Forensic Scientist

Introduction

Forensic scientists use scientific techniques to examine materials thought to be associated with a crime. They examine things like fibres from clothing, blood stains, fire debris and objects that have been handled during the crime. They provide impartial scientific evidence for use in court by either the Procurator Fiscal or the defence.

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Work Activities

Forensic scientists provide law courts with evidence from the scene of a crime. Although they work closely with police, their evidence must be impartial - it may be used to support either the defence or prosecution cases. Forensic scientists respond to police investigations, either by visiting a crime scene, or receiving evidence collected by a scenes of crime officer.

They are involved in a wide variety of police cases, including crimes against property like burglary, arson and car theft. Evidence may be minute, or made visible only by using laboratory equipment. They may examine shoe prints, or traces of soil, glass and paint found on a suspect's clothing.

To investigate suspected arson, forensic scientists take and assess witness statements, excavate debris, and find out if premises were broken into before the fire. Computers can be used to produce models of the fire's development, based on the scientist's knowledge of fire, accumulated data and witness statements. Using gas chromatography, fire debris is tested. This may identify substances like petrol that speed up fire's development.

Serious crime against people, including murder and sexual offences, may be solved by using biological evidence. This includes hair roots and body fluids like blood, saliva and semen. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) profiling is perhaps the most important technological development in forensic science. We all contain DNA, which holds genetic information unique to individuals. By looking at this, forensic scientists can produce a 'genetic fingerprint' from the samples they study.

DNA profiling is not limited to criminal investigations. Forensic scientists may act as consultants, helping lawyers to resolve paternity disputes, or animal breeders to trace livestock bloodlines.

Forensic scientists may find the type of drug taken in an overdose, or the presence and level of alcohol in a car driver's blood. They help sporting organisations to identify banned substances, possibly using liquid chromatography to test urine samples. Forensic scientists identify drugs by referring to libraries, computer databases and pharmaceutical stocks.

Forensic scientists may be called as expert witnesses in court to give evidence and answer questions from prosecution and defence lawyers.

The Home Office employs forensic scientists to investigate firearm offences.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a forensic scientist, you must be objective, accurate, methodical and thorough in your investigations. Patience, attention to detail and problem solving skills are very important.

Although you will spend large amounts of time routine testing in laboratories, you must also be prepared to visit disturbing murder scenes, or to identify the drug taken in a fatal overdose.

Good communication skills are very important. In court, you need to be able to explain your findings clearly to lawyers, jurors and the public. You may also be cross-examined and must be able to cope with stress.

You need to work well in teams with police and scenes of crime officers.

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, some substances may cause irritation. For some work, you may need normal colour vision.

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Pay and Opportunities

Forensic scientists are paid on a rising scale.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Assistant forensic scientists earn in the range of £14,000 - £22,500 a year. Graduate trainees earn around £17,000 - £29,000 a year.

Forensic scientists G5 earn in the range of £22,500 - £33,500 and those at G4 earn around £25,500 - £38,000 a year. Senior forensic scientists earn in the range of £30,000 - £45,000, and those above senior level earn around £37,500 - £56,500 a year.

Forensic scientists usually work a basic 37.5-hour week, which may include early starts, late finishes and call-outs. Some forensic scientists work a rota system so that they can be available to respond to requests at short notice, day or night.

In Scotland, most forensic scientists are civilians employed by the police. In April 2007 the Scottish Police Authority was set up including a Scottish national forensic service. This combines all existing forensic laboratory, scene examination and fingerprint facilities.

In England and Wales, the Forensic Science Service (FSS) provides forensic scientists to the police, HM Revenue and Customs and the Crown Prosecution Service. It also provides a support service to overseas governments and law enforcement agencies. The FSS is an Executive Agency of the Home Office and has laboratories in Birmingham, Chepstow, Chorley, Huntingdon, London and Wetherby.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Science) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

The Forensic Science Society awards diplomas in specific forensic science disciplines.

The University of Edinburgh offers a PgCert in Forensic Medicine and Science, by distance learning (e-Learning).

Coventry University offers an MSc in Applied Forensic Studies, by distance learning.

• 9% of people in occupations such as forensic science work part-time.
• 16% have flexible hours.
• 13% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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