I am interested in the field of forensics as a career. What are the requirements to work in the NH lab?

Criminalists conduct forensic analyses on items of evidence submitted in connection with criminal and medical investigations. Criminalist positions in the laboratory require, at a minimum, a Bachelor’s degree with a major study in chemistry, biological sciences or forensic sciences and two years prior experience working in a laboratory setting. Individuals with undergraduate degrees in other major areas of study such as criminal justice or forensic psychology do not qualify for Criminalist positions. Strong candidates for open positions are those with educational backgrounds that include multiple advanced and in-depth laboratory classes in the natural sciences such as chemistry and biology. These types of classes provide the foundational knowledge necessary to work with the technologies and analytical workflows used daily in the forensic laboratory. The exception would be for a Criminalist position in the Digital Evidence Section for which a strong background in computer science and cyber security would be relevant.

Criminal Evidence Technicians coordinate the submittal, storage and tracking of items submitted to the laboratory as part of the Evidence Control Section. Criminal Evidence Technician positions require an Associate's degree with major study in laboratory technology or in the biological sciences, health sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences, forensic science, computer science, or a related field and two years prior experience working in a laboratory setting. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

Once selected for any position in the laboratory, a candidate must pass a comprehensive State Police background check in addition to a fingerprint-based criminal background check and motor vehicle record check prior to hire.