Crime Analyst Uses Forensic Chemistry Degree To Prevent Crime In Sacramento
Matthew McPhail, a police officer and crime analyst for the Sacramento Police Department, is assigned to crime analysis, which includes studying crimes that are occurring in the city; deciphering which locations are experiencing higher rates of crime; determining where police officers need to be stationed to help prevent crime; and developing strategies to prevent future crimes. McPail also looks for a correlation between similar crimes in different locations and reviews police reports to identify patterns.
McPhail obtained his Bachelor of Science in forensic chemistry, as well as completed his training in the police academy. He also spent a year at University of Technology, Sydney in the Foreign Study Program for Forensic Chemistry. McPhail has been a police officer in the city of Sacramento since December 2005.
"I have a strong science background," McPhail explained, "so my degree helped me with critical thinking, asking questions about what is being observed, and assessing a situation. I see if I can be more efficient. If I am working with a suspect, if what they are telling me makes sense based on all of the facts that I have."
The training period in the Sacramento police department is six months, which is longer than California State minimum requirements. Recruits receive basic training in police procedures, law enforcement techniques, basic laws and first aid.
Through the academy, McPail took extra courses to qualify to work in different departments. He also takes courses between 20 to 40 hours annually for professional development as an ongoing process.
McPhail would encourage those interested in entering this field to determine a field of interest and pursue a higher education. He went into chemistry and wanted to work as a police officer. "I have family members in law enforcement going back at least three generations and I would be the fourth." Also, "with a degree you show perspective employers you are going to commit yourself, you are dedicated and you are going to follow through. A degree will help you in your career."
Debbie Hall is practically a Las Vegas native (34 years and counting) and loves experiencing everything in Southern Nevada from the Las Vegas Strip to the surrounding mountains and Lake Mead. She also teaches at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and loves sharing her knowledge. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
