What Is a Typical Day for a Forensic Investigator?

A forensic investigator gathers evidence at crime scenes.

While forensic investigators mostly spend their working time in a crime lab, their days may vary as they may be called upon to perform duties at the scene of a crime or to testify in court.

Hours

Forensic investigators or scientists are expected to work at least a 40-hour week. If there is an increase in cases or an urgent deadline, then they may have to work overtime.

Duties

When they are not working in a lab, forensic investigators may be called to the scene of a crime where they analyze and examine evidence. Forensic investigators often find themselves in situations that are stressful and they need to have good communication skills. They must be able to interact well with other people under these difficult conditions.

Skills

A forensic investigator needs to have good hand-eye coordination as he'll have to examine tiny bits of evidence under a microscope. Since much of the work involves writing up reports and talking to people in order to gather evidence, a forensic investigator needs to have excellent writing skills. An entire day may consist of writing up reports and filling out forms; the next day may be spent at the scene of a murder, collecting fingerprints, examining weapons, studying a dead body and gathering evidence.

References

• Criminal Justice USA: Forensic Science
• Marion County Florida: Forensic Investigator Medical Examiner's Office