What is forensic science

What is forensic science?

Using science to help identify criminals and analyze evidence against them, forensic scientists are detectives with microscopes. From matching shell  to using hair samples to identify a suspect, forensic scientists help determine the facts of a legal case. These careers offer criminal justice jobs that will keep you on your toes.

Forensic scientist requirements

As a forensic scientist, you’ll need to possess certain skills and qualities to help you get the job done. Your program, and any internships you complete, will help you build the hard skills needed, and if you don’t feel particularly strong in the personality traits expected, you can find a mentor or friend to help you develop these skills.

You’ll need to be aware before entering a forensic science program that this career does generally require you pass a full background check, whether for employers or certification. This background check looks for felonies and other problems that may call your ability to testify into question. If you are concerned about a background check becoming a barrier to employment, discuss this issue with your school or program counselor.

Hard skills

Evidence handling:

You’ll need a steady hand in many cases to ensure the quality of evidence does not degrade in your hands. You’ll also need to make sure you maintain the chain of evidence with the upmost care.

Laboratory skills:

You’ll be expected to use and occasionally troubleshoot laboratory equipment, as well as maintain lab safety standards. You’ll also need to be familiar with data analysis software and general security practices.

Math and statistical analysis:

As a forensic scientist, you’ll be responsible for comparing your evidence to databases to find matches and make decisions. This requires an understanding of statistics and other mathematical studies.

Driving:

Many forensic positions require some travel. This is to collect evidence, deliver evidence, or travel to court proceedings. Driving laboratory vehicles can be a little different from driving a sedan, but employers will make sure you are comfortable with the vehicle before letting you hit the road.

Soft skills

Communication:

You’ll be asked to testify in court and write reports, requiring public speaking and professional communication. You’ll also need to communicate clearly with detectives, lawyers, coworkers, and upper management to ensure accidents and misunderstandings are at a minimum.

Critical thinking:

You’ll use logic to analyze problems, search for facts, and find solutions. You’ll also evaluate new technologies and techniques in evidence handling and processing.

Detail-oriented:

Anyone in forensic science must avoid making errors and possess an ability to notice very small changes.

Composure:

Crime scenes and evidence can be gruesome in many cases, and forensic scientists need to be able to control their emotions and stay professional.

Job duties

Forensic scientists are sometimes also referred to as criminalists, and the field is sometimes called criminalistics. While they may not be exactly as they appear on TV, forensic science careers do play a crucial role in our legal system.

Forensic scientists perform essential tasks in criminal investigations and cases, and their work is held to a high degree of scrutiny. At the top of their mind must be maintenance of the chain of evidence to ensure they are not responsible for breaches of security or tampering of evidence.

Forensic scientists perform these types of essential tasks:

• Analyze physical evidence collected at crime scenes
• Provide expert forensic testimony before and during trials
• Collect evidence such as blood, hair samples, and other trace evidence
• Use chemical and biological techniques to analyze the evidence and document their findings
• Prepare reports on their findings
• Provide expert opinions for people within the judicial system
• Accurately document everything they do so that their testimony holds up in court
• Maintain certification through continued learning

What kind of tools do forensic scientists use?

A career in forensic science gives you an opportunity to use fascinating tools as well. Here’s a look at some of the items you’ll use on the job:

• Mass spectrometers
• High powered microscopes
• Chromotagraphs
• Computer-aided design (CAD) software
• DNA sequencer
• Immunochromatography
• Biological evidence collection kits
• Cameras
• Photo imaging software
• Footprint lifters

IMPORTANCE OF FORENSC SCIENCE

Forensic science applies scientific methods and expertise to criminal and civil investigations, playing a vital role in the legal system by providing objective, fact-based evidence. This helps law enforcement officials solve crimes, identify victims and suspects, and present reliable information in court. The integrity 

The importance of forensic science

Aids in solving and reconstructing crimes

• Reconstructing scenes: Analyzing evidence helps determine what happened at a crime scene, the methods used, and the sequence of events.
• Investigating accidents: Forensic science is also used in non-criminal cases, such as determining the cause of a car accident or a fire

Helps identify victims and perpetrators

Forensic science is one of the most powerful tools available for linking a suspect to a crime or identifying deceased individuals. 

• DNA analysis: Provides highly accurate identification by comparing biological samples like blood, hair, and saliva found at a scene to known individuals or databases.
• Fingerprint analysis: Matches fingerprints from a crime scene to those of a suspect, one of the oldest and most reliable techniques.
• Forensic anthropology: Assists in the identification of deceased individuals who may be unrecognizable due to trauma or decomposition. 

Exonerates the innocent

Forensic evidence can be just as crucial for proving a person's innocence as it is for proving guilt. 

• Undeniable proof: Scientific analysis can provide objective findings that absolve a person of suspicion, countering unreliable witness testimony.
• Wrongful conviction reversals: The use of DNA evidence has led to the exoneration of hundreds of people who were wrongly convicted. 

Provides expert testimony in legal proceedings

Forensic scientists testify in court as expert witnesses to help lawyers, judges, and juries understand complex scientific findings 

• Explains evidence: An expert can explain the meaning of test results, such as confirming that a substance is an illicit drug.
• Provides impartiality: The expert's testimony is grounded in scientific methods, reducing reliance on circumstantial evidence or potentially biased witnesses. 

Advances criminal justice

Forensic science strengthens the credibility of the judicial system and improves public safety. Ongoing research by organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) works to improve the reliability and accuracy of forensic methods. 

Specializes in emerging fields

As crime evolves, so does forensic science. This has led to the development of several specialized fields: 

• Digital forensics: Addresses cybercrimes by extracting and analyzing data from computers, phones, and other electronic devices.
• Forensic accounting: Investigates financial crimes and fraud within corporations and other institutions.
• Wildlife forensics: Combats poaching and illegal trafficking of animal products by using DNA analysis and other techniques.