Expert: Chris Wagoner - 4/1/2008

Question
Commander Chris,

First I want to say thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to help the thousands of us who are pursuing an awarding career in the field of Criminal Justice!  

A little bit about my journey.  I have graduated with a Master of Forensic Science degree with an Area of Specialization in Investigations, and an Undergraduate degree in Criminology.  A little over a year ago I had my “dream” career slip through my fingers.  I went through over a year long hiring process with the United States Secret Service, only to have more than a year lapse after my offer of employment due to budget restraints.  Within that time I suffered a severe back injury while playing a game of basketball.  This injury required surgery and I am on my road to recovery.  I was told by 4 different spine surgeons that surgery would be my best bet, and that I would make a full recovery.  Since my injury I have had a change of heart, and I am no longer sure that I want to live the life of a special agent.  

My question to you is how do I start the journey of becoming a civilian with the state of local departments?  I am trained in all areas of forensics, but every time I come across a job announcement they require prior job experience or certification from the International Association for Identification (IAI).  The types of careers that I am interested in are, Crime Scene Techs, Finger Print Techs, and Coroner Investigations.  To become certified from the IAI, they require a minimum of 1 year work experience.   How do I start a career with these departments if they all want prior work experience?  Thanks again!


Answer
Hey Michael,

The way to get around this 1 year requirement is to get a job with the Medical Examiners office as a tech. The guys that go out and pick up the bodies. And also assist in the autopsy rooms. That would count I would think.

Or you could get a job with a police department as a Community Service Aide/ Field Service Technician or whatever they may be called in your area. They answer non-emergency calls and process crimes scenes for road officers. This wold give you that one year you need also.

Or watch for a job in the labs that does not require a certification at all and work in the he lab for a year then apply. Work your way up to that position you want by starting out in a position that does not require the certifications. Just an idea.

Or do what I would probably do, apply for the position anyway, even though it says one years experience, and in the interview, make sure you blow them away with your knowledge and skills and tell them about the dilemma your having because of the one year experience requirement. What is the worst that happens? You don't get the job. The same one you don't have now. Call them and talk to them about this problem, maybe they will let you apply anyway and you never know, requirements can be waived in certain situations.

Good luck and keep plugging..