forensics in the police force

[katietyler]

I am currently at college, and am interested in forensics in the police. However my grades are not fantastic, science at a GCSE level C, but I was wondering if anyone knows if I can get into forensics via applying for the police. Instead of doing an honours, simply apply and work my way up gradually? HELP, can't find any help on the internet.

[Androcles]

Katie, whats wrong with the nformation here?

http://www.forensic-science-society.org.uk/Inf ormation/careers.htm

[katietyler]

because it does not state if i need to do it in the police. but thanks.

[Androcles]

Sorry Katie, but it looks quite clear to me:

"On-the-job training tends to be best catered for by suppliers of forensic science services to police and other law enforcement agencies as it is in these organisations that there is the breadth and depth of casework to provide the necessary experience. Such training generally includes a combination of specialist in-house courses and practical casework - all forming part of a professional apprenticeship."

It also says:

"The majority of forensic scientists in the United Kingdom are employed by the Forensic Science Service (in England and Wales), by specific police forces (in Scotland), and by regional government (in Northern Ireland), and by private companies which also specialise in providing primary forensic science services to the police such as the Laboratory of the Government Chemist."

So effectively you don't do this training as a police civilian, you need to join the Service - their website is http://www.forensic.gov.uk/

[saxy_jag]

A friend's son, whom I've not seen for some time, wanted to be a forensic scientist with the police. On a careers visit to the labs he was advised to apply for the force simply to get some police experience before he launched into his forensics career. It wasn't compulsory, though.

He applied to the force at eighteen and got in on a deferred entry whilst he went away to study for his degree. He went into the force with a first class honours in the science he needed, only intending to stay on the beat for a couple of years. In the end he didn't take the forensic route, because he was enjoying the work so much.

From what it says on here, it looks as though you do need to do that degree, after which there is a range of places you can apply to for a training post.