Crime Scene Investigation
Crime scene investigators or technicians are people who are
trained to secure crime scenes and then search for, collect
and preserve physical evidence. This evidence is then shipped
to a crime laboratory where forensic scientists perform examinations
on the evidence. Crime scene technicians seldom do any analysis
or processing of evidence, although some are trained in blood
spatter analysis or fingerprint processing, etc.
Historically, crime scene investigators have been sworn police
officers, but the present trend is toward "civilianizing"
this unit - hiring and training non-police personnel. To prepare
for a career in crime scene technology, a science background
would be helpful, especially if there is some forensic science
in it. Beyond that, you should pursue a college degree that
is suitable for becoming a police officer. Law enforcement
and criminal justice are examples of majors that would be
helpful here.
Forensic Anthropology
A forensic anthropologist is one who is educated in physical
anthropology (particularly skeletal biology), archaeology,
anatomy and allied sciences, usually with a Ph.D. There are
few people who make a living solely as a forensic anthropologist.
Instead, most are connected with universities and lend their
talents to police agencies, prosecutors, defense attorneys
or courts. Other forensic anthropologists work with state,
regional or national government agencies and may be involved
in the identification of victims of mass disasters or international
war crimes. There is a certification process for the forensic
anthropologist.
Forensic Entomology
A forensic entomologist has extensive education and training
in entomology, usually with a Ph.D. Almost no one makes a
living in the United States solely with forensic entomology
work. Instead, most are connected with a university and lend
their talents to police agencies, prosecutors, defense attorneys, or courts.
Forensic Pathology
A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor whose job is to
determine the cause and/or manner of death in cases of suspicious
death. They are sometimes referred to as medical examiners
or coroners, depending on the state. A forensic pathologist
has a college degree, followed by a medical degree, and a
3-4 year residency in pathology. There are also some additional
residencies in forensic pathology that can lead to certification
as a forensic pathologist.
Computer Forensics
One of the fastest growing areas of forensic science is the
area of computer forensics. This involves a number of areas.
A criminal may use a computer to steal information or hack
into computer systems and steal money or may deal in pornography
using a computer. A drug enterprise may keep its files on
a computer. Criminal conspiracies may be carried out over
computer networks. All of these are part of computer forensics.
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