Overview
Forensic science can be simply understood as scientific methodology and processes applied to solving crime. It is is a crucial element of the modern day judiciary system. Forensic science utilizes modern technology and knowledge from a variety of disciplines to analyze crime scene data and present it as legally acceptable evidence. The field of forensic science draws from a number of scientific branches, including physics, chemistry and biology; focusing on the recognition, identification and evaluation of physical evidence. Forensic scientists perform both physical and chemical analyses on physical evidence obtained by crime scene investigators at the crime scene. Professionals in the field use microscopic examination techniques, complex instruments, mathematical principles, scientific principles and refer theories/literature to analyze evidence. They may work at a forensic laboratory or collect evidence from a crime scene. A degree in forensic science provides a well rounded education rooted in the physical sciences, biology and chemistry, as well a basic understanding of law.
Forensic scientists can be broadly divided into three groups:
- Forensic Pathologist: These include medical examiners and other professionals who oversee autopsies and clinical forensic examinations.
- Forensic Scientist: These are professionals working in law enforcement, government or private forensic laboratories who conduct specific tests and analyses such as toxicology, ballistics, trace evidence, etc.
- Associated Scientist: These professionals provide additional assistance to investigators catering to specific aspects of a crime such as bite marks, insect infestation, postmortem etc. Forensic odontologists, forensic botanists, forensic anthropologists, forensic toxicologist etc are some examples of specialists under this category.
Based on the above categories forensic science can have the following specialisations: Trace Evidence Analysis, Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Podiatry, Forensic Pathology, Forensic Optometry, Forensic Odontology, Forensic Linguistics, Forensic Geology, Forensic Entomology, Forensic Engineering, Forensic DNA Analysis, Forensic Botany, Forensic Archeology, Forensic Anthropology, Digital Forensics and Criminalistics.
Job Prospects:
Some of the prospective jobs under this field are:
- Forensic medical examiner
- Forensic engineer
- Crime scene photographer
- Criminal investigator
- Crime lab technician
- Forensic psychologist
- Fingerprint analyst
- Forensic anthropologist
- Member of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) & Intelligence Bureau (IB)
Roles & Responsibilities
Duties in this field depends on one’s area of specialisation and place of work. Some of the duties are as follows:
- Analyze crime scenes to determine what evidence should be collected and how.
- Collect adequate sample without tampering with the crime scene.
- Take photographs, collect weapons, fingerprints etc in a scientific manner.
- Catalog and preserve evidence for transfer to crime labs.
- Reconstruct crime scenes based on the evidence collected.
- Perform chemical, biological and microscopic analyses on evidence taken from crime scene.
- Explore possible links between suspects and criminal activity, using the results of DNA and other scientific evidence.
- Consult with experts in specialized fields, to present a holistic picture related to the crime scene in as much detail as possible.
Desired Attributes
Given below are desired qualities for professionals in this field:
- Passionate and curious nature.
- Detail oriented and meticulous at work.
- Analytical bent of mind to think critically and draw logical conclusions.
- Willingness to adapt to different work conditions.
- Ability to think out of the box.
- Strong scientific and theoretical background.
- Good communication skills.
- Work well within a team set up.
How to get there