Were you recently thumbing through your college catalog in search of a degree program that appropriately fits your needs and your goals? Did you come across a degree program in forensic science and you were more than a little intrigued? Are you now trying to do some research so that you will actually know what this occupation entails? If you answered each of these career-related questions then you are headed in a great direction. Keep reading below so that you can learn all that you need to know about becoming a forensic science technician.
In your capacity as a forensic science technician you will spend the majority of your time working with criminal investigations. It will be your responsibility to collect evidence, to identify the evidence and how it relates to the scene or the case, to classify, and to analyze the evidence accurately and appropriately. It is important to keep in mind that in this position you will likely only have one chance to correctly handle or process the evidence that is discovered. Therefore, it will be crucial that you know how to present yourself in a professional manner, that you know the correct methods to use in the appropriate situations, and that you make the most of the evidentiary situation that you are given. After all, the work you perform as a forensic science technician will likely directly reflect whether a criminal investigation ends in a conviction. Find the perfect forensic science degree from a top school to get started on your training.
In addition, you may also be expected to perform diagnostic testing on substances (such as hairs, fibers, or tissues) that are collected or on weapons that are suspected of being involved in a criminal act. Once you have gained a significant amount of experience in the field of forensic science you may be asked to testify as a specialist or as an expert witness within court proceedings. While it is not a requirement, many individuals who work in this field become an expert of sorts in one particular area. For instance, you could choose to specialize in ballistics, handwriting, biochemistry, or fingerprinting. Keep in mind; it will likely take you working for many years before you determine an area of specialty that appropriately suits your strengths and abilities.
Although the majority of your job will allow you to work in a hands-on manner, you should also be aware that you will have your fair share of paperwork and reports to complete on a regular basis. For instance, for every action that you perform in relation to a crime scene you will likely need to fill out a report that details exactly what you did and under what circumstances. It is important to note that this industry experiences changes and growth quite frequently. Therefore, to be successful in this field you will need to commit to being a continued learner. After all, as advancements, new techniques, and new tools are introduced in this industry it will be important that you know how to accurately use each of them.
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