Crime Lab Analyst Career Description

Crime laboratory analysts most often work in the laboratory and not in the field, as some television shows have suggested. This does not make this career any less exciting. The lab environment is very complex and crime lab analysts play a major role in analyzing evidence and connecting that evidence to a suspect. During some criminal investigations a crime lab analyst may venture into the field to assist a crime scene technician in photographing, collecting and preserving evidence at a crime scene. In most cases, the crime scene technician will collect crime scene evidence and brings it back to the crime lab for analysis.

Depending on the laboratory, crime lab analysts will sometimes specialize in certain areas of evidence analysis such as, DNA or trace evidence. However, in most law enforcement departments there are only one or two lab analysts and they are responsible for analyzing all areas of the physical evidence in a criminal investigation. Typical analyses of evidence conducted by the crime lab analyst include, serology, DNA, firearms and tool marks, trace evidence, blood alcohol, toxicology, and others. The results of such analyses are used to match or link the victim to a suspect. Results are reported to law enforcement administration and investigators. A crime lab analyst will also provide expert testimony in a court of law as to the methods used for analysis and what they found. Crime lab analysts will typically work a 40 hour week in the lab, but during a priority investigation they may work longer hours as well as weekends and holidays.

Crime Lab Analyst Requirements and Training

A bachelors degree in forensic science, a physical science, natural science, criminalistics, chemistry, biology, pharmacology/toxicology, or physics is required. A bachelors degree in Chemistry is probably the best preparation for a career as a crime lab analyst. A biology degree with a strong background in genetics and and biochem is useful for specializing in DNA analysis. Some crime laboratories are moving toward higher education requirements, such as a masters or PhD in a relevant area. Crime laboratory analysts at labs throughout the U.S. are required to successfully complete crime lab analyst training programs prior to touching anything in the crime lab. This training may be waived for individuals who have been through crime lab training and worked in another crime lab. A bachelors education in the afore mentioned degree programs provides many of the required skills and abilities necessary to be successful, such as knowledge of terminology, lab ethics and etiquette and use of lab equipment. Further skills and abilities will be learned during training, like the principles and techniques used to analyze evidence in a criminal investigation, how to package, handle and store physical evidence, and much more. The bottom line, if you haven't earned your bachelor degree in a related field then that will be your first step. Try to internship in a crime lab while earning your degree. This will give you a leg up on the competition as well as help you determine if this is the right career for you.

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Crime Analyst Salary and Job Outlook

Starting salaries for a crime lab analyst will vary depending on geographic location, size of department and related factors. Our research found that average annual starting salaries in the United States are in the $28,000 to $45,000 range. Crime lab analysts with a few years experience are earning more, around the $42,000 to $55,000 range and those with many years experience can earn upwards of $70,000 a year. Crime lab supervisors will earn more. Job opportunities in this field are very competitive, but job growth is projected to grow in this sector opening up opportunities for entry-level crime lab analysts.

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Crime Lab Analyst Online Degree Programs

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American InterContinental University: AIU has developed curriculum taught by professionals in the forensic science field that will help prepare graduates for successful forensic science careers as well as graduate studies in forensic science and related areas. Request no obligation program materials from AIU today!

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BSCJ - Forensic Science

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Ashford University: Request information today and learn how Ashford University can help you reach your personal and professional goals.

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BA Organizational Management - Biology
BA Social Sciences - Biology

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University of the Rockies:

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Master of Arts in Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies
Doctor of Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies

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Campus Programs for Crime Lab Analyst Careers

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Florida

American InterContinental University:

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Corrections, Law Enforcement

Click a Location to Request Program Information => South Florida

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Georgia

American InterContinental University:

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Corrections, Law Enforcement

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Atlanta

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Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania College:

Programs Offered: Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's | Forensic Criminalistics, Intelligence Analysis, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Harrisburg