It’s hardly a secret that forensic science has gone from a niche discipline to a popularized profession. Whether you’re an avid fan of Bones or an idle watcher of NCIS, evaluating crimes through the lens of science has become the “it” subject.

While the field may not be as fast-paced and exhilarating as Hollywood might have us think, forensic science plays a vital role in the criminal justice system.¹ From DNA profiling to digital forensic analyses, it has helped investigators solve crimes as wide-ranging as cyber-attacks and discovering the “Craigslist Killer.”²

Plenty of questions surround the profession, but one of the most pressing is often: do forensic scientists go to crime scenes? In short, it depends on their specific profession in the field of criminal investigation. So, let’s do a deeper dive.

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The Role of Forensic Scientists in Crime Scene Investigations

Forensic scientists are highly trained specialists who leverage scientific methods to:

• Develop objective information on the nature of a crime 
• Assist with the apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders, or clear innocent people
• Determine who may be at fault in legal matters ranging from personal injury cases to property damage³

The work forensic scientists conduct is crucial to creating a safer and more just world, but their obligations are just as varied as the cases they oversee. So, what can you do with a forensic science degree? Luckily, it can be applied to multiple career paths.

On one end of the spectrum, a forensic pathologist (or medical examiner) may perform an autopsy to form a hypothesis on the cause of death in a murder investigation. On the other end, a fingerprint technician might process, examine, and compare fingerprints to discover who was (or was not) holding the murder weapon.

Do Forensic Scientists Go to Crime Scenes?

That said, the question remains: Do forensic scientists visit crime scenes?

As noted above, it depends on the specific position a forensic scientist holds. For example, a forensic investigator may be called onto a crime scene to conduct a comprehensive collection and examination of the physical evidence left behind, such as:⁴

• Tire tracks
• Blood (and blood spatter)
• Footprints
• Fibers
• Weapons 
• Objects (such as clothing)

A forensic biologist may perform the entirety of their duties in a laboratory, like analyzing DNA or testing and evaluating bodily fluids. Forensic science technicians may still conduct their obligations behind a computer screen, where they may work towards recovering and evaluating clues and evidence on digital transactions.

Tasks Performed at Crime Scenes

Forensic scientists who are requested at crime scenes may:⁵

• Take photographs
• Collect evidence, such as bones, bodily fluids, and bullet casings
• Examine the residue left behind by weapons
• Interview witnesses
• Transport, catalog, and preserve evidence

Naturally, accuracy and attention to detail are exceedingly important in crime scene investigation: Even the smallest misstep can alter a hypothesis and have a substantial impact on the investigation and the court’s decision.

What Types of Forensic Scientists Go to Crime Scenes?

If you’re especially intrigued by the idea of visiting crime scenes, you may want to explore the idea of pursuing a forensic investigation position such as:

• Blood spatter analyst
• Ballistics expert
• Arson investigator
• Forensics structural engineer
• Crime scene technician
• Crime scene investigator

The Impact of Forensic Scientists on Crime Solving

Whether a forensic scientist visits a crime scene or not, their importance cannot be overstated. Indeed, the discipline has aided law enforcement agencies in the apprehension and prosecution of numerous criminals, including the Unabomber and Jeffrey Dahmer.⁶

Skills and Qualifications Required

Forensic science is a broad field filled with multiple career directions, and each unique role has its own prerequisites. Many positions in forensic science require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the subject itself or a related discipline, such as:

• Chemistry 
• Biology
• Other natural sciences

Some forensic scientists may choose to advance their studies with a master’s in forensic science, while those who hope to work in forensic pathology must obtain a doctorate in medicine—just as they must be active, licensed physicians.

What binds nearly all of those with a forensic science career is a strong sense of meticulousness, as well as powerful critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.⁷ Above all, forensic scientists must approach every aspect of their work with emotional intelligence and unwavering objectivity. These attributes are part of the essential forensic scientist skills required for success in the field.

Explore a Career in Forensic Science at Alliant International University

Forensic scientists are essential to the criminal justice and legal systems. Arson investigators, blood spatter analysts, criminal profilers, and more add an unparalleled level of precision to investigations and the court trials and sentencings that may follow.

Alliant International University helps forensic scientists advance their education. The MS in Forensic Science, Investigation, & Technology offers students an ideal mix of hands-on training and practical instruction to give them the skills they need to thrive in the profession—whether that’s on a crime scene, in a lab, or both. What’s more, Alliant International University offers courses on the intricacies of the field, including the law, ethics, and cultural considerations that underline it.

Ascend to new heights with Alliant International University.

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Sources:

1. “Forensic Science.” Office of Legal Policy, December 11, 2023. https://www.justice.gov/olp/forensic-science. Accessed July 17, 2024. 
2. “3 Famous Cases Solved through Digital Forensics.” Eclipse Forensics, January 18, 2024. https://eclipseforensics.com/3-famous-cases-solved-through-digital-fore…. Accessed July 17, 2024.
3. 25 popular forensic science careers to investigate | indeed.com, April 18, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/forensic-science-jobs. Accessed July 17, 2024. 
4. Crime Scene Examination.” National Institute of Justice. https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/law-enforcement/investigations/crime-scene. Accessed July 17, 2024. 
5. 10 forensic police jobs (with duties and requirements) | indeed.com, September 30, 2022. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/forensic-police-jobs. Accessed July 17, 2024. 
6. Cassick, Callie, and Fox News. “Criminal Profiling: The Techniques Used by Police to Catch Dangerous Offenders.” Fox News, March 28, 2024. https://www.foxnews.com/us/true-crime-criminal-profiling. Accessed June 25, 2024. 
7. New Scientist Jobs. “How to Become a Forensic Scientist.” New Scientist Jobs, November 22, 2023. https://www.newscientist.com/nsj/article/how-to-become-a-forensic-scien…. Accessed July 18, 2024.