include a Master’s degree and a Doctoral degree (Lerner 1)”. “Although a degree is often required, there are currently no mandatory requirements for specific licensure in forensics (Lerner 1)”. Also, according to Michelle Lee Ribeiro some departments in which someone m...
Crime scene investigators have a very important role when it comes to catching criminals and putting them away for a crime they committed. They are also called Forensic Science Technicians. The main role for a crime scene investigator is to investigate crimes and to collect evidence. Most types of evidence being hair, tissue, and fluids like blood or saliva. Basically, they provide evidence that shows information to help either acquit or convict a person of a crime (Crime 1).
In order to become a forensic pathologist, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree, a medical degree, then finally
A crime scene investigator is the individual who arrives at a crime scene and not only searches and preserves evidence located on the crime scene, but also sends off evidence that may assist in determining the identity of victims and murders to the appropriate personnel. This individual implements several of methods in order to gather the appropriate evidence. Some of the ways that they gather the evidence is by lifting fingerprints, gathering blood, gathering saliva, gathering any hand written documents, taking photos of tattoos, gathering teeth, gathering hair and so much more. These individuals truly play a huge role in the discovery of the individual’s identity. Although crime scene investigators carry an important role in gathering data it is also important to look at what methods are used and how they can lead to the discovery of a deceased individual’s
The overall goal of a forensic scientist is to determine the facts using all the available resources they were given. They give their expert opinion to the attorneys, judge, and jury, and depending on how well prepared they are, can sway the jury to either a guilty or innocent verdict (Thinkquest 2014). In general, a forensic expert must keep impeccable records of all that has b...
Since the inception of history, forensic science has been fully perused. The development of understanding of science and how it can apply to legal matters has been a necessary force in society and the interest of the criminal justice field. Since the 1950s, the fascinating marriage of science with criminal justice has led to amazing developments in the handling of the age-old burden of crime.
Forensic scientists apply the studies of science to areas of crime and law enforcement. They are essential in the solving of all crimes for without them there would be no way to study and use evidence. To become a forensic scientist one must go through intense training and education as well as the basic education needed for any career. There are many different areas of forensic sciences including odontology, anthropology, and toxicology. Math is a crucial aspect of any forensic science. Forensic scientist Detective Sergeant Schiele, from the Concord Police Department says “never stop learning.”
Imagine pulling into your driveway and seeing your neighbor’s house surrounded by police, flashing lights, and caution tape with bodies covered in white sheet on the lawn. It was a drive by shooting. Next, a van pulls up and a Criminal Investigator steps out and starts assessing the crime scene. She begins taking photos, marking shell casings, packaging evidence, documenting tire treads on the pavement and inspecting and collecting DNA evidence from the bodies. Criminal Investigators are highly trained college graduates that are a vital part of bringing criminals to justice.
Forensic scientists work in labs where they examine, identify, and interpret evidence collected in crime scenes. Crime scene investigators collect evidence and pass it to a forensic scientist who uses the items in numerous ways to help catch criminals. Forensic scientists must also record the evidence and any tests ran on it in detail to prove the truth in court. A forensic scientist also has to be able to present his or her physical evidence verbally in court, so a strong communication background is important.
Forensic science is a wonderful career choice for people who enjoy working in the legal justice system and fancy Lab-like work. A forensic scientist is a vital part of the justice and regulatory system. There are many different and exciting schooling options available to those who wish to commence in a career in forensic science. The median wages of a forensic scientist are $55,070 a year. There will be more job opportunities in the future relative to forensic science. There are many benefits as well as some draw backs in the career. Forensic science is an important and unique career to pursue.
As far back as 1832, James Marsh was the first to use forensics at trial to give evidence as a chemist in 1832. Since that time forensic science and evidence has come a long way in various ways and technology to help in determine if the suspect is guilt or not, through such things as DNA testing, blood, and fingerprints. The first forensic police crime lab was created in 1910. The contributions of Dr. Edmond Locard, a French scientist and criminologist, proposed that “everything leaves a trace”. This principle is still valid today as it was so many years ago. No matter how small, the specialized trained technicians and investigators can take these methods and go to a crime scene to get evidence. “Forensic science is the application of sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering to matters of law.” (Office of Justice, 2017) These different sciences can help achieve and assist in solving a case. Forensic science has also the ability to prove that a crime was committed, it can find the elements of the crime, it can help place the suspect at the scene and whether the suspect had any contact with the victim. However, in the last several years the techniques and with the use of technology the evidence that forensic science uncovers can also exonerate an innocent individual who has been falsely accused of the
Forensic science includes all types of different science such as: physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering to matter of law. A forensic scientist is a specialist in a field of science who applies their knowledge to the purposes of law. The job as a Forensic Scientist not only has many details and facts you have to remember but you also need items of evidence that are relevant in order to examine the scene correctly.
“The word ‘forensics’ means “connected with the courtroom”; so forensic science is, therefore, concerned with gathering hard evidence that can be presented in a trial” (Innes 9). Forensic science is a science that is applied specifically to legal matters, whether criminal or civil. “Few areas in the realm of science are as widespread and important as forensic science” (Hunter 12). Forensics is the one science that is most commonly used in everyday life. It is also a branch of science that incorporates other branches of science such as biology, chemistry, and etc. Since it is used almost every day “No one can dispute the importance of the contributions to society made by forensic science; the ability to solve crime is undeniably important” (Hunter 13). Forensic science has given criminal investigation a new edge. “Advances in science have opened the door for more effective evidence discovery, howev...