Scientific Support Unit
Careers in Forensic / Crime Scene Science
There are various career paths available, working either for the police service or for a forensic science laboratory. All will require a good grounding in science related subjects.
If you want to work in a forensic science laboratory, analyzing and comparing evidence recovered from crime scenes, you will need a minimum of science A-levels to enter at assistant level, or a good science degree to become a reporting scientist (able to attend court and give expert testimony). The main employers in this area are The Forensic Science Service, Forensic Alliance and The Laboratory of the Government Chemist.
Within the police service, civilian staff, rather than police officers undertake most crime scene roles; so it isn't necessary to join as a police officer first. Scientific careers in the police service include:
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
CSIs attend crime scenes and recover forensic evidence such as fingerprints, DNA and footwear impressions. In most police forces they also undertake photography at crime scenes. The work is varied, but can be stressful. For example, you would be required to attend the scene of suspicious deaths and post mortems. Strong interpersonal skills are vital, as you will be dealing with victims of crime on a daily basis.
Minimum entry requirement will normally be 4 G.C.S.E. levels (grade A, B or C) including English and a science subject. Competition for jobs is usually fierce, so a photographic qualification, more advanced science qualifications or experience of working in a scientific environment might be necessary to ensure an interview.
Once recruited, you would be required to attend a nine-week residential training course, followed by a programme of on-the-job training and development.
Volume Crime Scene Investigator (V/CSI)
V/CSI's also attend crime scenes and recover forensic evidence, dealing mainly with lower aspect volume crime scenes, such as vehicle crime. There are no formal entry requirements for this job, but you may be required to undertake aptitude tests in addition to interview. Training includes a three-week residential course followed by a programme of on-the-job training and development.
Experienced V/CSIs can progress to become CSIs by completing a four-week residential conversion course.
Fingerprint Officer
Fingerprint Officers work within the Fingerprint Bureau, classifying and comparing fingerprints found at crime scenes with those held on record, in order to identify offenders. To become an assistant fingerprint officer you would need a minimum of 4 G.C.S.E.s (grade A, B or C), an eye for detail and a patient and methodical way of working. Progression is by attending residential courses at initial, intermediate and advanced level.
Successful completion of the advanced course qualifies the fingerprint officer to be entered onto the National Expert's Register, enabling the fingerprint officer to give expert evidence in court.
There is no set time scale for the training, but reaching expert status normally takes three to five years.
Chemical Treatment Officer
Chemical treatment officers use various chemical processes to enhance fingerprints on items recovered from crime scenes. They work mainly in a laboratory, but occasionally go out to scenes to process items that cannot be moved.
Entry requirements will normally be 4 G.C.S.E.s (grade A, B or C), including a science subject. Training takes the form of a two-week residential course.
Crime Scene Surveyor
Most police forces have a plan drawing / surveying department. Plan drawers produce maps and plans to help illustrate events. For instance, they may draw a map that details the route of a car chase or a plan that locates all the evidence found at a murder scene.
There are no formal entry requirements, but knowledge of surveying techniques, along with knowledge of a computer mapping package such as AutoCAD will be needed.
Unfortunately Durham Constabulary is unable to offer work experience opportunities or introductory visits to the Scientific Support Unit. This is due to the large number of people we would have to accommodate owing to the popularity of these careers.
Vacancies are advertised in the local press, in Police Review Magazine and on relevant web sites. Police Review is a weekly magazine, however the job vacancies section can be accessed via the website (address below).
Various universities now offer degrees with some forensic content. The Forensic Science Service's web site has a list of courses available in the UK. In the North East, Teesside University offers a degree in Crime Scene Science, and Northumbria University offers a degree in Forensic Science.
Useful Websites
www.forensic-training.police.uk
www.forensic-science-society.org.uk
www.forensic.gov.uk/forensic/entry.htm
www.aeat.com/forensic-alliance
