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VIEW FROM THE BODY BAG

Pursuing a career in forensics...

9/17/2017

6 Comments

 
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One of the most frequently asked questions I am asked by fans is, "How do I get into forensics? What courses should I take? What should I get a degree in?"
 
The first thing that’s helpful to understand is the term “forensics” itself.  Forensics is the process of applying a specific science to law. There are more sciences involved in forensics than you’d think... and they are usually under two large categories: Biological and Integrated. You could also add another category: Information Technology (IT). Most of the fields require a certain amount of training in science so if you want to get into forensics, start thinking scientifically, first!
 
Forensics has been well publicized over the last fifteen years or so and the portrayals on TV often give the impression that science holds the answer to all investigations. The scientific method is primarily used in forensic investigation, of course, along with meticulous detection, documentation and collection which is the major role of police and crime scene investigators. We are often required to testify as an expert witness, and must be qualified in a specific field of science in order to do so.
 
I’m a medical legal death investigator. That means I must have a knowledge of both the scientific method and the biological sciences. The data I need to tell the story of how and why a person died comes from an understanding the human body- both its anatomy and physiology. I must also understand odontology, entomology, radiography, taphonomy, toxicology, blood pattern analysis and DNA. In any of the integrated sciences there are a broad number of scientific studies in which the investigator needs to understand the data received from various experts. The data forms a web, with each aspect connected to another. The interpretive skill comes from making the connections.
 
A good scientist also understands the process of falsifiability. This means you form a hypothesis and then challenge it by testing and realigning your thinking to the data from your experiments. All of this requires learning the language of each particular science. If you want to go into police work, then a major in college like “Criminal Justice” is good, but may limit your options. (You may not get the job with a police agency. Security jobs pay almost minimum wage which is not very appealing considering student debt payments.) What is most needed in today’s society is the ability to think using deductive and inductive critical reasoning.
 
I can’t place enough emphasis on the importance of having a STEM background. STEM stands for a curriculum with emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math. With this broad base, you can pursue a forensic minor, and learn how to apply scientific knowledge to law.
Even if you can’t immediately enter a forensic position you can work in a scientific field in any number of positions in industry, research, medicine and government.
 
Dr. Robert Furey and I designed a forensics program at Harrisburg University School of Science and Technology. Our primary aim was to provide a major in the field of science and technology that was interesting for students and really engages them.

​It’s a work in progress and a labor of love.
6 Comments
Julie Richwine
9/17/2017 01:31:03 pm

I have always been interested in this field! I am a radiologic technologist and would certainly be interested in taking this program! I would love more information!

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Samantha Randolph
9/17/2017 01:44:21 pm

I've always been interested in forensic science. I took a criminal justice class at HACC, and I was introduced to you through that class. I am very anxious to hear more information.

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Rosanne Govea
9/18/2017 06:56:35 am

I never realized until I read this article that there are so many different ways in science to become involved in Forensics. It's not just one science that has the answer to all the questions. It's a combination of sciences that can answer the whole. You have to find the area that you want to study for yourself.

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Barbara Bennett
9/18/2017 10:20:52 pm

I've had a curiosity of forensics that goes back to when I was 30 and lost a best friend to suicide. A forensic specialist was consulted by the family & he not only answered all the questions that no one else had been able, but we left feeling better, comforted. I stumbled first across your show, then this website, including your blog. I feel a little like I'm taking a class for free! The website shows your vast knowledge of death and all aspects that surround it; in your blog you offer additional opportunities to learn, but you also share a little bit of yourself and who you are as a person. I'm not only impressed, but moved. You're an inspiration and I find myself not only wanting to learn, but also wanting to be a better person. I too see the importance of having compassion for others, and I make every effort to try feeling and grasping what it might feel like to walk in another's shoes to gain empathy for their situation. I just may be your biggest fan lol. Thank you for all you do and taking the time to share with us.

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virginia link
9/20/2017 04:43:49 am

You really give the show the character it needs to make it interesting and wanting to watch it. It is very thorough and brings out so many points that normal people would not pick up on. I am retired Air Force and it is almost the same in how people relate to what they are not experienced in. Love your show. Thank you for all you to help others in this critical area of human beings.

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Charlotte Fleet link
12/29/2021 02:11:35 pm

Thank you for explaining the importance of having a background in STEM when going into forensics. My brother wants to work in forensics. I'll have to help him find a reputable forensics training service.

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