Taken from National Institute of Justice Special Report, 203099 – Education and Training in Forensic Science: AGuide for Forensic Science Laboratories, Educational Institutions, and Students
Introducation
Forensic science plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system. As an applied science, itrequires a strong foundation in the natural sciences and the development of practical skills inthe application of these sciences to a particular discipline. A forensic scientist must be capableof integrating knowledge and skills in the examination, analysis, interpretation, reporting, andtestimonial support of physical evidence. A properly designed forensic science program shouldaddress these needs and strengthen the student’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in these areas.A combination of education and practical training can prepare an individual for a career inforensic science.
Most of the Nation’s practicing forensic scientists are employed in crime laboratoriesassociated with law enforcement or other government agencies. Forensic scientists come to theprofession with divers undergraduate science degrees. They also may go on to earn graduatedegrees. This document contains suggestions for model programs in forensic science at bothundergraduate and graduate. A combination of personal, professional, and academic criteria willinfluence a prospective forensic science examiner's suitability for employment.
Government entities’ hiring processes are driven by civil service regulations or collectivebargaining agreements that are specific to the branch of government, State, or locality. Privatelaboratories have their own hiring processes. The hiring process may include written and practicaltests, phone interviews, and one-on-one personal interviews or interviews conducted by a panel.New employees may be hired provisionally or go through a probationary period. Provisionalemployment offers may be revoked either before or after reporting for duty.
Model Candidate
A model candidate for all forensic science practices possesses personal integrity, holds abaccalaureate degree (at a minimum) in the natural sciences, and has additional KSAs that fulfillthe recommendations set forth in this Guide.
Personal Characteristics
Because forensic science is part of the criminal justice system, personal honesty, integrity,and scientific objectivity are paramount. Those seeking careers in this field should be aware thatbackground checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be acondition of employment. The following may be conducted and/or reviewed before an employment offeris made and may remain as ongoing conditions of employment (this list is not all inclusive):
- Drug Tests
- History of drug use
- Criminal history
- Personal associations
- Polygraph examination
- Driving record
- Past work performance
- Credit history
- Medical or physical examination
Personal candor in these areas is critical. In addition, an individual’s history of communityservice and outside activities may also be considered.
Academic Qualifications
Forensic scientists need to have a strong fundamental background in the natural sciences. Forexample, new hires who analyze drugs, DNA, trace, and toxicological evidence in forensic sciencelaboratories typically have a degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or forensic science froman accredited institution. Although forensic scientists involved in the recognition and comparisonof patterns (such as latent prints, firearms, and questioned documents) historically may not havebeen required to have a degree, the trend in the field is to strengthen the academic requirementsfor these disciplines and require a baccalaureate degree, preferably in a science. The academicqualifications required for some of the emerging disciplines, such as digital evidence, arecurrently being defined and will be published by the appropriate groups. Achieving the appropriateacademic qualifications is discussed in greater detail later in this Guide.
Copies of diplomas and formal academic transcripts are generally required as proof of academicqualification. Awards, publications, internships, and student activities may be used todifferentiate applicants.
Claims in this regard are subject to verification through the background investigationprocess.
Professional Skills
A variety of skills are essential to an individual’s effectiveness as a forensic scienceprofessional, including:
- Critical thinking (quantitative reasoning and problem solving).
- Decision making
- Good laboratory practices
- Observation and attention to detail
- Computer proficiency
- Interpersonal skills
- Public speaking
- Oral and written communication
- Time management
- Prioritization of tasks
For some of these skills, systematic tools are available that may be used to measure skill orproficiency at or after the time of hire.
Model Career Path for Forensic Scientists
A model career path for a forensic scientist begins with formal education and continues withtraining, postgraduate education, certification, and professional membership.
Credentials
A forensic scientist’s career path should demonstrate continued professional development thatis documented by credentials. A credential is a formal recognition of a professional’s knowledge,skills, and abilities. Indicators of professional standing include academic credentials,professional credentials, training credentials, and competency tests.
Implementation: Keys to a Career in Forensic Science
Pre-employment Preparation
Competitive candidates can demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that establishtheir readiness for a forensic science position. These KSAs may include areas important to allpotential forensic science practitioners, including but not limited to quality assurance, ethics,professional standards of behavior, evidence control, report writing, scientific method, inductiveand deductive reasoning, statistics, and safety. Documentation of coursework and practicalexperiences involving these KSAs can significantly enhance the objective information available toan agency evaluating potential new hires.
On-The-Job Training
After hire, on-the-job training by the hiring agency is common. This initial training isgenerally completed within 6 months to 3 years of the date of hire, depending on the trainee,agency, and forensic science specialty. Some specialties have established peer-based objectivestandards adopted throughout the field, while others vary from agency to agency.
Certification
Accreditation applies to forensic science laboratories, whereas certification applies toanalysts or examiners. Individuals whose competencies have been certified by an independent,peer-based, appropriately credentialed certifying body are highly desirable to employers.
Outstanding laboratories seek certification from an organization that is accredited by theForensic Specialties Accreditation Board or another program that is based on nationally orinternationally recognized standards (see appendix C). A credible certification program requires ameaningful evaluation of credentials, examination, an ethics component, and periodicrecertification. Recertification requires a person to undergo a minimum amount of continuingeducation and may require demonstration of continued competency. Certification has been used bysome employers as a prerequisite for employment and/or advancement, and it may enhance anindividual’s credibility as an expert witness.
Professional Involvement
While casework is the primary focus of a forensic scientist, he or she can also strive toadvance the profession. This may be accomplished through professional involvement: research;mentoring; teaching; and participating in professional organizations, community outreach,publishing, and other professional activities.
