What does a Forensic Scientist Do?

What does a forensic scientist do?

Forensic science(FS) is the application of scientific data of the crime scene and evidence analysis. A forensic scientist is testing all of the evidence found at a crime scene. They are responsible for certifying that all of the tests are performed ethically and accurately. Other major duties of a forensic scientist are obtaining evidence at the crime scene, creating reports of the findings, analyzing the evidence in the lab, and testifying in court. They have to report the findings of the analysis to superiors. Lab manager and detective are the jobs a forensic scientist could do. Education experiences to become a forensic scientist, that candidate should have two years of experience in a laboratory setting as well as a Bachelor’s degree in forensic science. A major skill that a forensic scientist will have is attention to detail and being able to run the tests without any bias. Yes, the work of a forensic scientist is very much secret. They may not exactly appear on TV. But, forensic science careers do play a major role in our legal system.

FS is the application of science to the law by gathering and examining evidence to be used in a legal case. Forensic science uses different types of natural and physical sciences to analyse crime scene evidence. After a crime is reported, the appropriate law enforcement(police) and medical teams are sent to secure the integrity of the scene, clearing the way for a group of forensic scientists to document and collect evidence. Forensic scientists carefully find all the evidence from the crime scene. After collecting the evidence, they preserve the samples properly for future examination. A career in forensic science can be rewarding and the demand for jobs in this field is only growing every year outside India.

Responsibilities of a forensic scientist:

There is a lot of responsibility for a forensic scientist. Starting from sketching crime scenes, photography, collection of evidence, preservation, and analyzing evidence, to give testimony evidence. Tasty money evidence means any oral or written evidence given by a competent witness, under oath, at a trial or deposition of evidence. Some other responsibilities of a forensic scientist are as follow:

1. Searching and collecting evidence at the crime scene.
2. Compiling written reports.
3. Gathering evidence.
4. Verifying the authenticity of documents.
5. Testing fluid and tissue samples for the case of drugs or poisons.
6. Analyzing tool and tire marks
7. Giving and defending evidence in court
8. Recovering data from digital electronic equipment like laptops, computers, and mobile phones
9. Using appropriate analytical techniques like chromatography, electron microscopy, and DNA profiling. They also identify the criminal by conducting the tests.
10. The work can require attending unpleasant/disturbing crime scenes in all weather conditions.

Sketching Crime Scenes:

Forensic scientists are responsible for sketching crime scenes. A sketch is a handmade drawing or diagram of the crime scene. This can help to provide additional context for photos and evidence. There are four different types of sketches, which help the scientist to deeply analyze the crime scene.

1. Floor plan- This offers a bird’s eye view of the scene.
2. Elevation drawing- This is offering a look at the vertical plane of the scene.
3. This drawing combines the first two types of sketches- It creates a more detailed look at the scene.
4. Three-dimensional or 3D perspective drawing.

Photographing Crime Scenes:

A major task for forensic scientists is to take pictures of crime scenes and evidence. Collecting and organizing evidence is crucial in solving any case, and photographs play a major role in this process. Using their pictures, forensic scientists capture the scene in deep detail. Some of the objects in these pictures include Interior rooms, building exteriors, tire impressions, blood spatter, scars and weapons, etc. After photography, labelling the evidence is an important task. This is very much essential when it comes to analyzing evidence and solving crimes.

Analyzing Evidence:

When the evidence is brought back to the laboratory, forensic scientists perform several tests and analyze it. A lot of techniques are used to test and analyze various types of evidence. For matching the fingerprint, which is present in the crime scene, Forensic scientists examine fingerprints by using the Automated Fingerprint Identification System. This system verifies if there are any matches currently in the system. They also examine and compare different types of materials that were found at the crime scene. Some examples are- paint, soil, glass, footprint, hair, bone, fibres, etc. Forensic scientists, specially toxicologists might also be responsible for testing any drugs/other chemicals found at the crime scene.

Consulting Other Professionals:

It is very important for forensic scientists to consult and collaborate with professionals. When they are analyzing evidence and working on cases, it is important to know opinions from the senior or professionals. For example – a forensic scientist might need to work with a firearm examiner to gain a better understanding of how firearms have played a role in a case. These ballistic professionals can provide expert insight regarding bullets or gun powder residue and how they factor into a crime. Consulting with professionals in different fields can help forensic scientists methodically work together in a crime scene.

An everyday task performed by a forensic scientist:

1. Analyze physical evidence collected at crime scenes.
2. They provide expert testimony before and during trials.
3. Collect traces of substances such as tooths, nails, blood, hairs, textile fibres, paint, glass, explosives, and drugs in an attempt to associate or disassociate suspects with victims or crime scenes.
4. Investigators collect evidence and send it to crime labs for further examination.
5. They use chemical and biological techniques to analyze the evidence. They also document their findings in a proper format.
6. Prepare reports on their findings. They also provide expert opinions for people within the judicial system.
7. Accurately document everything they do. That is why their testimony holds up in court.

Some tools used in crime scenes are-

• Computer-aided (CAD) software
• Biological evidence collection kits
• Cameras
• Photo Imaging software
• Footprint lifters

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FAQs:

What does a forensic scientist do?

Forensic scientists’ work is a laboratory. Other responsibilities and areas of forensics can include: Searching for and collecting evidence at the scenes of crime, compiling written reports, gathering evidence, testing and verifying the authenticity of documents, etc. Mainly forensic scientists work in laboratories, at crime scenes, in offices, and morgues. They may work for federal, state, and local government, forensic laboratories, medical examiners' offices, hospitals, universities, toxicology laboratories, police departments, medical examiner/coroner’s offices, or as independent forensic science consultants, etc.

How are forensic scientists employed?

Forensic scientists are employed by a specialist in private consultancies, police forces, top universities, and government departments. These government departments include the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory, the Centre for Applied Science and Technology, etc. There is tough competition for the small number of vacancies. Vacancies are advertised online, in local, national, and regional newspapers, etc.

What are the qualifications and training required to become a forensic scientist?

To become a forensic scientist, a degree in forensic science or another science subject is mandatory. Postgraduate(PG) in forensic science is also required, A range of degree courses is accredited by The Society of Forensic Sciences. The minimum qualification is a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, physics, molecular biology, or other related science.

What is the work of forensics?

Latest forensic science(FS) has a wide range of applications. Forensic science (FS) is used in murder, accident, suicide, or civil cases like forgeries, fraud, negligence, etc.

5. List some tools used to perform the various tests in forensics?

Answer:

• Computer-aided (CAD) software
• Biological evidence collection kits
• Cameras
• Photo Imaging software
• Footprint lifters