Hey guys, I’m pretty sure I want to become a Forensic Scientist. However, I also like a backup. Would it be possible to become an investigator, or detective with that degree?
DNA technology has come along way and where it was commonly known as something that catches crooks, we can now use DNA as a crime prevention tool. Not just a crime scene weapon.
Apart from our own natural DNA, there are a variety of synthetic DNA products that we can use to mark our valuables.
Whilst police highly recommend that we do security mark our products, we are fully aware that DNA has helped to convict many criminals for crimes committed two or three decades ago.
I’ve looked at a number of DNA mark kits and outlined my findings here. As this is not an advertisement, I have excluded brand names and trademarks.
Prices vary from £10.00 up to around £50.00 and it really is a case of ‘you get what you pay for’.
The DNA mark kit that comes in at £9.99 is a cheap looking felt tip pen, the type you buy for your kids as a throwaway. The real deterrent is the sticker that warns a would-be burglar that property is DNA marked.
The pen has no nib as such; the busy end looks just like the fibre wadding where the felt tip ink would be and carries a clear medium that transfers your DNA to the property to be marked.
The ‘DNA mark’ is invisible. How would the Police find an almost invisible mark? You might ask. The makers suggest; “The client tells the officer to obtain a 10 or 15 X magnifying glass and a strong torch light and shine the light at an angle of 45 degrees where the few microns depth of the mark can be made to show up”.
There are a few serious flaws such as police time and logistics. If police discover a number of DVD players in the home of a known burglar, they will more than likely scan it a black lamp looking for UV property marking but your invisible DNA won’t show. It is likely that you will not see your property returned.
However, there could be a string of happy coincidences such as you telling your local village bobby that you have been burgled and all your property has your DNA on it, he happens to stop someone with property that he remembers belonging to you and using his 10 or 15 X magnifying glass and a strong torch light and shine the light at an angle of 45 degrees, sees your secret mark! The good old fashioned British Bobby at its best. Sadly Dixon of Dock Green has long gone.
There are cost implications in recovering DNA and converting it to evidence, the Forensic Science Laboratory conducts this and the police are faced with the bill (pardon the pun).
They are likely to opt for traditional property recovery techniques such as proving to the burglar that ‘it’s a fair cop’ and asking you to physically identify your property with serial numbers, photograph or even receipts.
The £9.99 kit is available through a network of individuals who have paid £10 for a ‘license’ to sell the DNA mark kits locally. The resellers are not security checked and can buy their business opportunity via internet auction sites and other advertisements. £10 gets them into the security business!
A police recognised product is Smart Water Tracer, designed for the protection of domestic and household possessions as well as commercial assets. The unique forensic fingerprint is practically invisible to the human eye. However it fluoresces under ultraviolet light that police use as standard, and is virtually impossible to completely remove.
The cost is around £45.00 and claims to reduce the risk of burglary by up to 83%. Police support SmartWater as it has enabled them to obtain a 100% conviction rate in court. The kit also includes warning labels to deter thieves and it takes just 20 minutes to mark property in a typical house.
The choices are spending £10 on the unknown or £45 on a commercially recognised property marking kit.
Back to DNA Marking kit. For around £50 there is another DNA Property marking kit, this one boasts he UK Secured By Design accreditation, not easy to get and very important. This too comes with warning stickers the unique DNA resides in a pot of special glue to apply to your valuable items of property. Once this glue is applied, removal of the entire DNA marking from an item is almost impossible. It is invisible to the human and can only be located with a UV lamp and remnants of the DNA will easily remain in crevices and uneven surfaces.
The added benefit is that the DNA code along with the customers details are held on a secure LPCB (The Loss Prevention Certification Board ) approved database and allows recovered property to be traced back to the owner after analysis. Forensic testing will pick up even a tiny molecule of glue and can be used to determine whom the item really belongs.
There is a DNA Print kit that retails around £40 with a patented and technically advanced UV product that is saturated with selected sequences of DNA strands embedded in the security ink. By simply placing your thumbprint on the objects that you wish to protect and/or writing your personal code or number on them using the DNA UV Security Writing Pen, you will have peace of mind knowing that if items are ever lost or stolen, and subsequently recovered, they can be scanned by the DNA UV Detector to illuminate your invisible marks and prove ownership.
This DNA print kit has more items than the others mentioned, the kit includes… DNA UV Security Ink Pad to DNA mark hundreds of objects with your personal thumbprint, DNA UV Security Writing Pen this is designed to invisibly write your personal information that can identify you as the owner, DNA UV Detector with Pen to Illuminate invisible marks. Inventory Ledger to record the location and type of invisible marks placed on your property. And Tamper-Proof Tags to alert the police that recovered items are tagged with DNA UV security markings.
DNA was used to protect all licensed merchandise for 2000 Summer Olympics in Sidney, Australia, the work of famous artists such as Joe Barbara (The Flintstone’s) and Thomas Kincaid and the property of a major film studio.
It was also used to protect items from athletes like Mohammad Ali, and Mark McGuire’s famous 70th home run ball.
Now you can take advantage of this cutting edge technology to protect your property with undisputable identification. DNA Mark your property.
Digby Farquartis a UK security consultant and writer for websites such as UK Crime Prevention.org, UK Security Directory and Crime Prevention.org
i want to be a forensic scientist in the near future and i hear its better to have a criminal justice background before entering the forensic science field. so i’m currently working on my associates of arts majoring in criminal justice and when i go to a university in a year i want to know if, for the 3 or 4 years or so, i’ll be there could i get my bachelors of science too?
]]>Introduction
The legal field is growing at a rapid pass, one of the encouraging factor for this growth is the investment of government in homeland security. The investment in homeland security has also lead to the increase of demand in public and private safety. Many law enforcement departments now have increased the academic requirements for law enforcement officer, security personnel or other position that requires knowledge in criminal justice, most of them require at least an associate degree for the position or career promotion. This means that in the field of criminal justice, qualified and skilled professionals are always in demand.
Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree Online
To upgrade the skills & knowledge in criminal justice or to enter into this highly demand field without stopping your current work (or simply busy) isn’t as hard as it used to be. The time, distance and financial constraints of higher education have all but disappeared with the arrival of distance learning and now everyone who are interested in this field can earn the criminal justice degree via online technology. Today, many traditional universities and online colleges offer Criminal Justice Degrees and the students can attend the courses online. Among the universities who offers Criminal Justice Degree Online are:
University of Phoenix Online
Kaplan University
Boston University
American InterContinental University Online
Colorado Technical University
Grantham University
Keiser College Online
Career Opportunities A criminal justice degree can put you on a career path in Law Enforcement, Investigations, Courts, Security, Corrections, Law, Forensic Science and Public Safety. Among these careers are:
Crime Scene Investigation Crime scene investigators are responsible for carrying out complex crime scene investigations. They are accountable for the initial evaluation of the scene, and use various types of equipment to cultivate, secure, and package any physical evidence found at the scene. Base on the degree level and experience, the annual salary range for this career may range from $35,000 to $55,000.
ATF Agent ATF Agent usually Work for the U.S. Treasury Department and they are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of U.S. laws concerning the possession and sale of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. Base on the degree level and job grade, base annual salary range for this job range from $30,000 to $130,000. (see example hiring ad for ATF agent at USAJobs – jobsearch.usajob.opm.gov )
CIA Agent The CIA Agent roles include providing accurate, timely, comprehensive, evidence-based, foreign intelligence associated with national security; and conducting special activities, counterintelligence activities, and other functions related to national security, and foreign intelligence, as directed by the President. The annual salary for this job may vary by job functions but this is one of the high income categories in criminal justice field.
Criminologist Criminologist primarily involved in research and teaching, criminologists supply a great deal of knowledge to the study of policing, police administration and policy, juvenile justice and delinquency, corrections, correctional administration and policy & etc. According to a 2002-03 survey by the American Association of University Professors, salaries for full-time faculty averaged $64,455. By rank, the average was $86,437 for professors, $61,732 for associate professors, $51,545 for assistant professors, $37,737 for instructors, and $43,914 for lecturers.
FBI Agent Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents are the Government’s primary researchers, accountable for investigating infringement of over 260 statutes and performing susceptible national security investigations. The average annual salary for a FBI Agent is in range of $40,000 to 100,000.
Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychologists apply psychology to criminal justice. They frequently deal with legal issues such as news law, and public policies, and are asked to determine the mental state and competency of the defendant at the time of the crime, and throughout the legal proceedings. Psychologists earned between $45,000 and $100,000 annually. (see example job ad at (see example hiring ad at USAJobs – jobsearch.usajob.opm.gov)
Forensic Science Forensic scientists help to solve crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence and other facts found at the scene. They specifically analyze fingerprints, blood, semen, firearms, saliva, and drugs, and may also reconstruct skeletal bones. Experienced forensic scientists earn an average salary of $55000 per year. Federal salaries are usually higher. (see example job ad at (see example hiring ad at USAJobs – jobsearch.usajob.opm.gov )
Paralegal Paralegals are supervised by licensed attorneys. They offer assistance by completing legal research, preparing notebooks for trial, interviewing clients, helping write legal briefs, reviewing and updating files, and drafting documents. Salary and benefits for paralegals vary according to location, job responsibilities, and the type of law office they work for. Starting salaries usually range from $1,300 to $1,800 per month in smaller towns and law firms. Paralegals employed by the federal government earn an average annual salary of between $20,000 and $25,000, according to their experience and skills.
Summary
The career opportunities mentioned above are not the full job list, there are many jobs related to criminal justice field for you as a graduate major in this area. Please note that the salary figures stated for each job types are for your reference purpose, the figure may vary by hiring locations, degree types, job requirement & etc.
Visit http://www.studykiosk.com for more information on the best listed Distance Learning Programs. Discover the ins and out of attending a “Virtual Classroom” to earn the online degree and how it can help you succeed in realizing our education goals.
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hello. this is my senior year and all the application process is taking place. i wanted to know what are some colleges that offer forensic science programs. im thinking about becoming either forensic scientist or blood analyst. it would be really helpfull
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Product Description
Mapping Crime: Understanding Hot Spots 2005. 79 pages. Table of Contents About This Report Chapter 1. Crime Hot Spots: What They Are, Why We Have Them, and How to Map Them 1
Chapter 2. Methods and Techniques for Understanding Crime Hot Spots 15 Chapter 3. Spatial Analysis Tools for Identifying Hot Spots 35 Chapter 4. Conclusion 65.
A career in the criminal justice field can be difficult, stressful and dangerous. However, obtaining a degree in the justice industry can be extremely rewarding. Being involved with the trials, convictions, arrests, apprehension and incarceration of criminals can be both exciting and gratifying. The area of criminal justice is currently in need of talented, professional and dedicated law enforcement officers, crime scene investigators, prison guards, justice administrators, judges, probation officers and prosecutors. This demand has resulted in an increase of criminal justice training degrees and certification programs from a variety of reputable schools and colleges, like the Berks Technical Institute.
It can be difficult to choose the type of college training that best fits you. How do you know if you’re an ideal candidate for an education in criminal justice?
Are you interested in criminology, criminal behavior and the justice system? Do you possess a strong fascination with laws, regulations and crime statistics?
Are you willing to dedicate time to intensive training courses and concentrated classes that study crime theory, criminal behavior and various other elements that comprise a criminal justice career education?
Those who wish to enroll in criminal justice classes will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of careers. Students may elect to focus their education on forensic psychology, homeland security, forensic science, law enforcement, juvenile delinquency, private investigations and victim counseling.
Criminal justice certification training allows students to obtain a solid comprehension of the justice industry. Students are able to become familiar with the many different elements of justice operations, such as:
The court system – how it works, its rules and regulations, its function during a criminal court case, the important roles that various justice workers play during a trial
Law enforcement operations – its importance in society, its many strengths and weaknesses, how it has changed over a period of time, its place in the modern criminal justice system, its modern place in society
Collecting and preserving evidence – how the collection of physical evidence and science and investigative methods have developed and changed, how scientific advances have dramatically changed the way we look at crime scenes
Crime Lab operations – the importance of the precise nature of investigative techniques, how to avoid evidence contamination, why and how certain methods are used, how highly-advanced scientific techniques have changed and can be improved
Prisons and correctional institutions – their everyday operations, how they help inmates and prisoners, behavior control, the basic functions of different types of security levels
Recreating crime scenes – this fascinating new branch of crime scene investigation examines the crime scene by analyzing the exact manner in which it was found
School degrees in criminal justice allow graduates to choose positions that are both academic and career-focused, allowing entry-level job-seekers to choose various positions in the law enforcement, justice administrations and corrections fields.
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If you are interested in obtaining a degree in nursing, you could not have picked a better time. Nurses are in great demand today, and with people living longer, that demand is likely to increase in the coming years. Nursing school programs can be characterized by the type of degree they offer, and although there are actually 5 degree types that one can obtain as a nurse, the more popular degrees are the Associate’s and the bachelor’s. However, if you are interested in newer professions such as forensic nursing, there are also certificate programs. Maybe you are considering legal consultation or teaching and you may even decide to get your master’s degree. The other defining characteristic is whether you are in an online or distance learning program, or taking courses at a traditional college or university.
The Associate’s degree programs focus predominately on teaching students what is needed to prepare them to enter the workforce with the skills of a professional nurse. Their education typically has four major components, which consist of evaluation of care, health teaching, wellness and prevention, and the administration of treatments and medications. The evaluation component includes observation, nursing diagnosis, assessment, and intervention. The main focus of the Associate’s degree is for their student to achieve employment either while in school or directly after graduation.
Although it is not a requirement, most nursing programs for a bachelor’s degree operate from the assumption that most of their students are registered nurses and/or they have already obtained their Associate’s degree in nursing. The focus of these programs is to prepare students for a higher position, such as a supervisory role, or to enter into a master’s degree program. These programs usually revolve around the cultural, political, economic and social issues that can affect patients and the health care industry in general. There is also a focus on understanding the allocation and management of resources, which includes but is not limited to, people, money, and time. The most common variations of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing or a student’s route to this degree include going from an RN to a bachelor’s degree. Other variations include the accelerated bachelor’s program, LPN to a bachelor’s, the traditional 4-year bachelor’s, the online RN – bachelor’s degree, and the second-degree bachelor’s program.
The master’s degree program revolves around the type of career you want, as you can get a master’s degree that focuses on a more specific nursing path such as, Nursing, Nurse Education, Midwifery, Administration, and Health Care Systems Management. If your focus revolves around Nursing, Nursing Education, Midwifery, or any other similar specialty, your training should focus more on the actual health and expanding upon the knowledge received in your previous educational programs. If you have decided on receiving a masters degree with a focus on Leadership in Healthcare Systems, Nursing Administration, Health Care Systems Management, or any other similar specialty, your program should focus on management, leadership, finance, managed care strategies, workforce management, and other courses designed to prepare students for obtaining leadership positions in their chosen health care organization.
It is important to note that in the field of nursing many programs often offer certificates as well degree programs. The certificate programs are more specialized than degree programs and there are certificates that can be obtained before you receive a bachelor’s degree or after you gain your master’s degree. Some of the certificate programs that are pre-master’s degree include case management and geriatric care management. A few certificates for those with a master’s degree include legal nurse consulting and life care planning.
Most online schools and traditional colleges and universities also offer more specialized programs like the Nurse Practitioner program and Clinical Nursing Specialist programs. As other nursing careers and specialties gain popularity, you should begin seeing more degree and/or certificate programs available in the field of Nursing.
Unlike online programs, colleges and universities can boast a combination of classroom training, lab work, and on the job experience as a part of their programs. Although this has been the greatest advantage of traditional schooling, some online programs are starting to catch up, especially the distance learning programs. One of the greatest selling points of distance learning offered by traditional colleges and/or universities is the ability to graduate or “walk” with their traditional program peers. Yet, the main draw of complete online programs is the ability to gain a degree on your own time that works with your schedule while allowing you to work a full time job.
Take your time and financial situation into account before settling in on a program. Regardless of the certificate or degree program that you choose, be sure that you pick a program that is good for you. There are many options available in the field of nursing and this information can help you find the correct path to the degree that you are seeking.
Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to nurses and the nursing profession including nursing school and nursing accessories such as nursing uniforms.
Like forensic science? Crime scene investigation? Procedures on how to investigate dead body?
Any recommendation? Please specify author. Thanks!
]]>Forensic means pertaining to law. The earliest proof of forensics is BCE(Before The Common Era). Evidence of fingerprints in paintings and rock carvings were found. (Bureau of labor statistics.) Forensic scientists help to convict criminals by analyzeing the evidence that they receive from the police and or field agents. Fingerprinting is one of the most used techniques used to find out who was at the crime scene. There is a lot of fingerprinting involved in forensic science. Fingerprints help to find out who was at the crime scene. If the forensic scientist has the weapon they can also find out who held the weapon. Forensic scientists can also find out if someone shot a gun by testing clothing and hands for gun shot residue.
There are a lot of abilities needed to work in this field. One is to have perseverance, another ability needed is you have to enjoy math and science, and you also have to be organized. Perseverance is when you follow through with something even if there is little or no hope of it working. You need this because you might not suspect a person of doing something, but then you discover that they did do it. You have to enjoy math and science because math and science are big parts of forensic science. You must also be organized, If you are not organized you will probably eventually be fired. You must also not be disgusted by dead human bodies because you are usually required to watch an autopsy before you start to work.
Higher education is a must to succeed in this field even at the high school level. In high school you might want to be in chemistry, anatomy, and biology classes. You must have at least a bachelor’s degree in science, chemistry, biology, physics and or physical anthropology just to be a beginner. There are over thirty-one colleges and universities that offer a bachelor’s degree in forensic science. (BLS) The education may cost a lot but student loans may be used. Or you could go to a community college which costs much less.
An example position as a forensic scientist would be at Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS) in Norfolk Virginia. NCIS deals with murders or mysterious deaths of Naval personnel. The daily schedule of a forensic scientist is to record and analyze data. After the data is analyzed the scientists record the data and then report it to the field agents. The responsibilities of a forensic scientist are to get the data in on time and to get the data correct. The job opportunity of a forensic scientist is expected to increase due to the judicial system’s continuing need for corroborating evidence in prosecutions (BLS). Job opportunity will be better for professionals who have an advanced degree or certificate in forensic specialty such as DNA. They will be better because people want smarter people working for them.
If I worked as a forensic scientist at NCIS in Virginia I would live somewhere near Norfolk in Virginia. There are other NCIS locations all around the world but I would want to work at the Virginia location because Virginia is very beautiful.The cost of housing would not be bad because if you work at NCIS they sometimes pay for some of your house. At NCIS they let you use a government issued car for as long as you work there so transportation is not an issue. There would not be any special requirements with housing or transportation. You are required to use the government issued car at crime scenes, but that is really the only requirement with transportation.
The work environment of a forensic scientist would be in a lab. You might have an assistant , or you might be a lab assistant. People would constantly come down to your lab to drop off evidence and to find out the results of the tests they had you run. The lab would include many of tools including a mass spectrometer, finger print scanners and many more tools. It would be a very fun work environment because you get to work with people. Also it could be kind of scary because some of the evidence might scare you.
In 1998 the starting forensic scientist made from $20,000- $40,000 a year. Experienced crime lab professionals earned about $40,000- $85,000 and some lab directors earned as much as $100,000. The salary of a forensic scientist is excellent. It is very excellent if you are a lab director. But to be a lab director it requires more school.
Being a forensic scientist can be very rewarding. You can earn a lot of money and also have a lot of fun. You have a lot of fun because you can help people, and you build bonds with the field agents and sometimes become friends. A career in forensics is fun but a lot of work is needed to be a forensic scientist. In conclusion forensics if fun, rewarding, and not a very boring job.