Q: (Initially posted on February 20, 2003) FROM MENTEE ALLISON R. IN KY
My friend is interested in police science, and I was wondering what you could do with a degree in police science?

February 24, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR ROSE CLARK IN PA
I am not exactly sure what you mean by police science but I am assuming
that it is related to forensic science. We offer a chemistry degree
with a concentration in forensic science at our university so I am
answering your question based on this information. The police involved
in crime scenes are responsible for collecting evidence (material) that
can be analyzed by a forensic chemist and used in a court of law to
determine guilt or innocence. Police offices can specialize as a
forensics officer and be trained to collect the appropriate material
without collecting everything so that the lab will not have an
overwhelming amount of material to process. If too much material is
collected then one will not be able to analyze it all and what do you
choose to analyze? If not enough material is collected than you may not
be able to make a case in court. It is definitely a science to be good
at collecting evidence. I hope this is helpful.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Rose Clark, PA