Question: I have a question about an autopsy or death investigation. Who do I contact?
Answer: Death investigations and inquests are led by the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. For autopsy inquiries, please contact the Office of the Chief Coroner at 416-314-4000.
Question: I’m thinking about a career in forensic sciences. What qualifications are required to work at the Centre of Forensic Sciences?
Answer: The Centre of Forensic Sciences has many different positions. Canadian forensic laboratories employ both technologists and scientists. There is a minimum requirement of a relevant community college diploma for a technologist; however, many successful job candidates have a Bachelor of Sciences (B.Sc.) degree.
The minimum requirement for a scientist is an Honours B.Sc. Most of those hired in forensic scientist positions at this organization have post-graduate degrees in one of the life or physical sciences or in forensic science. Some have worked or had student placements in a forensic laboratory. The forensic science job market is very competitive with hundreds of applications received for any given job. There are also a variety of non-scientific positions at the CFS, which are focused on IT, facilities management, business, policy and programs and Organizational Development (e.g. support for research & training activities).
Question: Are there specific academic forensic science programs that I should consider completing?
Answer: CFS staff come from various academic backgrounds and the CFS cannot recommend a particular program or institution over another. You may find useful information on forensic science careers and programs on the Canadian Society of Forensic Science website at https://www.csfs.ca/student-zone/
Question: Where can I find information about employment opportunities at the CFS?
Answer: Positions within the Ontario government, including the CFS, are advertised on the Ontario Government website at www.gojobs.gov.on.ca. You are encouraged to regularly scan the GoJobs website to learn of openings as they become available and to apply for specific positions that interest you. You can also sign up for a Job Alert on GoJobs as well as join our LinkedIn page (Centre of Forensic Sciences | LinkedIn), which is updated as jobs are posted.
Question: Where can I find information about internships, co-op placements and summer employment opportunities at the CFS?
Answer: The CFS supports the education of students who are completing undergraduate or post graduate degrees within a forensic science program and who are required to complete a research project as a component of their program. An academic institution wishing to place forensic science students at the CFS must make a request to the Director through the Head, Research & Development, Teri Martin (teri.martin@ontario.ca). Note that we currently support the forensic science R&D programs of a number of universities and our ability to provide placements varies from year to year depending on resource availability and operational commitments.
The CFS also participates in the government of Ontario’s Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) program (www.gojobs.gov.on.ca). Summer positions available are typically posted in January or February. Please note that these work experiences are typically limited to administrative positions as security concerns and operational realities preclude the placement of students in any of the operational sections at the laboratory. To be eligible for the SEO program, you must have student status (be enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution or commence the position within six months of graduation) and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
The CFS does not offer internship or volunteer programs.
Question: Are there volunteer positions available at the CFS?
Answer: Unfortunately, due to stringent accreditation requirements and liability issues, the CFS does not offer volunteer positions. However, the CFS participates in the government of Ontario’s Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) program (www.gojobs.gov.on.ca). You can apply for available summer positions that are typically posted in January or February. Please note that these work experiences are typically limited to administrative positions as security concerns and operational realities preclude the placement of students in any of the operational sections at the laboratory.
Question: Does the CFS provide training to members of the general public?
Answer: The CFS does not provide training to members of the general public. The CFS does offer educational programs and materials for persons or agencies using its services, including lectures at police colleges, forensic pathology courses, coroner’s courses and universities. Seminars are also arranged for special groups from the legal profession and police agencies.
Question: Can members of the general public or students request to interview staff who are employed at the CFS?
Answer: Operational demands take top priority at the CFS and due to the significant caseloads of our staff, we are unable to accommodate requests to interview staff.
Question: Does the CFS accept evidence submitted by members of the general public?
Answer: The CFS does not accept evidence submitted from the general public. Only evidence submitted by official investigative agencies (e.g., police services, coroners, pathologists, etc.) are accepted.