Forensic Science: The Role Of Forensic Scientists

1. Role of Forensic Scientists

Forensic scientists are members of teams who investigates crimes which includes collecting, documenting and analyzing the physical evidences (such as fingerprints, bullets, blood, etc.) which are found from the crime scene.

A crime scene investigator or a forensic science technician is the other name for a forensic scientist who is specialized in crime scene investigation that involves the collection and cataloging of evidences which involves the usage of scientific methods to identify and classify evidences.

In 2010, 13,000 people were employed as forensic scientists who worked primarily for the state and local governments in police departments, morgues, crime laboratories and other offices. They will have to

Some work on a shift basis whereas flexible part time jobs are also available in this area. Sometimes investigators find it difficult to attend the crime scenes as it’s a must and the job appears to be challenging. For use in courts of law, these scientists prepares traces of physical evidences. Apart from a degree, a forensic expert will need to have a burrowing mind. One needs to have a high degree of certainty and attention to detail. Working under pressure and meeting deadlines are their other botheration.

Forensic scientists analyze evidences received from crime arena and present their findings based the results of their analyses. The job description of a forensic scientist may appear distinctly different depending on the domain of forensic science being practiced because forensic science is a rather broad field and thus encompasses a number of specialties, all of which are rooted in the natural sciences.

Forensic science works generally involves one or more areas of science:

• Chemistry:

Involves the study of paint, chemicals, and similar substances.

• Biology:

Involves trace and DNA evidence, including blood, hair, etc.

•

• Inputting data into computer programs and utilizing relevant computer database information

• Preparing written reports based on evidence analysis

• Coordinating the activities related to crime scene collection, preservation, and transportation

• Coordinating work with other members of the forensic team and with outside agencies

Forensic Scientist Skills and Education

Although the job duties of a forensic scientist varies, they have to possess some common personal skills which include:

• Critical-thinking skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Verbal and written skills

• Deductive reasoning

They must also be highly perceptive and detail-oriented, and must be able to spend extended periods conducting work of extreme pain and hard work.

On the whole, a forensic science technician is the one who plays an important role in solving a case of murder, robbery and many such crimes through their specialized skills involving problem solving, creative and high observation