Forensic Science Jobs April 2012

March 31st, 2012
by Josh Arnold

The following are some Forensic Science Jobs opening for April 2012:

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Forensic Accident Reconstruction
MEA Forensic – Laguna Hills, CA
more info

SECURITY NETWORK FORENSIC INTRUSION DETECTION ENGINEER
New York City, NY
more info

Clinical Assistant Professor of Forensic Science
Sam Houston State University – Huntsville, TX
more info

Manager, Data Analytics
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP – Arlington, VA
more info

Assistant Professor – Forensic Science
Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, AZ
more info

Forensic Toxicology Section Supervisor
Dept of Forensic Science – Richmond, VA
more info

Adjunct Faculty, Forensic Science, DNA
Stevenson University – Stevenson, MD
more info

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The Difference Between Criminology and Criminal Justice

November 25th, 2011
by Josh Arnold

It’s commonplace to wonder what exactly the difference between criminology and criminal justice is. Criminology (sometimes referred to as criminalistics in some circles) is the study of criminal behavior and how to catch a criminal. How to catch a criminal is called forensics, which is the area of study which involves analyzing and discussing the various pieces of information that is left behind after a crime in order to figure out which step to take next in pursuing the perpetrator. Once a forensic scientist comes up with some evidence to suggest that someone might be a suspect or person of interest in general, that is referred to as a lead by criminologists.

A criminologist can also be a detective or psychologist who specializes in understanding the criminal mind. Criminology puts the focus on understanding the how and why of a criminal so that they can predict their next move and figure out their whereabouts in order to catch them before it’s too late.

Criminology is a form of criminal justice. Criminal Justice in general is the umbrella of all the various parts of the legal system that focus on bringing criminals to justice, as you may have guessed. But what separates a criminologist from someone else in the field of criminal justice would be what aspect of bringing the criminal to justice that they work on. For example, a judge helps decide the fate of a criminal once they get caught, and a prison warden and prison guards decide how to handle the criminal while they are incarcerated. Neither of these types of roles are involving actually catching the criminal. Criminology comes more into play when someone is trying to first catch the criminal because they need to understand who they are dealing with before they encounter them. It helps to have criminology under your belt when you are a judge or warden too, depending on the case you are dealing with (from a judge’s point of view) or the criminal you are dealing with (from the warden’s point of view).

Getting a degree in criminal justice will undoubtedly require you to study criminology at least at a base level, so even if you are interested in ultimately becoming a judge, you still have the opportunity to review a bit of forensics and criminal pathology while you are at school. For more information about getting a criminal justice degree, visit this link here.

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Coursework in Criminal Justice Programs

October 27th, 2011
by Josh Arnold

Many people who are interested in helping their community consider a degree in criminal justice to be the key to a better future because it not only can help you a job in law enforcement, but it can also open doors to a variety of careers in the law as well. If you are someone who’s considering a career somewhere in the criminal justice system, you may be in luck because while each school has a program that’s a little different from the next, they all have something in common: turning you into someone who is an expert in helping to bring criminals to justice and thus creating a healthy, happy environment for you and your neighbors to live in. However, there are some fundamental questions regarding each criminal justice training course and it’s important for you to know what you are dealing with. We can give some tips here, but to get a better understanding you really should find out about the schools directly, which you can do here.

Most all of the degrees in criminal law deal with the modern criminal justice system in the United States, although some if not all will give an overview of the past up till now so that you have a clear understanding of the system you are dealing with today. The courses are generally designed to show you the way the criminal justice system in the United States works as a whole, as well as the system of the state and as it works with the system of the federal government. Also, if you have an objective to work within a specific state, some courses are designed specifically for that state. In many ways this part of the curriculum is very similar to the work of a law student in the first year of training. Classes with a focus on crime and punishment tend to be at all levels of the curriculum offered by specific classes to graduate.

In a criminal justice degree program, students learn what it takes to succeed as a criminal justice professional in a wide variety of careers. Coursework often covers the various fields that are related, and the techniques, procedures, and responsibilities associated with those careers. For more info on obtaining a degree in criminal justice, visit this link here.

A list of possible criminal justice degree courses could include:

  • Introduction to Security
  • Law and Society
  • Carrying Out The Constitution
  • California State Law and the California Criminal
  • Judgeship in the Federal Criminal Courts
  • and more..

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What’s the Difference Between Police Officers & Security Guards?

October 27th, 2011
by Josh Arnold

Police officers and security guards share a major common purpose: to protect the public and/or its property. However, there are some key differences between the two occupations that should be taken into account. For instance, maybe one of most significant factors distinguishing the two from each other is that security guards work either for a security company who is in turn hired by a business, or directly for a specific business. On the other hand, police officers are commissioned by their local or state governments and are employed by them.

A police officer is a sworn law enforcement officer employed by a municipal, county, or state government agency and has powers of arrest. A security guard is normally an employee of a private company with no law enforcement powers. While security guards do have the power to apprehend and detain non-violent suspects such as shoplifters or trespassers, only police officers can serve arrest warrants and make legal arrests.

Another difference between the two to take into account is that security guards normally need only a high school diploma or equivalent to be hired while police departments prefer applicants who have college degrees in criminal justice or pre-law. Security guards often are interviewed, hired and employed on their first patrol within days, while police officers go through thorough background checks and intense training in police academies.

And finally, police officers can enter and conduct legal searches of private buildings and houses. Security guards are confined to patrolling and securing only the businesses or property assigned them by their employer.

If you’re interested in becoming a police officer or a security guard, you will most likely need a degree in criminal justice. For more information about obtaining a degree in criminal justice, try visiting this site to check out what types of degrees and colleges who are offering degrees are available.

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Is it Your Civic Duty to Serve Jury Duty?

October 27th, 2011
by Josh Arnold

While most individuals are less than keen on the idea of serving on jury duty, there are a limited number of viable excuses that actually allow them to get out of it. For that reason, it’s important for anyone who believes they might not be able to serve to review the list of viable excuses and make sure their excuse is listed. Otherwise, you may be required to present a specific case and reason for being excused to the court workers or even the judge.

Initially, if you do have a good reason to get out of jury duty, you can write to the court via the questionnaire and relate your reason for requesting an exemption. However, if you wait too long, you will be required to complete the call in process until you are selected to visit the courthouse, at which time you can present your reasons for being unable to serve in person.

The first reason an individual might try to get out of jury duty is if they are older than 70 years old. This is the simplest way to get out of jury duty as proof of age is all that’s required. Another common way is if you are responsible for the care of children or the elderly. Proving this is also relatively simple but might require further phone conversations. Regardless, if you have children and are called for jury duty, it is highly feasible that you can get out of it.

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How to Become a Police Officer

October 27th, 2011
by Josh Arnold

The primary duty of sheriffs and police officers is to enforce the law. They help the community fight criminals by making arrests, assisting people with emergency situations, investigating crimes, helping prosecute criminals by collecting and securing evidence, testifying in court, and writing detailed reports.

Police officers generally work in towns or cities, but deputies have authority in rural areas where no police departments are located. Police officers often work in specialized areas in bigger cities including rape, homicide, and traffic. In rural areas and smaller communities, sheriff’s deputies and police officers must be able to respond to a wide spectrum of emergencies and situations. This is due to the employment of fewer law enforcement workers because of lower crime rates in these areas.

As crime rates continue to increase nationwide, police officers and sheriff’s deputies will be increasingly needed. Unfortunately, budget restrictions lower the number of job openings available, which is why proper education is mandatory.

To become a law enforcement officer, excellent communication skills, good judgment and decision-making skills, and keen listening skills are necessary. Officers must be able to write concise and coherent reports that will be understood in court. Background knowledge in accounting, computers, weapons, business, special driving skills, and foreign languages is useful.

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The Many Uses of Forensic Science

October 26th, 2011
by Josh Arnold

Humans are an intelligent species because of our incredible ability to evolve and develop this sense of need for progress and obtaining enlightenment for our kind. Between religion, science, politics and family, there has thus grown a need for utilizing our abilities to achieve the highest performing societal management in history. The developments in forensic science have likewise introduced many vital crime solving techniques over the past few decades that are not only fascinating but, coupled with the idea of making the world a better place, exciting and uplifting for most people who join the field.

For many common people, “forensic science” means cops and fingerprints and DNA analysis. All of that is still true, but these days forensic science encompasses much more. Some “whodunits” are more complicated and can involve an international cast of characters.

Forensic Scientists play a critical role in the justice system by providing scientific information to investigators and the courts. A forensic scientist must be capable of integrating knowledge and skills in the examination, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and courtroom testimony of scientific evidence. Forensic scientists usually have a strong background in the chemical, biological, or physical sciences. Although the term “criminalistics” is often used to refer to the science and profession responsible for recognition, collection, identification, individualization, and interpretation of physical evidence and natural science, there are a number of disciplines or focus areas. Forensic science of today covers :

Modern computer/clay facial reconstruction;
DNA fingerprinting;
Autopsy techniques; Forensic anthropology;
Toxicology and much more.

What more reliable method is there to prove innocent or guilty other than through science?

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Why Should You Get a degree in Criminal Justice?

October 26th, 2011
by Josh Arnold

The field of criminal justice has many opportunities for those seeking to work in a law enforcement related field. With your degree in criminal justice you will have the background to work in corrections, law enforcement or crime investigation. Once you complete your degree, you can select your career direction from a wide variety of pathways. Depending on where you want to go, you may be heading for an entry-level job in your chosen specialty, into more years of schooling or into a job with more advanced responsibility.

Your degree in criminal justice will prepare you for jobs in the fields of law, law enforcement, corporate security or even law administration. In the area of corrections, you will need a degree to rise into positions of more responsibility such as a warden. Other positions that require a degree include detectives on the police force, paralegals or lawyers in law firms and managers of corporate security.

Having a criminal justice degree allows one to pursue some of the most interesting criminal justice careers, which aren’t only limited to a police officer or a FBI Special Agent career path. Highly recommended for those with drive.

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How Do Judges Become Judges

October 26th, 2011
by Josh Arnold

The top job in the courtroom and the foundation of our criminal justice system is the judge. California has the largest court system in the world therefore we also have the most judges of any state in the United States. Then there are federal judges with departments and other types of judges.  But how does a judge become a judge?

It turns out that there are multiple ways to become a judge. They all begin with becoming an attorney and moving up the ladder from there. It is a number one requirement to have a bachelor’s degree at least and all must pass the U.S. Office of Personnel Management competitive examination, an orientation, the American Bar exam, and work on continuing education courses while they are serving.

Federal judges are frequently cited as the people with the best job security in the world.  It is true that many federal judges enjoy nearly guaranteed job security not all of them have the same security. Usually, the President of the United States appoints District judges, circuit judges and Supreme Court justices and the United States Senate must confirm the appointment.

The candidate with the most votes wins. However it is a little more complicated than that because it is rare for a sitting judge to be challenged. This is because the only people who run for the office of judge are the same lawyers who appear before the incumbent judge. All in all, like every other career, this is one that takes patience and perseverance.

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