Case studies: Forensic technician: Simon Titt

Simon has a BSc (Hons) Forensic Science from the University of Derby and works as a forensic technician for Environmental Scientifics Group (ESG)...

I applied for my current job in the final year of my degree. I knew some people who worked for Environmental Scientifics Group (ESG)  and they told me that ESG were expanding.

With this prior knowledge I was able to apply for the job of forensic technician as soon as it came up. I got the job and now work in their forensic services division, which provides a range of forensic testing and forensic consultancy. This includes examining evidence in criminal and civil court cases, providing court-ready reports and statements, as well as providing the services of trained court reporting officers.

Although I had no experience of working in forensic science, my degree provided me with an understanding of the subject and the basic knowledge essential for the role.

I had previously worked as a manager of a petrol station and as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at a leisure centre, so had good teamwork and communication skills.

My work as a lifeguard taught me how your actions can affect outcomes, and this experience is particularly useful in my current role in that any mistakes you make when analysing evidence can have implications further down the proceedings. You need to be vigilant at all times.

There is no such thing as a typical day in my work, which is one of the reasons I like it so much. When I arrive in the morning I check whether any emergency jobs have come in during the night and, if not, I start on my case work.

I analyse police evidence, looking at a range of factors, depending on the case. For example, I could be analysing a substance to find out what exactly it is; examining the purity of a substance to establish its quality; or comparing one substance with other substances. I then produce examination records that go to our reporting officers who will take this evidence to court.

I have been a forensic technician for about 18 months now and my role has developed during this time. I was trained on the job, receiving basic examination training and then quantification training. I now train existing staff on purity training and new staff on basic examination training. I hope to progress in my role and become a reporting officer.

What I like most about the job is working as part of a team. There is always someone on hand to speak to and discuss problems with. The only downside is that I am allergic to one of the substances that we see quite often!

My advice to other students interested in a career as a forensic scientist is to do your research when applying for jobs. Make sure you know the basics about the company you apply for and have knowledge of the area of work. Speak to other people working in the field and approach the interview with an open mind.