It is the responsibility of a crime lab scientist to conduct testing on crime-scene-discovered evidence in order to determine the origin of a substance, who was at the crime scene, who may have used weapons at the scene, what an unknown substance (e.g., arsenic in a cup of wine may indicate murder or suicide) is, and what may be deduced from the appearance of a potential crime scene. In essence,...

According to the California Association of Criminalists (CAC), a criminalist is a science-background (biochemistry, forensic science, biology, criminalistics, etc.) college-graduate professional who applies scientific techniques or methods to analyze and examine evidentiary components, testifying in court (if necessary) about specific findings. Around since 1954 and, reportedly, the oldest forensic...

What is a forensic psychologist? Popular TV shows like Law and Order and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation have introduced all of us to the fascinating world of criminal investigations. We get to see highly trained specialists gather vital clues in an effort to put criminals behind bars. One of the specialists that sometimes appears on screen is the forensic psychologist. Combining crime scene clues...

Are you a fan of the television show “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”? In each episode, forensic investigators examine evidence to solve grisly crimes. If you’re into crime-solving, and love digging into data, a career as a forensic accountant may be for you. A forensic accountant is just like a detective who solves white-collar financial crimes. You’ll search for clues in computer data...

Working in criminal justice can be an ideal way to build a long career. There will always be crime and for those people who enjoy science, there will always be work in understanding why, how, and when these crimes took place. To work as a forensic science technician, you will need an advanced science-based education. This is an in-demand field and one that continues to change. Working in it can be...

A crime lab analyst is a professional who helps to solve crimes and aids in the analysis of evidence. Some of these professionals work in the field. Others work solely in the crime lab providing answers to the questions of police officers and other investigative teams. These professionals have a passion for science and a comprehensive understanding of criminology. There is no doubt that this career...

A criminologist is a professional who works to understand the causes the mind of a criminal and the psychological causes of criminal behavior. By comparison, a criminologist uses evidence to predict and understand the behavior of the criminal while a criminalist uses evidence at the scene of a crime to determine cause or person responsible. In short, those people that enjoy the science of the mind...

The reliance that most people and businesses have on the Internet and computer technology today is astounding. That is not to say that this is a bad thing, but only that it means there is a greater need than ever for security within the field. Working as a computer forensics specialist, it may be part of your job to ensure that the computer networks and Internet remains safe for those who use it....

Virtually every component of day-to-day life today involves computers. From turning on the television to the work many people do, computers are a vital component. They make life easier, for the most part, but they also provide individuals with the ability to communicate, work, and to achieve other goals. However, there are profound risks involved in computer security that most people do not know how...

Forensic scientists also are known as crime scene investigators, and many who work in this career field spend their days analyzing criminal evidence. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of forensic scientists work for local or state government agencies. A forensic scientist might find themselves working with a police department, at a morgue, in a crime laboratory...