Forensic Science

Forensic Science 

Introduction: 

Forensic Science, the 6th fastest growing career path in the world, is the implementation of scientific principles to succor or nullify the physical evidence found at a crime scene. In simple terms, forensic science technicians’ assists criminal investigations for law enforcement. It is the application of Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, and Computer Science with the law in the criminal justice system. Forensic Science being a broad field is encircled with a number of specialties having the foundation in natural sciences. Forensic science is further organized into the following fields:

• Forensic Optometry 
• Forensic Toxicology 
• Forensic DNA Analysis 
• Digital Forensics 
• Forensic Entomology 
• Forensic Geology 
• Trace Evidence Analysis 
• Criminalistics 
• Forensic Odontology 
• Forensic Engineering etc.

Even more specialized fields in Forensic science include forensic accounting, forensic engineering, and forensic psychiatry, among others.

Nature of work: 

A forensic scientist plays an important part in proving the executor of a crime or the relation of crime to the perpetrator by the analysis of physical evidence, interpretation of data, DNA fingerprinting etc. In many civil and criminal cases, the statement of a forensic scientist plays a fundamental part in law enforcements.

Forensic scientists may be classified as Forensic Pathologists, Forensic Scientists, and Associated Scientists. Criminalists or Crime scene investigators are forensic science technicians’ who travel to the crime scene to gather the evidence by them and executes forensic analysis in a laboratory.

On the other hand, Forensic Pathologists who are specialized to work in laboratories analyzes the evidence being brought to them from the crime scene. Associated Scientists applies their understanding to the forensic science which provides the investigators with pivotal information starting from minor bite marks to a major observation on the postmortem body. 

A few job roles of a forensic scientist are listed below:

• Criminalist 
• Forensic Odontologist 
• Forensic Chemist 
• DNA Analyst 
• Medical Examiner 
• Trace Evidence Analyst 
• Forensic Anthropologist 
• Forensic Pathologist 
• Fingerprint Examiner 
• Forensic Toxicologist 
• Forensic Botanist 
• Forensic Biologist

Personality: 

Legal Process 

Forensic science technicians must have a complete understanding of the role of forensic science within the law. Forensic science is a key component in prosecuting many crimes, so technicians must know how to collect evidence properly so it is not contaminated. They must also understand their state's regulations for transferring evidence so that all of the paperwork is handled properly when giving processed evidence to the police detectives or attorneys.

Processing Crime Scenes 

Forensic science technicians must be meticulous when collecting evidence and documenting a crime scene. Technicians must identify and document each piece of evidence and its specific location at the crime scene. They take photographs and make sketches of the crime scene. In addition, they must look for less-obvious evidence such as finger prints, bodily fluids and bullets and shell casings that may be lodged in a wall or hidden under furniture. Technicians must pay close attention to detail and maintain their composure, even when confronted with difficult or gruesome crime scenes.

Laboratory Equipment 

Forensic science technicians must be skilled in using laboratory equipment. For example, they use microscopes to examine evidence such as hair, fibers and bullets. They use lab equipment to extract DNA from blood collected at the scene. In addition, technicians must be skilled at using computers to input data and to use databases to compare DNA, fingerprints and ballistics data.

Critical Thinking 

Forensic science technicians walk away from a crime scene with many pieces of evidence that may include photographs of blood splatter, fingerprints, footprints, blood samples and shell casings. At the lab, technicians not only analyze each piece of evidence individually, they must then put all of that data together to form a picture of what happened at the crime scene. They answer questions such as where the attacker was standing relative to the victim and how the criminal entered the building.

Communication 

Forensic science technicians must be able to communicate clearly. During the course of an investigation, they may need to consult with experts in other fields. For example, if a poison is found in a blood sample, they may need to consult with a toxicologist to determine how that poison would have affected the victim. In addition, they must clearly explain their findings to detectives or investigators. In some cases, they may appear as witnesses at a trial and must explain to a judge and jury how evidence was collected and processed and what the evidence shows about the crime.

Professional courses, Duration and Eligibility Criteria: 

• Diploma in Forensic Science 
• B.Sc. in Forensic Science 
• M.Sc. in Forensic Science 
• M.Sc. in Digital Forensics & Information Security 
• M.Sc. in Forensic Odontology 
• MBA Finance with specialization in Forensic accounting 
• PG Diploma in Forensic Document Examination 
• PG Diploma in Fingerprint Science 
• PG Diploma in Forensic Management 
• PG Diploma in Forensic Accounting 
• Post Basic Diploma in Forensic Nursing

Eligibility Criteria: 

• For Diploma Program: Candidates should have 10th passed in any discipline from recognized Board/ School/ College. 
• For B.Sc. in Forensic Science Program: The minimum qualification required to apply is a pass in the 10+2 examination in Science from PUC/ ISC/ CBSE or equivalent board with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
• For PG Programs: The eligibility criteria for pursuing a master’s degree is a bachelor’s degree in Science/ Forensic Science/ Medicine/ Engineering/ Pharmacy with minimum 55% (50% in case of SC/ST) marks or equivalent. 
• For PGD Programs: Candidates should have graduation in any discipline from Indian recognized School or University.

Duration: 

• Undergraduate Course (3 years) 
• Post Graduate Courses (2 years) 
• Doctoral Course (3 years)

Career Prospects: 

Forensic Scientists are in high demand around the world. In this era, there are numerous job opportunities for forensic scientists in both Government and Private sectors such as Police, Crime Branches, Defense/Army, Investigation Bureau, Detective Agencies, and Narcotics Department etc. Forensic scientists may also work with local, federal or state law enforcement agencies, private laboratories etc.

Remuneration: 

An average salary for a graduate at state forensic sector will be as per government pay scale which will start around Rs. 4000/- and accelerates along with the rank and years of experience. With a postgraduate qualification, one can earn sky-high salaries depending upon the nature of the organization. Private firms offer a rewarding pay packages to scientists to scientists with a few years of experience. With adequate experience, professionals earn Rs. 50, 000/- to Rs. 60,000/- a month depending on the nature of the case.

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