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 and in many cases preferred, especially if there is some forensic science in it. It is recommended that you research the area of the country where you want to live/work to find out if you are required to be a police officer or if you are able to do this work as a civilian.

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. A degree in computer science, or at least a very strong background in it, is required to work in this area.