The number of forensic science technicians in Oklahoma is projected to increase 20.33% from 2008 to 2018 according to the state’s Employment Security Commission. This occupational category includes scientists who analyze forensic evidence at crime scenes and those who analyze evidence in a lab. Both types of jobs are available in Tulsa.
Forensic Lab Technician Jobs – There are two forensic labs in Tulsa that process crime scene evidence. The first is that of the Tulsa Police Department. It provides a number of services, including the following:
- Biology (serology and nuclear DNA analysis)
- Toxicology
- Drug chemistry
- Latent prints
- Trace evidence
The other forensic lab is the Oklahoma State University Forensic Toxicology and Trace Laboratory. It is capable of performing the following types of analyses:
- Forensic toxicology
- Forensic chemistry
- Trace chemical
In addition, the lab conducts research on developing methods for better analyzing forensic evidence.
Crime Scene Investigator Jobs – The Tulsa Police Crime Scene Unit provides crime scene analysis in this city. This department uses sworn officers as crime scene investigators (CSIs). Detectives are specially trained in forensic techniques and both photograph the site and collect evidence for further analysis by the department’s forensic laboratory.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has a regional office in Tulsa. Agents of its Investigative Services Division provide services that include collecting and preserving evidence at crime scenes.
How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Scientist in Tulsa
A bachelor’s degree in a science such as forensics, biology, or chemistry is generally required to become a forensic scientist. Applicants with lab experience are usually preferred.
Joining the Tulsa Police Department is one way to become a crime scene investigator in this city. The department requires that applicants have a bachelor’s degree with at least a C+ average. This degree must be from an accredited college. Many applicants for law enforcement jobs choose to get their degree in criminal justice.
Applicants to become special agents for the OSBI are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
Forensic Science and CSI Degree Options in Tulsa
Prospective forensic scientists in Tulsa can obtain a master’s degree in the forensic sciences from a local school. This would prepare them for a high level job in forensics, such as being a supervisor or performing forensic research.
Those seeking to be field forensic scientists such as CSIs have a number of colleges to choose from. They can obtain the following associate of arts degree from a school in Tulsa:
- Criminal justice
- Law enforcement
Another option is to enroll in one of the many accredited online schools that offer bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice. This type of education is an effective way to prepare students for a law enforcement career, and training in CSI techniques is a common component of these types of degrees.