Study Criminalistics: Become a Criminalist
Criminal Justice Home | Paralegal Articles & Resources | Find Criminal Justice Schools
Criminalist Job Duties
The main role of the criminalist is to objectively examine physical evidence. Using analytical skills and practical experience, the criminalist separates important evidence from that having little or no value.
A criminalist identifies, sorts and compares evidence, using scientific methods, and prepares useful information for an investigation or trial. Perhaps the most important tasks of the criminalist are interpreting the results of tests to help determine the truth (or what the circumstances were when a crime occurred), and helping to support or contradict a witness's testimony. Criminalists then provide expert testimony and written reports to lawyers and judges, so in addition to being good scientists, they must also have good verbal skills.
Criminalists: Where They Work
Criminalists work in forensic laboratories in police departments, sheriffs' offices, district attorneys' offices, regional and state agencies, medical examiners' offices, private companies, colleges and universities, and for federal agencies such as the DEA and the FBI.
Education & Training
At minimum, you'll need a 4-year bachelor's degree in the biological or physical sciences or forensic science to work in the field. At least 24 semester hours of either chemistry or biology is required, and math is a must. The title of the degree is not as important as the courses taken. You'll also need to take continuing education classes throughout your career, as scientific advances continue to occur a rapid pace.
Licensing & Certification
While there are no mandated licensing requirements, most criminalists choose to become certified by the American Board of Criminalistics. Entire forensic laboratories may prove their competence by becoming accredited by organizations such as the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, experienced criminalists earn between $35,000 and $50,000 per year. Federal salaries are usually higher.
Related Articles
- Forensic Scientists
- Forensic Science
- Interview with a Forensic Scientist
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminal Psychology
- Criminology vs. Criminalistics
Criminal Justice Home
Paralegal Articles & Resources | Find Criminal Justice Schools