Forensic Experts Job Description, Duties & Salary

Exploring This Job

A large community police department may have a crime lab of its own with experts who can give you specific information about their work and the preparation that helped them build their careers. Smaller communities often use the lab facilities of a larger city nearby or the state police. A school counselor or a representative of the local police may be able to help you arrange a tour of these labs. Lectures in forensic science given at universities or police conventions may also be open to students. Web sites offer forums devoted to forensic science and other good sources of information on the daily and professional experiences of people already active in this field. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences offers educational and career information on its Web site, https://www.aafs.org/careers-forensic-science/what-forensic-science.

Attend a forensic science summer camp. Here are a few to check out:

Boston Leadership Institute—Forensics Program: https://www.bostonleadershipinstitute.com/forensics
Georgetown University Forensic Science Academy: https://summer.georgetown.edu/programs/SHS13/forensic-science-academy
West Virginia University Forensic Science Camp: https://nexgenforensics.wvu.edu/courses/forensic-science-summer-camp

Check out the Illustrated Guide to Home Forensic Science Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture to learn more about the field and get some ideas for hands-on exploration.

Visit a forensic science Web site to learn more about the field. Here are a few suggestions:

Forensic: On the Scene and in the Lab: https://www.forensicmag.com
CSI: The Experience—Web Adventures: https://csi.webadventures.games
NOVA—Investigations: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/hotscience/int_inve.html

Participate in forensic science and general science competitions that are offered by SkillsUSA, Technology Student Association, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, and other organizations to test your skills against others, win scholarship funds and other prizes (for some contests), and meet people with shared interests.

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