Originally Posted by Fazor

I believe the exact process varies, but I doubt a high percentage on the forensic side have ever worked the streets. I know here locally, we have a state crime lab and jobs are posted on the state's website from time to time. They require a ton of schooling and lab experience, and if accepted I'm sure you have to take a civil service test, but there's no police or law work experience requirement.

There are, as I understand it, privately owned forensic labs that get contracted out to as well. With the proper education and experience, anyone (who passes a background check) can get work there. But you won't be out at the scene making witty comments while you gather evidence, nor will you be running around interviewing witnesses or making arrests. There'd be too much opportunity to alter evidence and not enough outside confirmation if one person, or even one tight-knit team, did the entire investigation.