Blood Spatter Analysis

At the age of three, a child longs to be a princess or a dragon slayer. When the child turns five they start to thoroughly consider taking on the ventures of an astronaut or a movie star. Ten years later, at the age of fifteen, that individual's fascinations adverted to what they know them to be till this very day, but they were still as oblivious to the knowledge of their ensuing profession as the day they were born. After eighteen robust years of contemplation, a large majority of individuals has narrowed down the career they’re going to pursue. One of those careers may be in criminal justice. By stepping into the astronomical world of criminal justice, countless career paths present themselves, such as homicide investigation, crime scene investigation, or blood spatter analysis, but only one is attainable. On the homicide investigation side of the spectrum, there are many things to take into consideration. Before getting the job, or any job in criminal justice for that matter, an
individual has to meet certain requirements. Becoming a homicide investigator entails a high school diploma (or a G.E.D.), law enforcement certification , and a two to four-year degree in criminal justice or forensic science. It would be of benefit to anyone interested in homicide investigation to take a foreign language. America is a melting pot of many different languages, and there will come a time where using the witness's or criminal’s first language will solely dispatch the investigation. Prior experience as a law enforcement officer is most certainly required. Being a sworn law enforcement officer is the first step in the process of obtaining any position in criminal justice. After obtaining a higher position in criminal justice, such as a crime scene investigator, an individual can apply to be a homicide investigator. A homicide investigator's job is very demanding. A homicide investigator's job is to “investigate deaths caused by overt criminal activities and deaths with unknown causes to rule out criminal activity” (Murgado, Amaury). As a homicide investigator you are responsible for gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, conducting background checks on victims and all plausible suspects, identifying the responsible party, prepping cases for court and aiding the prosecution of a convict. A detective has to be prepared for anything. A detective should be aware of all possible risks including physical risks from suspects and mental exhaustion from all of the vigorous work. There is always a possibility of death when working for law enforcement. Enemy's will be made, and friends will be lost. The real question is, is it worth it? If the potential risks of the job do not drive an individual away, and they manage to obtain the job they will have a decent sized paycheck waiting for them. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, homicide detectives and criminal investigators earn an average annual wage of $79,030” (Bureau). Some individuals may be interested in a less gruesome setting. In which case, staying at a crime scene investigator level would be a good choice. Nevertheless, a crime scene investigator receives the same annual salary as a homicide detective. However, the hours are long and the work is strenuous. Criminal investigators generally work longer than forty hour work weeks, including nights and weekends. They’re required to be thorough in details. They have to be meticulous in regard to all the details when collecting and storing evidence. Preparing detailed reports, and other written documentation about evidence found at the crime scene is a predominant task in crime scene investigation. In which case, taking a few English classes would be useful. In addition to having an impressive literate aptitude, artistic capabilities would be beneficial. They would come in handy when photographing a crime scene or drawing it out. Criminal investigators must also have strong computer and communication skills. They absolutely have to work well with others because they will be placed on a team and communication is key for a functioning team. Being an investigator also necessitates “being healthy and in shape because kneeling, reaching, climbing, stretching, and carrying heavy objects to process a crime scene is a large part of the job” (Sipe, Charles). Anyone interested in becoming a CSI should obtain a bachelor’s degree in the any field of science. Becoming anything higher than a sheriff's deputy in the criminal justice line of business is like climbing a ladder. Figuratively speaking, a CSI would be the third step on the ladder. But on a totem pole, in comparison to how all the other positions are viewed, a crime scene specialist would land in the middle. Blood spatter analysts are the bottom of the totem pole. They’re paid less than the other guys,provided , they work less hours. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that forensic science technicians earn “a median salary of $55,360 per year” as of May 2014 (Bureau). There is not always blood at a crime scene therefore they are not needed nearly as much as a C.S.I.. Someone interested in this field should look into taking classes in bachelor’s or associate’s degree programs revolving around biology, anatomy, criminology, constitutional law, and statistical analysis. A blood spatter analyst will use math, physics, biology, and a knowledge of how blood behaves in certain conditions to help recreate the crime. Being a blood spatter analyst entails having an extensive understanding of the varying properties of blood and human body. Anatomy plays a vital role in the research of a blood spatter analyst. It touches on things such as the arterial flow and the behavior before and after it leaves the body. Common techniques require the creation of detailed reports using computer simulations and analysis. “Once hired, a blood spatter analyst must work closely with a mentor and continue attending classes or workshops to update their skills and knowledge” (Sipe, Charles). Before they can work on their own they have to pass an exam, demonstrate their competency in bloodstain pattern analysis. In a matter of months, the class of 2016 will be graduating and off to college.
The class of 2016 has spent the past sixteen to seventeen years scrutinizing what they want to do for the rest of their lives. Some of them may have chosen the prodigious path of criminal justice. Countless opportunities and doors open up to anyone who decides on either of these careers, including homicide investigation, crime scene investigation, or blood spatter analysis. Anyone who enters this door must take into consideration every aspect of each job such as hours, pay, requirements, and risks. But when the time comes, remember the insightful words of the all mighty Dexter Morgan, “every twist, every turn, can challenge our sense of direction. But it’s the choices we make when we reach a fork in the road that define who we are” (Dexter season 6, episode 7). The frantic narrowing-process may drive a mind to the verge of insanity but every individual will reap what they seek: uncovering their
destiny.