How to Become a Criminal Forensic Investigator

Criminal forensic investigation is an interesting and rewarding career.

Forensics is a growing field that involves both science and some elements of law enforcement. Forensics can make the difference between finding someone guilty and leaving a crime unsolved. There are several specialties in forensic science such as digital forensics, forensic archeology, even forensic accounting. The field popularized by television's CSI series is criminalistics, or crime scene investigating. With so many areas of expertise, having experience in a specialized science can be helpful in becoming a criminal forensics investigator, and people from other fields, such as entomology, or the study of insects can serve as consultants to crime investigations.

Instructions

1. Pursue a forensic science degree. Many employers prefer a bachelor's degree. Many colleges and some specialty schools offer programs tailored specifically to careers in forensic science.

2. Specialize in a specific area of forensics such as digital forensics where the goal is to track and retrieve information related to computers, hard disks, electronic documents or internet related devices. Pursuing a specific area of expertise that is in demand can assist you in gaining employment.

3. Make a list of the forensic based businesses in your geographical area to determine the chances of becoming employed there. Some areas of the country have large crime investigation labs, others are more remote and criminal forensic investigation jobs may be more difficult to obtain. Consider moving to a location where a larger number of jobs is available when your education is complete.

4. Network with law enforcement agencies and law firms who use forensic services. Often they employ investigators to assist them in their cases and may have room for an investigator on staff. Consider apprenticing or offering to intern with one of these agencies to gain experience and familiarity with the system. You can gain valuable personal contacts and you can get an inside knowledge of how things work when you are ready to seek full time employment.

References

• Department of Justice Sciences: How to Become a Forensic Scientist
• FSU: Advice About a Career in Forensic Science
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences

Resources

• Crime Scene Investigator: CSI Training