The television show CSI has made criminalists very popular. A criminalist is one who applies science to the law. (Houde 13) Criminalists analyze patterns in criminal behavior in order to catch criminals, predict patterns and motives of criminals, and to improve the responsiveness of law enforcement agencies. They search for, collect, photograph, and preserve evidence (DJAC). A criminalist also analyzes items such as paint, glass, printed matter paper, ink, fabric, dust, with spectroscopes, microscopes, infrared and ultraviolet light (DJAC). A criminalist examines and classifies explosives, firearms, bullet shells, and other weapons. (DJAC) "The heart and soul of criminalistics is comparing, identifying, and characterizing"(Houde 15).
             Though they may work on crime scenes they also prepare cases in court too. Criminalists are often called to court to provide expert testimony regarding their methods of findings. (www.edd.ca.gov) For court they also prepare testimony, get evidence, interviews, files, and background details of the event and offenders method of operation.
             A criminalist would need certain skills. A major skill is being able to walk on to a crime scene and act calm and sufficient. "Another skill a criminalist needs is a good memory for what they hear and read" (CIC 608). Criminalist also must have the initiative to want to dig in to certain research. (CIC 608) They must also be able to cooperate and communicate with other scientist in their field. Also due to technology advancement computer skills are Marjory important due that most files and work will be done on a computer. Some computer skills that you should take advantage of are basic knowledge of computers, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. "Must posses initiative, resourcefulness, imagination, as said before accurate memory, good judgment, and powers of observation." (Stinchcomb 19) "Also a person must be willing t...