Crime Laboratory Analyst

Crime laboratory analysts spend most of their time in a laboratory, not working at crime scenes, as implied by popular TV sitcoms. However, working as a crime laboratory analyst can still be an exhilarating job. Lab work is very complicated, so well trained crime lab analysts have an important and difficult job tying evidence collected at a crime scene to suspects. Crime laboratory analysts sometimes take pictures, collect evidence, and exam crime scenes during an investigation. Most the time crime scene technicians do this work.

Some laboratories hire multiple crime lab analysts who have different specialties. For example, some are experts in DNA. Most police departments employee a few analysts with multiple responsibilities. Analysts usually exam DNA, weapons collected from crime scenes, toxicology reports, trace evidence, and other items found at crime scenes. This evidence is used to determine whether suspected individuals are anyway connected to the crime. After an investigation is completed, their conclusions are forwarded to law enforcement. Crime lab analysts are often called upon to testify at trials. Crime lab analysts usually spend 40 hours every week in the laboratory; however, they may work nights and weekends during some investigations.

To begin a career as a crime laboratory analyst, an individual needs a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, toxicology, or any other related field in the physical or life sciences. Those with degrees in chemistry are usually better prepared to work as an analyst. Those desiring to work with DNA should study biology while taking courses in biochemistry and genetics. Many labs are now requiring their analysts to possess graduate degrees. Laboratories are also requiring people to complete training programs before they analyze evidence. People who have worked at other crime labs are often not required to complete this training. If you are interested in working as a crime laboratory analyst, secure an internship with a laboratory while you are still attending school to improve your job opportunities and have an advantage over the competition.

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