- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- knowledge of public safety and security
- excellent written communication skills
- the ability to work on your own
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
In this role you could be:
- blood grouping and DNA profiling
- analysing fluid and tissue samples for traces of drugs and poisons
- examining splash patterns and the distribution of particles
- analysing handwriting, signatures, ink and paper
- providing expert advice on explosives, firearms and ballistics
- researching and developing new technologies
- recovering data from computers, mobile phones and other electronic equipment
- attending crime scenes, like a murder or fire
- giving impartial, scientific evidence in court
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work on the streets, in a laboratory or in a court.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and emotionally demanding.
With experience, you could move into management and direct other forensics staff as a forensics manager or casework examiner.
You could also work as a reporting scientist, acting as an expert witness in court.
You can find out more on careers in forensics from The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
