Expert: Dick Rogers - 6/6/2008

Question
I'm getting ready to go after my Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and am very interested in a career in Crim Inves.  Could you point me to a resource which might outline differnet career opoportunities?  My only concern here is patrol is not an option becuase of back surgery in 2004.

Thank you

Dave Dibble

Answer
David, I am not sure I can answer your question adequately. If you apply to a large law enforcement agency, they most likely have a significant crime lab. If you cannot be a law enforcement officer, you would most likely become a technician or scientist with a specialty that would be of use to a crime lab, i.e., chemistry, forensic anthropology, or firearms science.  There is a book which outlines the cases and the needs of a crime lab.  It is called "Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation"  by Barry A..J. Fisher.  Fisher ran the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department crime lab and is a noted practitioner and instructor of crime scene investigation and forensic science.  Good luck.