OFO No:

What is an Ballistic Expert?

• What is Ballistics?
• The study of the effects of a gun being fired, the marks on the bullet or cartride, the angle, the penetration, etc 

Ballistic experts are responsible for the processing of crime scenes for ballistic related evidence; examining firearms and tool marks.
 
Every firearm has its own particular characteristics which are carried over onto the cartridge case and the bullet during the firing process.

Etching processes are applied to restore serial numbers/ marks which have obliterated on firearms.

Ballistics Experts also perform individualization of firearms, investigation of mechanism and tool marks.

He/she perform internal, external and terminal ballistic examinations and examination of the effects which propellant particles have on a target.

He/she attends to post mortem examinations, prepares documentation of the outcome of the ballistic examination and presentation of expert evidence in court.

Ballistics Experts also maintain a computer database on cartridges and bullets and conduct research in the field of ballistic related issues.

What does a Ballistic Expert do?

• examines firearms, amunitions (bullets) and tool marks
• examines the angle from where the gun was fired
• performs experiments with the ballistic evidence
• recreates crime scenes with regard the ballistics
• writes reports
• appears as an expert witness in court

Are you … ?

• interested in crime?
• detail orientated?
• a person with good vision?
• methodical?
• analytical?
• organised?
• determined?

How do I become a Ballistic Expert?

What are the minimum requirements to become a Ballistic Expert?

 Suitable members of the South African Police Service are recruited for this unit. A qualification in Mechanical engineering, metallurgy, criminology, anthropology, armourer, forensic science/ investigation are recommended. 

Training:

 Individuals undergo 3 years in- house training and specialized training in the field of Forensic science.

Where can you be stationed?

 Ballistic Experts are stationed at the Forensic Science Laboratories of South African Police Service: Detective Services.

Information supplied by SAPS. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Police Diver or Chemical Pathologist

Is becoming a Ballistic Expert the right career choice for me?

Police Psychologist

CLICK HERE

for more info about this career

Other names for Police Officer:

• Bomb Squad Officer
• Constable (SAPS)
• Crime Scene Coordinator / Officer
• Crime Services Manager
• Gang Intelligence Officer
• Incident Response Constable
• Inquests Constable / Officer
• Metro Police Officer
• Motor Vehicle Crime Coordinator
• Mounted Police Officer
• Neighbourhood Support Coordinator
• Police Community Officer
• Police Dog Training Instructor
• Police Patrolman / Woman
• Police Station Control Manager
• Police Station Sergeant
• Police Surveillance Officer
• Prosecutions Constable / Officer / Sergeant
• Relief Sergeant
• Rural Sergeant
• Search and Rescue Officer
• Services Desk Officer / Public Reception Constable
• Tactical Response Group Officer
• Threat Assessment Officer

What is a Police Officer (non-commissioned)?

A Police Officer (non-commissioned) makes sure that the public live within in the law. They enforce the laws of the country. They investigate crime and arrest criminals.

What does a Police Officer (non-commissioned) do?

• maintains order
• enforces the law
• investigates crimes
• patrols public areas and communities
• arrests criminals

Are you … ?

• interested in crime, law and order?
• emotionally strong?
• able to see and deal with violent crime scenes?
• confident?
• a person with an eye for detail?
• a team player?

How do I become a Police Officer (non-commissioned)?

• You must be a SA citizen
• You must be medically fit

Path 1

• Complete your Matric

Path 2

• 2 year Learnership with SA Police Service

Path 3

• As you work with the SAPS you will collect more training and skills.

The order of police ranks or Police Officers (Non-commissioned) are:

1.    Constable
2.    Sergeant
3.    Warrant Officer

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Commissioned Police Officer or Paramedic

Is becoming a Police Officer (non-commissioned) the right career choice for me?

Police Diver

CLICK HERE

for more info about this career

OFO No: 311901

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – All about Forensic Careers

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Forensic Technician?

A Forensic Technician may also be called a criminalist.

They specialise in collecting physical evidence from crime scenes.

Forensic Technicians work alongside forensic scientists in a laboratory. 

What does a Forensic Technician do?

• collects physical samples from crime scenes
• follows strict rules and regulations
• performs experiments in laboratory on the samples
• analyses experiments and data
• determines what happened at the crime scene
• prove or disprove a suspect was at the crime scene
• writes reports
• helps police and other legal professionals
• appears in court if necessary as an expert witness

Are you . . . ?

• interested in crime scenes?
• interested in science?
• observant?
• detail orientated?
• a person with a strong stomach? (some crime scenes can be extremely traumatising)
• reliable?
• responsible?
• inquisitive?

How do I become a Forensic Technician?

There are many ways to becoming a Forensic Technician.

PATH 1

• Learnership: NQF Level 5 – Forensic Science

PATH 2

• National Certificate in Forensic Biology

PATH 3

• National Diploma in Forensic Pathology Support

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Forensic Analyst or Toxicologist

Is becoming a Forensic Technician the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 263205 

Other names for Criminologist:

Criminal Analyst

What is a Criminologist? 

Criminologists study crime. They study the evidence and legal systems to bring accused people to justice. 

Criminologists need to know the law and how criminal justice agencies operate including:

• The SA courts
• Police services
• Prisons
• Community-based correction centres, etc.

Some Criminologists may specialise in a particular field, for example:

• Research
• Victimology
• Corporate crime
• Juvenile crime etc

Many people or careers are involved or support Criminologists:

• Researchers
• Forensics Criminologists
• Legal People (Prosecuters, Magistrates, Attorneys, Advocates, Judges, Legal Advisers)
• Police Officers and Correctional Officers
• Security Guards, Traffic Officers
• Social Workers, Psychologists, Religious Leader
• Teachers, Personnel Officers
• Managers in the public and private sectors

What does a Criminologist do?

• analyses and interprets data received from the crime scene
• provides info about the crime and suggest ways to process the case
• catalogues information about causes of crime & what crimes are committed
• reports on crime statistics
• develops crime-solving techniques
• develops crime-prevention strategies
• researches all areas of crime: Offenders, victims, sentences etc
• keeps up to date with the laws of the land, legal processes etc

Are you . . . ?

• interested in crime and working in this field?
• interested in human behaviour?
• observant and detail orientated?
• a person with personal integrity? (you do what is right)
• a person with excellent analytical and statistical abilities?
• prepared to work long and unusual hours?
• emotionally strong and stable?
• dedicated and hard working?
• a team player?

How do I become a Criminologist? 

There are various ways to enter a career in Criminology and in each one you will need a degree. 

There seems to be 3 are various ways to enter a career in Criminology and in each one you will need a degree. 

(1) A B SocSci is most common, but a BA or BSc in with majors in CRIMINOLOGY will also be accepted 

You can do a Bachelor of Social Science or Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with relevant majors, for example, Criminology.

• UNISA

http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/index.asp?link=http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/Qualifications/98681.html

Criminology and Security Science

http://www.unisa.ac.za/default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=165

• UNIVERSITY of FREE STATE

http://humanities.ufs.ac.za/content.aspx?DCode=162

• UNIVERSITY of CAPE TOWN

http://www.criminology.uct.ac.za/

• MONASH

http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/criminology/ug-arts-criminology.html

(2) CRIMINAL JUSTICE

• UNIVERSITY of CAPE TOWN

http://www.criminology.uct.ac.za/

• MONASH

http://www.monash.ac.za/study/handbooks/aos/criminology-and-criminal-justice/ug-arts-criminology-and-criminal-justice.html

(3) CRIMINAL LAW

• UNIVERSITY of CAPE TOWN

http://www.law.uct.ac.za/courses

• UNIVERSITY of FREE STATE

http://law.ufs.ac.za/content.aspx?DCode=085

• UNISA

http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=209

NOTE: Each institution will have their own entry requirements. Please check with your institution of choice. Here is a rough guide:

Compulsory subjects: Mathematics

Recommended subjects: History and Geography

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Attorney or Bodyguard

Is becoming a Criminologist the right career choice for me?

03.02.2015 Posted on Facebook

OFO No:

What is an Identikit Artist?

An Identikit Artist works at Facial Identification Sections that is part of the Criminal Record Centres in the South African Police Service.

The identikit artist renders support in the investigation of crime cases by means of facial identification techniques.

The identikit artist provides the modus operandi of wanted persons or suspects and compiles faces.

What does an Identikit Artist do?

• helps police to combat or solve crimes
• listens to witnesses 
• draws faces that are described by witnesses (criminals or missing persons)
• tries to make the ‘faces’ as realistic as possible for easy recognition

Are you … ?

• interested in crime solving?
• a good artist?
• a person who can draw faces?
• a good listener?
• reliable?

How do I become an Identikit Artist?

What are the minimum requirements to become an Identikit Artist?

• To become an identikit artist one has to complete the Basic Crime Investigation course that is presented internally by the South African Police Service. 
• You must be in possession of a Senior Certificate (Grade 12) and a Code 08 Drivers Licence. 
• The completion of Basic Police Training and computer literacy are recommendations.

Training:

• The identikit artist undergoes a three (3) week Facial Identification Course that is presented internally by the South African Police Service.

Where can you be stationed?

• In the South African Police Service, identikit artists are stationed at any Local Criminal Record Centre in one of the following areas: Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Pietersburg, Krugersdorp, Port Elizabeth, George, Witbank and Nelspruit.

Information supplied by SAPS.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Graphic Designer or Mosaic Artist

Is becoming an Identikit Artist the right career choice for me? 

OFO No:

What is a Scientific Analyst (Electronics)?

The Scientific Analyst (Electronics) performs forensic investigations of exhibits in criminal cases.

This includes: carrying out electronic related investigations, interpreting the results of such investigations, issuing reports, doing method validation, giving expert witnessing in a court of law, doing research and attending crime scenes.

What does a Scientific Analyst do?

• carries out electronic investigations
• interprets results of investigations
• issues reports
• appears an expert witness in court
• attends crime scenes
• does research

Are you … ?

• a person who likes electronics?
• detail orientated?
• inquisitive?
• analytical?
• thorough and dedicated?
• a good communicator?
• organised?

How do I become a Scientific Analyst?

What are the minimum requirements to become a Scientific Analyst (Electronics)?

• You must have a relevant degree or diploma in electronic engineering.

• CLICK HERE for more info on Electrical Engineering study paths

Training:

• The following training is provided: The Orientation Programme of the Forensic Science Laboratory and Professional training in forensic investigation. Further training includes specialized training in the relevant field of forensic science.

Where can you be stationed?

• The Scientific Analyst (Electronics) can be stationed at the South African Police Service: Forensic Science Laboratory.

Information supplied by SAPS. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Electrical Engineering Technician or Mechatronics Engineer

Is becoming a Scientific Analyst the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 541202

What is a Dog Handler?

A Dog Handler is a trained police officer who together with their dog, help to prevent and investigate crimes.

What does a Dog Handler do?

• looks after their dog (grooms and feeds)
• maintains order
• enforces the law
• investigates crimes
• patrols public areas and communities
• arrests criminals

Are you … ?

• allergic to dog hair? – if yes, this will not be a good job for you.
• love dogs?
• interested in crime?
• emotionally strong?
• fit and healthy?
• able to see and deal with violent crime scenes?
• confident?
• a person with an eye for detail?
• a team player?

How do I become a Dog Handler?

• You must be a SA citizen
• You must be medically fit

Path 1

Basic South African Police Service entry requirements and Completed Basic Police Training.

It is recommended that the Dog Handler has a minimum 2 years experience in uniform duties, be physically fit and healthy, not be allergic to animal hair and has good motor and observation skills.

SAQA: http://regqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php?id=50102

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Animal Care Attendant or Professional Dog Walker

Is becoming a Dog Handler the right career choice for me?

What is a Commissioned Police Officer?

• A Commissioned Police Officer is a senior position and they are in charge of the management and support of running a police force in a designated area.

What does a Commissioned Police Officer do?

• plans and draws up budgets
• writes reports
• co-ordinates with other law enforcements agencies and emergency service providers etc
• monitors procedures
• supervises
• selects and trains staff

Are you … ?

• a South African citizen?
• a people’s person?
• organised?
• a good motivator?
• disciplined?
• good with numbers and maths?
• logical thinker?
• cool under pressure?
• a person with strong moral values?

How do I become a Commissioned Police Officer?

You will need a matric and to be deemed medically fit.

Path 1

• Complete your Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP)

• For more information, click on http://www.saps.gov.za/careers/careers.php and then click on the word ‘Police Trainees’

• For more info, look at ‘Career Information’ on the SAPS page. You can download their booklets.

Path 2

• Apply for an officer’s post in the South African Police Service (SAPS)

Path 3

• As you work your way up through the ranks, you will need more qualifications and experience before you reach the top

Officer ranks (Commissioned Officers) include:
1. Lieutenant
2. Captain
3. Major
4. Lieutenant Colonel
5. Colonel

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Fire Fighter and Body Guard

Is becoming a Commissioned Police Officer the right career choice for me?