Professions in Forensics

Skills needed to be a forensic scientist Forensic scientists must have at minimum the skills of mathematicians, biologists, chemists and public speakers. They can be called upon to use virtually all of these in the course of solving a case.

Skills needed to be a forensic scientist Not Squeamish The ability to be around dead people is a must. Also, forensic scientists can't be reluctant to dig through garbage or dirty laundry. Speak to the People Being able to explaining evidence to a jury in plain language is very important. Organized They must be organized and time efficient because there is never just one case to handle. Academically The forensic scientist usually has a degree in mathematics or one of the sciences, or sometimes both.

Skills needed to be a forensic scientist Teach Others The forensic scientist must be able to teach the police and other people collecting and handling evidence at a crime scene how to do it properly. Logical Thinking It is important to be able to think through the evidence logically to reach a conclusion. Working With Others Being a team player is a necessary skill as well. The scientist will likely have assistants and work with law enforcement officers to build a case.

Forensic Scientist Good observation skills – use the 5 senses Skills Needed Good observation skills – use the 5 senses Analytical skills – ability to identify the problem, organize info, draw conclusions Deductive reasoning – using logical steps to draw a conclusion based on facts or evidence

Medical doctors, medical examiners, and pathologists Study medical history, perform an autopsy, and collect medical and trace evidence from the body for further analysis Help determine cause and circumstances of death (for murder investigations, insurance claims, malpractice claims, etc.)

Dentists who specialize in identification perform bite mark analysis and dental identification when there is no other way for body identification

Forensic Toxicology Medical examiners and the Coroner’s office determine toxic substances in the body; includes drugs and poisons

Forensic Anthropology Identification of persons or personal characteristics (sex, age, race, stature) based on body remains

Forensic Serology Identification of blood and other body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, saliva)

Forensic Entomology Uses insects to determine time of death and location of a corpse

Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology Evaluate offenders and profile criminal cases

Investigates transportation accidents, materials failure cases, determine cause of building and structure collapses, etc.

Forensic Computer Science Investigate criminal use of technology and electronic records

Professions Group Project Poster - Group project Job description - what do they do? Salary Education Background experience necessary Skill sets needed Look for current openings - Local and national Homework