Want to help solve crimes? Study to become a forensic science technician

The two-year associate degree program prepares students for entry-level jobs in crime scene investigation, with medical examiners’ offices or as laboratory technicians, evidence technicians or pathology assistants with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Some students choose the forensic computer science specialization.

“With everyone having cellphones, smart phones and computers, computer crime is a fast-growing area of forensics,” she said.

Most forensic science technicians find jobs with law enforcement or government investigative agencies. Starting salaries in metro Atlanta average in the low $30,000s.

The program draws a diverse group of students. Some high school graduates are interested because of the TV shows they’ve seen. Law enforcement officers and supervisors sign up for the program because forensic science knowledge helps them on the job. Some middle-aged workers are looking for a career change.

“The first thing students have to realize is that forensics is a hard science, not a social science like criminal justice,” Shepard said. “Our students will be taking chemistry and biology courses. They’ll need science in order to analyze evidence and figure things out, so they should like it [science].”

Forensic science calls for people who pay close attention to detail.

“One detail can make the difference in solving a case,” Shepard said.

Technicians also need critical-thinking skills because every crime scene is different.

“The answers aren’t the kind you can find in a book. You need to figure them out for yourself,” she added.

Students take an introduction to forensic science class, followed by courses in documentation and reporting, crime scene investigation, criminal procedure and case preparation, and courtroom testimony.

“Our students get a whole quarter on how to prepare their cases and testify in court, so they are well-prepared when they start work,” Shepard said.

Students choose from a number of elective classes, including death investigation, blood-stain pattern analysis, forensics firearm analysis and trace evidence (hair, fibers, etc.) analysis.

Students who choose the forensic computer science specialization take five or six courses in the computer field to learn about operating systems, installation and maintenance of programs, networking and how to recover data from computers.

Shepard tells students they will keep learning after graduation because technology and best practices for collecting and examining evidence change constantly.

“We’ve only been using DNA evidence in crime labs since the mid-1980s, so it’s a young science. That process changes the fastest because we just keep learning more about it,” she said.

Day and evening classes are offered on the Griffin campus and online. Students are accepted year-round. Tuition is $45 per credit hour, and fees are about $81 per quarter.

“Forensic science technicians have to be self-starters. They are often working alone, so they need to be self-motivated,” Shepard said.

They also must be able to handle the physical remains of a crime scene: blood, tissues and dead bodies.

“What people like about working in this field is the sense of accomplishment they get in knowing that they helped to solve a crime. What we do helps put the bad guy in jail or exonerates the innocent,” Shepard said. “Every day is different. You’re working on a different scene or a different piece of evidence. It’s always interesting.”

For information, call 770-228-7348 or go to www.sctech.edu.

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