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Joseph Weaver

Mr. Phillips

English 3

30 April 2019

The reliability of Forensic Scientists as a Career and to society

When there is a crime scene, criminal investigations are led out to try and find

how and when this event took place. There is usually evidence left behind to help lock

away the perpetrator. But the right people in the right job have to investigate and find it,

then deliver it to the people who can analyze it. If we didn’t have the police force, the

world would be in chaos. Forensic Scientists are very important to the police force and

society, providing information to detectives, helping close cases and making the world a

more safe and better place.

A Forensic Scientists work environment may vary from day to day. In an

observation from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forensic Scientists may have to work

“outside in all types of weather, spend many hours in laboratories and offices, or do

some kind of combination of both”; But many of the Forensic Scientists work only in

laboratories. Forensic Scientists who work in laboratories usually work a standard

workweek (8 hours a day, monday through friday), but they may be called in for

immediate work on a case. When it comes to pay, Forensic Scientists median annual

wage was $58,230 in May 2018. Although it isn’t the top pay for jobs, it is a reliable job

with reliable pay nonetheless.

As a Forensic Scientist investigates a crime scene, their duties include analyzing

the scene to determine what evidence should be collected, taking photographs of the

crime scene, recording observations and findings, and many other duties. In

laboratories, Forensic Scientists can perform chemical, biological, and microscopic

analyses on evidence taken from different crime scenes, explore possible leads or ideas

on investigations, or consult with experts in other specialized fields. These Forensic

Scientists who work primarily in laboratories may specialize in natural sciences or

engineering to study evidence. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Forensic

Chemists “typically use chemicals” and “laboratory equipment” such as microscopes

when analyzing evidence. Forensic Scientists often use this equipment to match

evidence to people or other known elements.

People who want to work as a forensic scientist will find many different paths that

will lead to that goal. An associates degree is the first step in this long journey, it will

give a taste of what the work is like. Earning a degree in forensic science is a great way

to get started, a bachelors or masters degree will be sufficient enough to get a good

starting point. After that, it is required to partake in on the job training, some bachelor’s

programs offer this opportunity for students. And now it’s time to search for a job. Dr.

Raychelle Burks is a Forensic Scientist formerly working in a crime lab, now teaching

and forensic science research, stated that “Depending on your preference, some roles

are focused entirely in the lab, others are solely with paper and/or digital files, some are

in the field or on scene, and yet others have a combination of these. Consider how and
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where you want to spend your working time.” and it’s important to know where and what

you want to be and study up on your career to get a general idea of what it’s like.

These are the people working behind the scenes for the police force. It isn’t a

very recognized job but, when it is, people usually have a misunderstanding about how

the job usually operates. Being a Forensic Scientist is not what it looks like on the

media, and that’s what that misguides the general audience. Before people make their

decision to become a Forensic Scientist, realize it isn’t what tv shows and movies

portray the job to actually look like. They will need to prepare themselves for the

challenges they are going to have to overcome, and then get to a point where they can

become a Forensic Scientist.

Becoming a Forensic Scientist isn’t going to be easy work, and it can be tough to

get there. But it is the work that we need as citizens of the United States of America for

the police force to protect us and keep us away from danger. And do I agree with the

statement that Forensic Scientists are needed in society? I agree fully with the fact that

they are important. We do need them because without them, the police force would be

lost.
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Works Cited

“American Academy of Forensic Sciences.” ​American Academy of Forensic Sciences | A

Professional Society Dedicated to the Application of Science to the Law​, 5/2/2019

www.aafs.org/home-page/students/choosing-a-career/​.

“Forensic Science Technicians : Occupational Outlook Handbook:” ​U.S. Bureau of Labor

Statistics​, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5/2/2019

www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm#tab-2​.

Writers, Staff. “Guide to Forensic Science Careers.” ​LearnHowToBecome.org​,

LearnHowToBecome.org, 21 Apr. 2019, 5/2/2019

www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/forensic-science-careers/​.

“How to Become a Forensic Science Technician: Career and Salary Information.”

Criminal Justice Degree Schools​, 5/2/2019

www.criminaljusticedegreeschools.com/criminal-justice-careers/forensic-science-technician/​.

“What Is a Forensic Lab Technician?” ​How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator​,

5/2/2019 ​www.crimesceneinvestigatoredu.org/forensic-lab-technician/​.
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