Quest 3 By: Tayler Jackson Hour: 5 th Teacher: Mrs. Heffner

Forensic science tech.

Nature of work Analyze crime scenes to determine what and how evidence should be collected Take photographs of the crime scene and evidence Make sketches of the crime scene Record observations and findings, such as the location and position of evidence Collect physical evidence, including weapons, fingerprints, and bodily fluids Catalog and preserve evidence for transfer to crime labs

Working conditions  Forensic science technicians held about 12,900 jobs in About 9 in 10 forensic science technicians work in state and local government in the following workplaces:  Police departments and offices  Crime laboratories  Morgues  Medical examiner/coroner offices  Forensic science technicians may have to work outside in all types or weather, spend large quantities of time in laboratories and offices, or some combination of both. They often work in groups or teams with specialists and other law enforcement personnel. Many specialist forensic science technicians work only in laboratories. Crime scene investigators travel all around their jurisdictions, which may be cities, counties, or states. Crimes can happen anywhere, so crime scene investigators and criminalists, especially at the state level, will experience a considerable amount of travel. Crime scene investigators regularly see the results of violent crime.

Job outlook  Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations. Scientific and technological advances are expected to increase the usefulness, availability, and reliability of objective forensic information used as evidence in trials. In addition, the use of forensic evidence in criminal proceedings is expected to expand. Popular media has increased the awareness of forensic evidence among potential jurors, and there is now an expectation that forensic evidence should contribute to many trials. More forensic science technicians will be needed to provide timely forensics information to law enforcement agencies and courts.

Earnings  The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $52,840 in May The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,200, and the top 10 percent earned more than $85,210. Crime scene investigators may work staggered day, evening, or night shifts and may have to work overtime because they must always be available to collect evidence. Technicians working in laboratories usually work a standard workweek, although they may have to be on call outside of normal business hours if they are needed to work immediately on a case. A number of high-level specialists work part time as forensic science experts. Small police departments also may have to rely on part-time forensic science technicians.

Detective

Nature of work Uniformed police officers typically do the following: Enforce laws Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls Patrol assigned areas Conduct traffic stops and issue citations Obtain warrants and arrest suspects Write detailed reports and fill out forms Prepare cases and testify in court

Working conditions  Police and detectives held about 780,000 jobs in Most police and detectives work for local governments and some work for state governments or the federal government.  Police and detective work can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous.  The jobs of some federal agents, such as U.S. Secret Service and DEA special agents, require extensive travel, often on short notice. These agents may relocate a number of times over the course of their careers. Some special agents, such as those in the U.S. Border Protection, may work outdoors in rugged terrain and in all kinds of weather.

Job outlook Employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 5 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations. Continued desire for public safety will result in a need for more officers. However, demand for employment is expected to vary depending on location, driven largely by local and state budgets. Even with crime rates falling in the last few years, there will be continued demand for police services to maintain and improve public safety.

Earnings  $74,300 for detectives and criminal investigators  $55,270 for police and sheriff’s patrol officers  $55,210 for transit and railroad police  $48,070 for fish and game wardens

Lawyer

Nature of work  Advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters  Communicate with their clients and others  Conduct research and analysis of legal problems  Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses  Present facts in writing and verbally to their clients or others and argue on their behalf  Prepare and file legal documents, such as lawsuits, appeals, wills, contracts, and deeds

Working conditions Lawyers held about 759,800 jobs in A majority of lawyers work in private or corporate legal offices. Some are employed in local, state and federal governments. About 22 percent of lawyers were self-employed in The industries that employed the most lawyers in 2012 were as follows: Legal services49% Local government, excluding education and hospitals7 Federal government, excluding postal service5 State government, excluding education and hospitals5 Finance and insurance3

Job outlook  Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for legal work will continue as individuals, businesses, and all levels of government require legal services in many areas.  Despite this need for legal services, more price competition over the next decade may lead law firms to rethink their project staffing, to reduce costs to clients. As clients cut back on legal expenses, demand less expensive rates, and scrutinize invoices, work that was previously assigned to lawyers, such as document review, may now be given to paralegals and legal assistants. Some routine legal work may also be outsourced to other lower-cost legal providers located overseas.  While law firms will continue to be the largest employers of lawyers, many large corporations are increasing their in-house legal departments to cut costs. For many companies, the high cost of hiring outside counsel lawyers and their support staff makes it more economical to shift work to their in-house legal department. This will lead to an increase in the demand of lawyers in a variety of settings, such as financial and insurance firms, consulting firms, and healthcare providers.  Lawyers will continue to be needed in the federal government to prosecute or defend civil cases on behalf of the United States, prosecute criminal cases brought by the federal government, and collect money owed to the federal government. However, budgetary constraints at all levels of government, especially federal, will moderate employment growth.  Demand is typically affected by cyclical swings in the economy. During recessions, demand declines for some discretionary legal services, such as planning estates, drafting wills, and handling real estate transactions. Also, corporations are less likely to litigate cases, when declining sales and profits restrict their budgets. Some corporations and law firms may cut staff to contain costs until business improves.

Earnings  Finance and insurance$134,940  Federal government, excluding postal service134,690  Legal services116,630  Local government, excluding education and hospitals 87,140  State government, excluding education and hospitals 79,220