Forensic Investigation: what does it do and how to enter the profession?

Forensic investigation is an area that generates a lot of interest for those interested in crime and criminal investigations.

It is a very important area that plays a fundamental role in solving crimes and seeking justice.

And to become a professional in the field there are some paths that can be followed, let's see how it works!

What is forensic investigation?

Called forensic investigation or forensic science, this is a multidisciplinary area that prepares professionals to collect, analyze and interpret evidence.

These analyses and interpretations are made with the aim of solving crimes, supporting investigations and other support in criminal activities.

It plays a key role in the criminal justice system and many other fields, such as forensics, cybersecurity, and fire investigation.

This is a complex area that is always evolving, meaning that professionals in the field need to be constantly up to date with news, techniques and technologies.

What does a forensic investigation professional do?

The forensic investigation professional is also called a forensic expert, he is responsible for collecting, analyzing and, mainly, interpreting the contents.

Your main responsibilities may vary depending on your specific specialization and field of activity.

Evidence collection

Evidence collection is crucial in this area, and should be done at crime scenes, accidents or scenarios that need to be investigated.

During evidence collection, the professional will need to take photos, collect samples of fluids or substances, collect fingerprints, collect biological traces and preserve these substances.

Analysis of evidence

Using laboratory technologies and scientific techniques, the forensic expert will analyze all the evidence collected.

This may involve analyzing DNA samples, chemical tests to identify substances, ballistics tests to determine the origin of firearm projectiles, fingerprint comparisons, and other specialized methods in the field.

Interpretation

Furthermore, the professional must interpret the results in order to draw conclusions. In crime scenes, these interpretations may involve recreating scenes and other similar situations.

Documentation

Professionals also need to document the data and put it into reports.

These reports are essential for presenting findings in court or providing information to investigators and attorneys.

Testimony

The interpretation of these results leads many criminal experts to need to testify in court, as witnesses and recounting their analysis of the facts.

Other activities

In addition to these activities, the forensic expert performs other analysis and data collection, assisting in food safety, forensic technology, forensic engineering and others.

But its main role is in the criminal field, working with the police to ensure public safety.

Where can you work?

In North American crime series, we can see forensic investigators or criminal experts working privately, but in Brazil this is a market that does not exist.

The only way to become a forensic investigation professional in Brazil is through a public examination.

The professional may work with the police, the courts and criminal lawyers.

In addition to these areas, forensic investigators can also work in educational institutions, research centers and non-governmental organizations.

It is important to mention that career opportunities may vary depending on geographic location and chosen specialization.

How to become a forensic expert?

To become a criminal expert, it is necessary to take a public exam that has some requirements.

One of them is a degree in some subject related to the forensic field, such as biomedicine, medicine, pharmacy, engineering, biological sciences, and many others.

But everything will depend on what is written in the notice of the competition you are going to participate in. Some may require specific courses while others do not.

Among other requirements that can be specified we also have:

• Have no criminal record;
• Be Brazilian born or naturalized;
• Have good physical and mental health that will be certified by a doctor;
• Have at least a category B license.

Furthermore, there are technological courses that can complement your knowledge and guarantee a certain technical advantage when taking public exams and when passing.

Knowledge required for public tender

To become a criminal expert, the professional will need to take a public exam and pass a test that involves several stages.

The first of these is the preliminary test that can eliminate or classify candidates for the next stages.

It consists of multiple-choice objective questions that involve notions of law, criminology, criminalistics, forensic medicine and general knowledge questions such as mathematics, Portuguese and others.

Another stage of the competition may be the written test, which aims to assess the candidate's argumentative and discursive skills.

In some competitions, it is also possible to find an oral test that can be recorded on video with audio. In it, the professional will need to discuss his/her knowledge as requested at the time.

Often the professional will need to undergo a psychometric test so that it is also possible to assess their mental state, whether or not they are fit to work.

It is important to highlight the fact that the notices, processes and conditions for participation and, mainly, for approval in the competition may vary according to the state and position of the professional.

So read the notice carefully so as not to miss any requirement or point of the tests, this way there will be no confusion about what you can or cannot do before being approved.

How much does one earn in forensic investigation?

For those who want to invest in the area of forensic investigation to become a criminal expert, the salary can be a great boost for professionals in the area.

According to Glassdoor, a reference website for jobs and company or salary evaluations, the average salary for a forensic investigation professional is R$$28,691.

According to data, the salary starts at R$$3 thousand and can reach up to R$$47,772 reais depending on the company.

Remember that values may change depending on the region, level of seniority and functions assigned to the forensic expert in the area.