There is an increasing need for people to understand the role and application of probability and statistics in forensic science and the law. However, there are essentially no jobs and no career structure in forensic statistics in the UK as such.
The Forensic Science Service (FSS) of England and Wales has an Interpretation Group which considers problems of evidence evaluation, but it is small in size. In many cases, if the FSS wants help with a problem, it employs consultants. The Home Office has a Policing and Reducing Crime Unit which offers occasional contract work for statisticians to assist in particular projects. Individual police forces and law firms may also seek assistance with particular cases.
The area of DNA profiling is also growing. Although not strictly forensic statistics, there may be opportunities for statisticians in companies specialising in the analysis of DNA profiles for paternity and kinship testing.
Again, the absence of a career as such means that there are unlikely to be advertisements explicitly for “forensic statisticians” as such, though there may be opportunities for statisticians and programmers within government or commercial forensic science and DNA profiling organisations. Any advertisements might appear in several places, including the following:
- Daily newspapers (The Times, The Guardian and The Independent are probably the best).
- The newsletter RSS NEWS of the Royal Statistical Society which is issued monthly to all members of the Society.
- Electronic mailing lists (such as Allstat).
- New Scientist
Useful links
- Forensic Science Service
- Joseph Bell Centre
- LGC (previously known as Laboratory of the Government Chemist)