I can give you information about being a forensic scientist:

I examine items of evidence submitted to the laboratory (I do not go to the crime scene and investigate) for the presence of bodily fluids (blood, semen, saliva, urine, feces).

If body fluid stains are noted on the evidence, I perform chemical extraction processes to remove the DNA from the stain.

Once the DNA is removed, additional chemical processes are utilized in specific machines to replicate specific areas of DNA that can help to uniquely identify the source of the body fluid.

A comparison is then made to DNA profiles from any individuals believed to be involved in the crime (suspects and victims). If the DNA profile from the evidence matches a person, and that DNA profile is exceedingly rare, then it can be stated that they are the source of that DNA.

Reports have to be written for all testing performed, and it is possible that any one of the cases worked may end up going to trial where expert testimony is needed.

Sounds exciting doesn’t it?

On a day to day basis I am dealing with bloody clothing that hasn’t been washed in months, crusty underwear from violent sexual assaults, and evidence from the abuse of children…. In addition to the actual casework, there is a significant amount of Quality Control issues that need to be performed to ensure the integrity of the testing procedures. Chemicals and instruments need to be verified, supplies need to be ordered, new personnel need to be trained, new technologies need to be validated, LOTS of paperwork needs to be kept. It is also important to keep abreast of new technologies, so travelling to meetings takes even more time away from casework.

It is not an easy job, and it is certainly not for everyone. You really see the dark side of humanity, and it can affect some people… But you also get to help the community. Victims have their attackers brought to justice, and innocent people are exonerated because the DNA results indicate they are not the attacker.

What is noted above is primarily the Biology unit of a forensic lab. Keep in mind that there is also Chemistry (drug analysis), Trace (hairs, fibers, paint, glass), Latent Prints (fingerprints, tire impressions, footwear impressions), Firearms (gun, bullets, and casings), and various other aspects of forensics that many people don’t think about.

Also, scientists are very individualized in what aspects of testing they perform. On TV one person may go to the crime scene to collect evidence, then do DNA, drug analysis, firearm analysis, and then go arrest the suspect. In reality all of that work is done by a crime scene technician, 3 different forensic scientists, and then the police make the arrest.

With all jobs you have to start at the bottom ,and work your way up , many Labs will hire Police Officers who have taken the FS classes or they hire Coroners with the training first , but you can get a job , just remember any job that is Public Service or works with police fire ems etc. is not the big money makers , you may get a good pay check but it is earned , all of your time must accommodate the lab first , and you will be on Salary in most cases so get ready for the longest work week of your life , nothing comes easy , but tough it out ,take the good with the bad , and in 10 to 15 years you could be on top …with hard work , and dedication