Forensic analysts are professionals who work to determine crime prosecutors. Their job description covers analyzing samples from crime scenes. In this vein, their work environments are crime scenes and laboratories.
Their goal is to help the Law Enforcement Force in detecting crime perpetrators. Doing this is a way of contributing one’s quota to society. Likewise, the state and nation benefit from their job.
To find out all you need to know about these amazing professionals, relax and keep reading.
Who is a Forensic Analyst?
A Forensic Analyst is a criminal justice professional. He or she works with evidence left behind in or around crime scenes. This is to help in detecting perpetrators of crime. They also help in confirming guilty suspects. In the same vein, they aid the release of innocent suspects.
Pieces of evidence they work with are fingerprints, blood, hair strands, etc.
So, their duties entail careful observation of crime scenes and the surrounding environment. It is also necessary that they have a good understanding of laboratory practices. They do a lot of fingerprint tracing and DNA tracking.
However, some Forensic Analysts work strictly in the laboratories. In such a case, Law enforcement agents are the ones to collect crime evidence. This evidence is handled carefully and sent to the Lab. The Analysts then work on them.
These professionals can be people who studied criminal justice, criminology, forensic science, etc.
Their job is very relevant. This is because perpetrators of crime are not ghosts. They must touch something in the course of their actions.
Responsibilities of a Forensic Analyst
The duties of a Forensic Analyst include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Collection and extraction of crime evidence.
- Physical and laboratory examination of crime evidence.
- Fingerprint analysis.
- Conduction of tests at crime scenes.
- Making physical reports.
- Making written reports on findings.
- Presenting findings in courts.
Qualifications for practice as a Forensic Analyst
To practice as a Forensic Analyst in the United States, the following are necessary:
- A Bachelor’s degree in forensic science or criminal justice. Likewise, one in Criminology or Genetics can also fit.
- A Master’s degree in Forensic Science.
- Experience with Laboratory work.
Other skills necessary for practice include:
- Self-confidence.
- Ability to pay careful attention to details.
- Good observation skills.
- Computer skills.
- Critical thinking skills.
- Research skills.
- Ability to keep secrets.
- Team spirit.
- High level of concentration.
Work Environment
A Forensic Analyst typically works in the laboratory. He or she uses evidence from crime scenes. These are blood samples, hair strands, fingerprints, bullets, etc. This helps to trace people behind crimes. They make use of computers and several other types of machinery.
While working, they have to use personal protective equipment. These include overalls, multiple layers of gloves, goggles, masks, etc. They also wear protective shoes. These shoes are constructed in such a way as not to destroy shreds of evidence at crime scenes.
Their work can also involve making appearances in court. It can also involve going to the crime scenes themselves. In the United States, they work for up to 40 hours a week. Sometimes, they work for more hours, to meet up.
Salary of a Forensic Analyst
In the United States, a Forensic Analyst earns around $59,150 in a year. This depends on the facility and sector. It can also depend on the educational level of the staff.
Job Opportunities
A Forensic Analyst finds relevance in the following places:
- Private Research Laboratories
- Ministry of defense
- Educational Laboratories
- Law Enforcement Agencies
Career Path
With years of experience in analysis, a Forensic Analyst can become a specialist. This can be in DNA analysis or fingerprint analysis, etc.
He or she can also explore other opportunities for Forensic Scientists. Some of these are Toxicology and Biomedical Science.
Conclusion
Getting to the root of a crime committed is a great achievement. Helping to achieve this is noble. Forensic Analysts are professionals who work tirelessly to do this. It is sincerely a noble profession. For anyone with a passion for justice, this is a career worth considering.
Helping to trace suspects via these investigations leads to the release of the innocent. This profession gives fulfillment. But beyond that, it helps to impart lives and the society at large.
