Forensic anthropology? Oh the possiblities. . .maybe.?

Question

Okay so I think we have all seen Bones and know that it has prompted a lot more attention to the field of forensic anthropology. And to tell the truth it's got me interested too. But what would a job as a forensic anthropologist really be like? I'm sure Bones has glamourized it a lot. Do you really get to work so closely with the FBI on cases. How frequently? Would you EVER be allowed to interrogate suspects or actually arrest them? Bascially I am asking that if you worked as a forensic anthropologist for/with the FBI what would it reallly be like?

Answer 1

if u get to FBI, well and good. if u dont, dont!

find another area.

its smelly stuff, dead stuff, old stuff, decaying stuff.

gruesome.  

even in FBI no interrogation of suspects, no arrests.  u r in the lab / mortuary.  whatever u discover, u let the investigating officer know and he takes it from there and he may not tell u the outcome unless and until he sees you again in the next case and unless you ask him.

true - tv has lots of glamor, dramatization. far fr real life

Answer 2

Truth is often stranger than fiction.  Television has a way of glossing over the routine and glamorizing the rare occurrence.

I have known several forensic specialists and many have very unexciting jobs.  I am told that those who work for the FBI are some of the best in the world and the number of people who apply far exceeds the number of positions available.

The job is not only about crime detection.  The FBI has often allowed their experts in forensic anthropology to work with Museums like the Smithsonian.

You might try contacting your local FBI field office for additional information.