Who is a ballistics expert

Some ballistics experts even work at colleges and universities, teaching forensic science students about the profession.

Ballistics experts usually split their work time between crime scenes, laboratories and courtrooms. Because of the urgent nature of crime scenes, forensic scientists should prepare to work irregular hours. This could entail working late nights, early mornings and in many conditions of weather. Becoming a ballistics expert requires a certain education and a set of desired skills.

Though each individual's path may vary, many professionals can complete the training and education needed to become a ballistics expert in about four to five years:. A career in forensic science typically requires a four-year degree. Ballistics experts often earn bachelor's degrees with majors in forensic science, biology, chemistry or physics.

It's not uncommon for a criminal justice major to seek additional science courses in order to become a ballistic expert. Students interested in a career as a ballistics expert may take special courses in physics to understand bullet trajectories. They can also take specific forensic classes focused on fingerprint and DNA analysis, evidence recovery and other relevant topics.

During the interview process for a ballistics expert job, the hiring manager may ask the forensics professional to submit a background check and pass a polygraph test. Because of the nature of the justice system, working with departments that solve crimes requires employees to be ethical and transparent about their past. After obtaining a bachelor's degree, most entry-level professionals start their career in forensic science as an apprentice. Working alongside an experienced professional, ballistics expert apprentices assist leading forensic scientists in their work and learn to apply their academic skills.

These apprenticeships can last for one to two years until the entry-level professional is comfortable and confident in their work. After some training, entry-level ballistics experts also take a proficiency exam to test their knowledge of the forensic science field.

In some cases, their employment could depend on a passing score. When a professional passes this exam, they are eligible to testify in court.

Here's a list of both technical and soft skills you may need as a ballistics expert:. Ballistics experts write detailed reports on their studies and testify in court as expert witnesses. They also often collaborate with other forensic science professionals and law enforcement. Strong communication skills help make these collaborations efficient. Because they collect evidence at crime scenes, ballistics experts are detail-oriented and work hard to observe relevant data.

Ballistics experts also benefit from strong observation skills while studying evidence in their lab. Ballistics experts may have to decide which of their findings could be useful in solving the case and which are irrelevant. Forensic analysis involves identifying and analyzing minuscule pieces of evidence, so ballistics analysts must have a very keen eye for detail.

Ballsistics investigators should have an advanced understanding of physics, chemistry and laboratory techniques, according to CSI Accelerator. They often write detailed reports on their cases, so they should have excellent written communication skills. The position also requires a great deal of problem solving and critical thinking, so analysts should be able to think creatively and apply excellent judgment.

According to the U. What Is a Ballistics Analyst? Work Careers Law Enforcement Jobs. By Chron Contributor Updated September 16, Check the job opening to read about educational and experiential requirements.

Novice ballistics experts should be prepared to initially work in a supporting role, working alongside a seasoned firearms analyst to gain hands-on training. Training requirements depend on the employer and typically allow novices to gain experience in identifying firearms, handling evidence, searching crime scenes, and providing expert testimony in court.

Prospective firearms experts should have strong written and oral communication skills, as they will be expected to write detailed reports and to testify in court. They should have strong knowledge of different firearms, ammunition, and possess the ability to handle them.

Individuals with law enforcement or criminal justice experience may find this experience beneficial in securing employment as a forensic ballistics expert. Ballistics experts generally work in the forensic science division of law enforcement organizations at the federal, state, or county level.

Because of their specialization, forensic ballistics experts may be able to obtain positions with higher salaries than entry-level forensic science technicians. Firearms examiners typically work full-time during normal business hours, although they may be on-call when necessary. Experts should be prepared to work irregular hours, if necessary, and to travel to crime scenes regardless of the time of day or the weather conditions.

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