Careers & Education in Forensic Science

1. Careers & Education in Forensic Science Presented by: Eric Baechle

2. About your presenter Cybercrimes Investigator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office • Certified Digital Forensic Examiner • Certified Fraud Examiner Education and Degrees • A.S. in Accounting – Champlain University, Champlain College Online • B.S. in Information Technology Security – Western Governors University • M.A. Criminal Justice – American Military University • Post-Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics – American Military University

3. Forensic Science (definition) Forensic • belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion and debate Science • the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment

4. Careers in Forensic Science The Three Archetypes of Forensic Scientists • Sworn Law Enforcement Officers • Work on behalf of the government and government agencies • Unsworn Crime Scene Investigators/Technicians • Can be government or commercial (private investigator) • Unsworn Laboratory Technicians/Examiners • Can be government or commercial (specialist facilities)

5. Careers in Forensic Science The Education of Forensic Scientists • Sworn Law Enforcement Officers • Specialist “Certifications” up to Advanced Degrees • Unsworn Crime Scene Investigators/Technicians • Degreed apprentices up to Advanced Degrees (maybe prior LEO) • Unsworn Laboratory Technicians/Examiners • Advanced Degrees up to Published Expert

6. What Background/Education feeds Forensic Science? Biology Physics Accounting & Finance Computer Science & Robotics Conservation and Restoration Mathematics Photography The List goes on… and on… and on. • Chemistry • Mechanical Engineering • Psychology (Psy.D.) • Linguistics • Wildlife and Forestry • Medical (M.D.) • Specialist Degrees (e.g. Fire Science, Marine Ecology, etc.)

7. What not to do… Forensic Science Degrees and Criminal Justice Degrees Unless, you are looking to work in management/administration.

8. Why? You have to make an argument to lay-persons (the judge and jurors) that you are better educated, more skilled, and more correct in your analysis than the other guy – and maybe stake someone’s life or freedom on it. What if the argument was over DNA? Forensic Science major, or a Geneticist? What if the argument was over metal fatigue? Criminal Justice major, or Mechanical Engineer?

9. Conclusion • Forensic Science involves many fields • Being a Forensic Scientist requires professional education. • Your opinion is being sought by the court because of your qualifications and experience with the topic! • Your findings and arguments may be under fire from an Expert Witness. • Leads to a career as an “Expert Witness” • This is when you review other people’s work for the court and pick it apart. • Pays $$$$$$$ for very little time/work (usually done in retirement).