Forensic investigators?

[cmcgrady]

What is the pay scale like? What other training do you need besides a college education? What are the opportunities for advancement? And what is that career field like in terms of job openings?

[Terminator]

Pay scale varies greatly, depending on where you work. If you are going into a civilian forensics position, you may not need anything more than a degree. You should check with the agencies you are interested in applying to, for specifics. The job market for forensics is a lot smaller than that of a law enforcement officer. I would try and intern, or make contacts with employees of the agencies you're interested in applying with.

[Resident Smart Ass]

What is the pay scale like? What other training do you need besides a college education? What are the opportunities for advancement? And what is that career field like in terms of job openings?

Pay scale varies depending on the agency. If you're going to be a civilian forensic investigator, they usually have you take additional training. For example, Latent print examiner, DNA analyst, blood spatter analyst, etc.
If you're planning on becoming a crime scene detective, like me, the pay is not any different than any other detectives. It's just another specialized unit like narcotics, etc.

As a crime scene detective, I attended a 6 week crime scene investigation school given by our state police. but that was our agencies policy. so it all depends on each agencies policy

[Wolven]

In our department all of our forensics guys/gals are civilians. They had one certified guy at one point but just phased him out. THey must have known I was coming.

They have had spots open up here but they pay is not what I make as a certified officer so forget it. Besides...like this job better armed.

However, just because the dept will pay for it, my next degree will be in criminal forensics. What I will do with it, I don't know but figure it will come in handy some day.

I think I'd be a happy camper with RSA's job...

[Just KC]

If you're planning on becoming a crime scene detective, like me, the pay is not any different than any other detectives. It's just another specialized unit like narcotics, etc.

As a crime scene detective, I attended a 6 week crime scene investigation school given by our state police. but that was our agencies policy. so it all depends on each agencies policy

I had no idea that you did this! I have always found it fascinating. I took one class in it in college. My husband thinks over time it would wear on me and become very daunting. I am sure it would be hard to be spending full time hours just investigating crime scenes and seeing that side of life day after day. Very interested on anything you have to add. I *think* I want to do this in future.

[MacLean]

Our forensic scientists all work for the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.

Each individual department has their own forensic evidence collectors, some are sworn some are not.

I have no idea how well the scientists are paid.

The fingerprint technicians in this area all work for the King County Sheriff's AFIS unit or at the WSP lab.

I move a lot of evidence back and forth to each, and have been trained to collect and preserve it. The job is growing because of the CSI effect.

[Resident Smart Ass]

Our forensic scientists all work for the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.

Each individual department has their own forensic evidence collectors, some are sworn some are not.

I have no idea how well the scientists are paid.

The fingerprint technicians in this area all work for the King County Sheriff's AFIS unit or at the WSP lab.

I move a lot of evidence back and forth to each, and have been trained to collect and preserve it. The job is growing because of the CSI effect.

All anaylsis (DNA, trace, etc.) are done by scientists who are civilians employed by the NJ state police. As a CSI detective, I process scenes, collect evidence, process for latent, analyze prints, and do reconstructions of shootings, blood spatter ,etc.

But trust me, as interesting as it can be, def. not like th TC shows. So far we've had 0ver 125 homicides, and everyone of those homicides had different aspects and perspectives

[ex401mp]

I think it's funny how they show the CSI people conducting interrogations on those shows. I really get a kick out seeing the Miami one with the main actor driving a Hummer 2 as a police vehicle.

[Resident Smart Ass]

I think it's funny how they show the CSI people conducting interrogations on those shows.

One County NJ actually have Homicide detectives crossed trained as CSI detectives. they process their scenes and conduct the investigation part, including interrogation..yeah but that is pretty funny how they do that on the shows

[armsmaster270]

I like my title, I have been designated a "Coast Guard Official and Forensic Document Examiner" I also do fingerprints. The pay is lousy it's a volunteer program, but I have fun riding in the boats.

[sgtbear111]

Follow-up to maclean's post, check this link

http://www.wsp.wa.gov/hrd/forensic.htm

Formal scientific education is a must. Many working in this field have a Masters degree to remain competitive, some have Doctoral degrees.