1)
What is the education /degree/special training needed? Answer-
The only requirements for education to be a forensic artist is a basic 40 hour
(1 week) course in composite drawing. That
sounds simple huh? Let me put
this in perspective for you, you can't have enough art background.
A degree is good. I don't
have one but, I wish I did. This
occupation is not defined by a specific set of requirements, it's based on
individual aptitude, background, and Personal desire. My personal experience is
my law enforcement background helped me get this position. I have been drawing since I was a child in grade school.
Although I have had no formal training in drawing, it is a passion.
Because I was a police officer for eight years when I was given the
opportunity to become a forensic artist, I had already developed numerous skills
that are fundamental to the position. These
would be; interview and interrogation, investigative techniques, and an
understanding of police operations. My
personal desire to merge both police background and artistic abilities has been
the key. I recommend that forensic
artist hopefuls find a forensic artist in your local area that you can talk to,
see if you can sit in on a composite, or just sit and interview them at their
office. Forensic art has very few
full time positions. Most of the
forensic artists I know work in law enforcement, whether it be civilian or
sworn. There are civilian positions
to be had so, don't be discouraged. One
of the best forensic artists I know is a civilian.
Her name is Karen Taylor. She
works for the Texas dept of public safety.
She co-authored a book on forensic art and developed the standard for 2
dimensional facial reconstruction from skulls.
2) What schools would be recommended? Answer-I
suggest you have at least a basic class in composite art before applying as a
civilian. Any collage courses or
art school experience is a huge benefit, however your personal aptitude and
desire are more important than your background.
There is training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. But is very hard to
get into and only for law enforcement officers. This is the best training I have
received, however there are limited positions in the class. The class is held
once every year, and sometimes they skip a year. The FBI is federally mandated
to provide training to local law enforcement. There is a waiting list due to
limited positions. Civilian
employees of law enforcement agencies are accepted but sworn officers have
priority. However, the Scottsdale
Art School in Scottsdale Arizona has basic and advanced courses in forensic art.
This is costly to the student but the same instructors at the FBI Academy teach
at Scottsdale. Scottsdale Art School toll-free number 800-333-5707 or
602-990-1422. You can locate training through organizations like the
International Association for Identification (IAI) <http://www.theiai.org/>.
3)
What is the starting salary? Answer- There is no standard salary.
I would say salary is based on experience and can range from $19,000.00
to $42,000.00 for a full-time forensic artist.
Again, to put things into perspective, there are only 3 full-time artists
in the state, two are sworn law enforcement officers and make more than the
non-sworn artist. That is of course
because both full time artists have over twenty years experience as officers,
where as the non-sworn artist has only a year experience as a forensic artist. 4)
What is the approx. salary after 10 years? Answer-
this depends on the agency, the promotional process, and desire of the artist. Nothing is carved in stone. 5)
What about overtime? Answer- Again, this is dependant on the agency's policies.
I get overtime when I'm called out, which is maybe 10 times a year.
I make side money doing portraits. I
do very well, and can do even better if I wanted. 6)
Vacations? Answer- I am a sworn officer. I
get all the benefits everyone else gets. I
get 2 weeks vacation per year for the first 10 years, 3 weeks per year after 15
years, and 4 weeks per year after 20 years. Plus, the twelve, or so, holidays
per year. 7)
How is the opportunity for advancement? Answer- As a sworn officer, I am eligible for promotional exams, like
anyone else. A civilian employee is
only allowed cost of living increases. However,
in this agency, a civilian employee could increase their status by productivity,
or specialty status. 8)
How is the work environment? Answer- I couldn't ask for more.
I have my own office. I have
a fast computer, the internet, scanner, and all the bells and whistles.
I am treated as an expert in my field.
For the most part, I'm consulted in decisions concerning my field.
I have been a detective for fourteen years so, I get to stick my nose in
complex, and high profile cases, that other artists don't get to mess with. 9)
What are the geographical locations? Answer- I'm not sure what you are asking here? If you want to know how far I go to do drawings, or forensic
art, I draw for fifteen different agencies to include the FBI and FDLE(Florida
Department of Law Enforcement).
I'm sure I don't have jurisdictional boundaries.
If Boston PD needed help I wouldn't be surprised if the Sheriff sent me to
help them. Of course, it all depends on the agency again.
I am lucky that the Sheriff here understands the more I draw the better
I'll be when this agency needs me. 10)
What is the prognosis for career in 20 years? Answer- This is tough. I
don't have a crystal ball. I would
guess that technology is catching up with us.
Right now there is no substitute for a forensic artist.
Computer programs are OK if a competent user is using them but an artist
has more versatility. I think it is wise to have experience in computer art and
keep up with technology. I like to
think a computer-wise forensic artist will be a valuable tool for law
enforcement in the future also. 11)
is continuing education required? Answer-
Well, like I just said, if you don't keep up with technology and current trends,
you'll be left behind and phased out. I
consider it mandatory. I think you
can't learn enough artistic mediums and techniques.
As an artist, I'm almost never satisfied with my work. 12)
What is the personal satisfaction/ long term job satisfaction? Answer-This is one of the best
things this job has to offer, besides challenges.
I have lots of job satisfaction. I
get to use my talents to assist victims in capturing their assailants. I get to do skull reconstruction's of victims who were
murdered, their faces come to life on my drawing board to be recognized from
beyond death. Hopefully, to help
make a case against the murderer. I
have put many a murderer behind bars because a witness has come forward to do a
composite. I have even captured a
serial killer in one case. I have
helped numerous rape victims bring rapists to justice, to include some serial
rapists. I have solved many
robberies in my career with victim/witness composites I don't remember them all.
I have done memorial portraits of deputies killed in the line of duty, a great
source of pride and service to their families.
This job is extremely rewarding. 13) Do you have any
medical benefits? what are they? Answer-
yes I do, I have whatever standard the agency decides to go with. I have
medical, dental, and eye glass coverage, as any deputy has. 14)
Retirement benefits? if so what? Answer- Same as any deputy, state retirement system and a deferred compensation program. It is
slightly different for civilians, they have to work longer than law enforcement. 15)
Advantages & disadvantages of the job? Answer-
I would say this is all perception. I
love this job. It's a challenge to
stay productive, help victims, come up with new and innovative ideas and
projects to better the field of forensic art.
I want to be the best there is, that is what drives me.
I like being a specialist in my field.
I can't think of any disadvantages.
I have more work published in the media in a six month period than most
other artists in their careers. 16) What is society's
perception of the job? Answer- Who cares? What
counts is what the Sheriff, administrators, and detectives who use my services
think. I'll tell you why, because
they'd rather fight than switch. If
I had to guess I would say that society perceives my job as an interesting and
specialized field. They only know what they see in the movies, or television. 17) What's the stress
level?
Answer-
My
stress level is low. I think stress
in this field is self-induced. If
you are comfortable with your limitations as an artist, competent, and
well-practiced one case is the same as the other and there is little stress. Stress comes from lack of practice, lack of things to do,
lack of productivity. I don't worry
about any of those things. 18)
How many interactions do you have with your peers and/or public? Answer- I have a lot of interaction with my peers.
I lecture at forensic artist conferences, I speak to other artists within
the state at least every month. I
train forensic artists from other agencies and within our own agency.
I interact in the schools from elementary schools to collage level with
lectures and demonstrations. I
answer questions from e-mails and I speak to anyone who calls the office looking
for information. 19)
What are some fringe benefits if any (car, stock, scholarships, etc.)? Answer- All deputies are issued a car.
All detectives are allowed to use their cars for personal use (the full Indy
plan) which puts deputies on the streets.
It's a perk but, it's only for sworn deputies.
20)
Other Answer-If
you have artist experience it would help your credibility with local law
enforcement. You need to deal directly with the detectives because, they're the
ones who'll be calling you. You may have to do the work for free for a while so
they can see the benefit of it. Otherwise, you could be turned away due to
budget restraints and uninformed administrators. Departments would rather
purchase a computer program to cut corners. Don't get discouraged! I'll tell you
now from someone who knows, a competent forensic artist is better than the computer
program at composite art. Another option is starting a new career in law
enforcement as an officer, and selling your artistic talents as a forensic
artist as a bonus. Administrators would love that but the pay for starting cops
is not always desirable. You may not get a chance to go full time as a forensic
artist for numerous reasons, like no position in the budget, not enough work
load to justify a full time slot, or the chief may not believe in forensic
artists. There are other jobs within law enforcement agencies that do not
require you to be a certified officer, like secretary, forensics, crime-scene,
etc. If
you want to you can call my office (407) 254-7122 x70687, or e-mail me at stephen.fusco@ocfl.net
, I'd be happy to talk
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