Forensic science can be defined as the application of scientific methods and principles to solve crimes and other types of legal problems. In most criminal cases, a forensic scientist is often involved in finding and examining many types of physical evidence that can help establish a link between a crime suspect and the crime scene or victim. Forensic analysis is now a more popular topic since various television shows became successful, such as Crime Scene Investigation (CSI).
However, very few people realize that being a CSI or forensic professional can be a very good career alternative. Many reasons can be adduced that make forensic science one of the hottest career prospects today. Reasons range from the job market, wages, benefits to availability of training and more.
The availability of jobs for someone looking to be a forensic professional used to be very small for a long time until about five years ago, when many technological and scientific advances began to unfold and provided new types of tools that substantially improved the efficiency of the police. . and security forces in solving crimes and other problems. As a consequence, most law enforcement agencies and other institutions have greatly expanded their resources and facilities to increase their ability to employ forensic science techniques and methodologies.
Although police departments alone employ (and continue to hire) thousands of people from various areas of forensic work and with different educational backgrounds, the police are not the only alternative for those looking for a job related to forensic science or forensic science. criminal justice. Many other institutions are increasingly using forensic science methods and concepts for various purposes, so the job market for forensic science is bigger than ever. Companies that develop, improve, and produce tools, reagents, kits, and devices to be used in forensic investigations are also a good part of the available job market. The size of the labor market and the associated opportunities are greatly increased if one considers working abroad. In addition to the United States, countries like Great Britain and Australia are also part of this trend.
Being a discipline that relies heavily on technology, working in forensic science requires the acquisition of certain skills. This means that someone who wants to work in forensics needs at least some form of higher education. The type of degree and the length of the program vary greatly and depend on the type of work one is interested in doing. Some positions require higher degrees, such as a Ph.D. or Master’s, but many more positions can be taken after a short one- or two-year course earned at smaller private academies.
But these requirements aren’t much of an obstacle to clear when you consider the many benefits of working for a forensic department. Positions with police agencies and other law enforcement institutions are often accompanied by substantial benefits and competitive salaries and, best of all, good prospects for stability and career growth along with an aura of social approval typically associated with the job. public service of public order. These and many other reasons make forensic science one of the best career alternatives available today.
