Too Few Investigators and Unsolved Crimes

There are abundant headlines about criminals convicted solely on DNA evidence, some of which has been cataloged from prior convictions or other opportunities for DNA collection. Sometimes, it’s the same collection of DNA that can help a person who has been wrongly accused from unfairly spending time in jail. From DNA backlogs to the potential loss of DNA evidence, the need for people who specialize in criminal justice, criminology and forensic science is increasing. While criminals are still on the street, pending DNA evidence to link them to their crimes, there are people in jail waiting on the same DNA evidence to be processed in order to prove their innocence.

In Washington, D.C., there are reports of the loss of DNA evidence in over 200 rape cases and the FBI reports a backlog of DNA stemming from the increase of DNA samples being collected due, in part, to the Patriot Act of 2001, the Justice for All Act of 2004 and the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005. With this huge increase in the amount of DNA evidence collection occurring, the jobs in these fields are also on the rise as the demand for justice grows. From foreign to domestic issues, criminal justice, criminology and forensic science are career paths worth exploring.

What is needed more than ever are people to help secure and analyze this genetic evidence, keeping the backlog of information low while helping to increase the evidence used to convict criminals or keep innocent citizens out of jail. Technology is making it possible to help both of these situations, but there is still a need for qualified and educated people to fill the positions. Either way, solving crimes by collecting and securing DNA evidence is a job that saves lives and makes our lives safer.

Labels: careers, criminal.justice.degree.programs., Criminology, Forensic Science