Education to Become a Forensic Ballistics Expert
Forensic ballistic experts fall into the general category of forensic science technicians. According to the state of New York, the duties of a forensic science technician are to "collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations." This includes testing weapons used in a crime. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the job growth outlook in this field to be 20 percent between 2008 and 2018 -- much higher than average. Professionals hoping to enter the field should expect few, but competitive, rivals for positions. Therefore, it's important to get as much education as you can before pursuing a career as a ballistic expert.
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Basic Skills
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Ballistics experts must have good reading comprehension and writing skills. These are an essential part of the job, as it entails reading, understanding and analyzing reports. Experts must also know how to speak professionally and coherently to convey information verbally in court and in other public settings. Many colleges offer forensic biology classes where you can learn preliminary methods of crime scene analysis, including the use of microscopes, gunshot analysis and blood-spatter patterns.
Advanced Knowledge
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As a ballistic expert, you must have advanced knowledge of trigonometry, calculus, statistics and physics. You should also have a working knowledge of engineering principles and know the applicable government regulations in your area. You should take a firearms class if you do not already know how to operate firearms. You will also be required to become familiar with a wide range of firearms and the bullets they use. You must learn how to use microscopes to analyze bullet markings from crime scenes. These skills can be learned in college, and more in-depth in an internship or on the job as a novice.
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Educational Programs
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While most locales require a four-year degree, some states only require a two-year degree for entry-level positions. Most law enforcement departments require a four-year degree. Core classes at Eastern New Mexico University, for example, include biology, advanced chemistry, criminal justice, physics, statistics, and advanced mathematics. At Herkimer County Community College in Herkimer, New York, you can take a two-year forensic science curriculum that includes the study of criminology, technical writing, psychology, police organization and management, and forensic photography. You may take ballistics courses after successfully completing the required core courses.
Training Programs
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Some programs prefer existing law enforcement experience prior to entering a forensic ballistic experts' program. However, the International Crime Scene Investigators Association asserts that many law enforcement agencies will train you if you have a sufficient academic background in the field. Most CSIs, including ballistic experts, are sworn officers. The ICSIA also differentiates between civilian CSIs and police officers with CSI status: The latter have higher pay, better benefits and better advancement opportunities than the former. If you plan to become a ballistic expert, a good option is to become a sworn officer, take forensic science classes and train in the ballistics field under a skilled expert.
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References
- Eastern New Mexico University: Forensic Sciences Core
- International Crime Scene Investigation Association: How to Become a CSI
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Science Technicians
- New York Career Zone: Forensic Science Technicians
- Herkimer County Community College: Criminal Justice: Forensic Investigations
- New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions: Forensic Science Technicians
- Photo Credit bullets image by T.Tulic from Fotolia.com
