Howick College
Forensic Scientist Kaipūtaiao Taihara
Forensic scientists apply scientific knowledge and skills to investigate crimes and help the police find or eliminate crime suspects. They may research developing or improving forensic techniques.
Forensic scientists may do some or all of the following:
- visit crime scenes to find evidence
- take notes and map the crime scene
- analyse physical evidence such as fibres, glass, debris, firearms, bullets and marks made by tools or weapons
- identify drugs found on people, in body fluids or at crime scenes
- analyse biological evidence such as hair, or blood and other body fluids
- analyse body tissues for poisons
- write reports on the results
- give evidence in court
- investigate civil court cases such as fire or insurance claims
- train police staff in collecting evidence.
Physical Requirements
Forensic scientists need to have good eyesight (with or without corrective lenses) as they search for small pieces of evidence at crime scenes.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for forensic scientists includes laboratory work, and work in the fields of medicine or chemistry.
Personal Qualities
Forensic scientists need to be:
- good at problem solving
- good communicators
- honest, responsible and able to keep information private
- accurate, with an eye for detail
- able to work well under pressure.
Skills
Forensic scientists need to have:
- knowledge of the chemical make-up of things such as paint or textiles, blood, body tissues and DNA
- knowledge of poisons and drugs, firearms and explosives
- research skills
- skill in analysing and interpreting research results and other information
- practical skills for performing experiments and operating scientific equipment.
Conditions
Forensic scientists:
- usually work regular business hours, but may be required to visit crime scenes during evenings, weekends or public holidays
- work in laboratories and offices
- often work in stressful or hazardous conditions, as crime scenes may be distressing or potentially harmful
- often travel locally and around New Zealand to attend crime scenes and court cases.
Subject Recommendations
A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include maths, biology, chemistry and English.
Forensic Scientists can earn around $74K-$88K per year.
Pay for forensic scientists varies depending on skills and experience.
- Forensic scientists with a Master's degree, working as senior forensic technicians, earn $74,000 to $88,000 a year.
- Senior forensic scientists, who report findings in court and supervise technicians, usually earn $101,000 to $120,00.
- Forensic scientists leading research projects can earn between $101,000 and $166,000.
- Science leaders and senior science leaders usually earn from 115,000 to $166,000.
Source: People and Culture, Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), 2023.
Forensic scientists may progress to senior scientist, science leader or management roles.
Forensic scientists at ESR may specialise in areas such as:
- DNA Analyst
- DNA analysts examine DNA evidence, such as blood, from crime scenes.
- Firearms Examiner
- Firearms examiners identify guns used in crimes by studying bullets and bullet marks.
- Forensic Toxicologist
- Forensic toxicologists analyse drugs and poisons in specimens such as food or blood.
- Illicit Drug Analyst
- Illicit drug analysts identify illicit drugs, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, usually for the police.
The New Zealand Police also offers a range of forensic civilian specialisations including fingerprint officers, behavioural analysts, electronic crime analysts, document examiners and scene of crime officers.
Years Of Training
4-5 years of training required.Forensic scientists start their careers in a technician role
As a new forensic scientist, even with a Masters, you need to start as a senior forensic technician, working under the supervision of a scientist.
With experience you can be involved in forensic investigations related to specific cases, or work towards a PhD and do research in forensic techniques.
Qualifications
To become a forensic scientist you need to have a postgraduate qualification in forensic science.
- University of Auckland website – postgraduate study in forensic science
- University of Otago website – studying forensic analytical science
Civilian forensics roles in the New Zealand police require a relevant tertiary qualification.
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