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Overview:
Forensic analysts receive and analyze materials from autopsies and accident or crime scenes, and present and discuss results with police investigators, lawyers and medical practitioners.
Role:
Forensic analysts investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Often, they specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination, performing tests on weapons or substances such as fiber, hair, tissue or body fluids to determine significance to the investigation. They also prepare reports to document their findings and the laboratory techniques used, and may provide information and expert opinion to investigators. When criminal cases go to trial, forensic analysts often provide testimony, as expert witnesses, on specific laboratory findings by identifying and classifying evidence collected at the crime scene.
Qualifications:
The minimum academic requirement for forensic analysts in most discipline areas is a related four year degree. Specific degree and course requirements vary depending on the employer and type of work. Knowledge and understanding of legal procedures is also helpful.
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