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'CSI effect' pulls students to forensic career talk

Nearly 1,500 students told about the reality of working in police forensics.
Published - 24/11/2015 By - Scott Docherty - Police Oracle

Huge interest in a force's presentation on forensic science has been attributed to the "CSI effect".

Sussex Police was "almost overwhelmed" by the response of schoolchildren to a forensic experts talk on possible careers at the Amex Stadium in Brighton.

Several hundred had been expected but almost 1,500 teeangers turned up to hear the Surrey and Sussex forensics team talk about the reality of working in the field.

Allan Scott, chairman of the Forensic and Policing Services Association (FAPSA), says since the airing of the popular TV series in 2000 there has been huge interest in the job.

He told PoliceOracle.com: "I eventually got round to watching it and thought it was a bit of a comedy as far as I was concerned.

"After CSI we did have an expansion of forensic services which has since declined."

Demand for places on forensic university courses outstrips the number of available positions in departments, but Mr Scott says he is "quite pleased" there is so much interest in the job.

"There are other jobs that these graduates can move into afterwards," he added.

The event held in Brighton was aimed specifically at children who had an interest in science and were thinking about a career in forensics.

A spokesman said: "Working in police forensics teams may not be exactly like an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, but it is definitely varied, challenging and rewarding.

"The Surrey and Sussex Forensics team talked to students about the realities of working in police forensics, explained the different career options on offer and the qualifications needed."

Brian Gilbert of the Forensics team said: "The level of interest was a real eye-opener. While there are no immediate plans to repeat the event, next time we might have to hire one of the football stands.

"We carry out a range of work, from scenes of crime examination, to fingerprint examination, and photography. This is a very specialised and professional support to the police and I'm sure the students who came along found food for thought."

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