Crime+Lab+Analyst

Crime Lab Analyst **__ Job Description __** Crime lab analysis is a very exciting career that involves playing a major role in analyzing evidence and connecting the evidence to a suspect. Crime lab analysts are typically responsible for analyzing all physical evidence in a criminal investigation. The areas of investigation include serology, DNA, firearms and tool marks, trace evidence, toxicology, and others. The results of the analysis are used to match a suspect and a victim. Results are then reported to investigators or law enforcement. A crime lab analyst will also provide testimony in court as to the methods used and what was found.

__**Recommended Education**__ To become a crime lab analyst, a bachelors degree in forensic science, physical science, natural science, criminalistics, chemistry, biology, pharmacology/toxicology, or physics in required. A bachelors degree in chemistry is probably the best preparation for a career as a crime lab analyst. A biology degree with an emphasis in genetics and biochem is useful for specializing in DNA analysis. Some laboratories are requiring a higher level of education such as a masters or PhD in a relevant area. Crime lab analysts througout the United States are required to successfully complete crime lab analyst training programs before dealing with anything in a lab. __**Personality**__ A crime lab analyst has to be has to be careful and knowledgeable about lab terminology, etiquette, and ethics. A crime lab analyst must be able to plan work and carry it out individually. They must also be able to communicate well, both in writing and speaking. To maintain this profession one must be analytical and possess good problem solving skills.

Jobs like this are popular throughout the country. They can mostly be found in larger cities or places where crime is more rampant. Crime labs may be publicly or privately owned and operated, although private laboratories typically don't respond to crime scenes to collect evidence. Public crime labs are organized at the city, county, state, or national level. **__Working Conditions__** Crime lab analysts typically work a forty hour week in the lab. However, they might work on the weekend or over a holiday during a priority investigation. __**Salary Information**__ Average Annual Beginning Salary: $28,000-$45,000 (depending on area) Average Annual Salary With Some Experience: $42,000-$55,000 (depending on area) Average Annual Salary With Much Experience: $70,000 + (depending on area) Opportunities in this field are very competitive, but growth is expected for the future. It is predicted that there will be more opportunities for entry level positions in this field. "Crime Laboratory Analyst | Find Career Description and Educational Requirements." __Criminal Justice Schools | Explore Criminal Justice Programs and Career Paths__. 27 Apr. 2009
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"How to Become a Crime Lab Analyst | eHow.com." __EHow | How To Do Just About Everything!__ 30 Apr. 2009 [].

"How to Become a Crime Lab Analyst | eHow.com." __EHow | How To Do Just About Everything!__ 30 Apr. 2009 .