The field involving forensic science can be probably much more complex than most people realise, which is why people frequently ask what does a forensic scientist do? Forensic scientists look at each and every little bit of evidence obtained from a scene to be able to support law enforcement organizations to resolve criminal acts. This can sometimes help exonerate a suspect who may have previously been arrested for the crime as well as catching the true perpetrator. However, there are numerous branches to this multi-faceted science, and selecting which careers in forensics is for you can be difficult.
Forensics is not only restricted to violent crimes. It's also used to investigate (for example) theft, extortion, menace, fraud along with a whole host of other areas investigated by the police. A forensic scientist uses their extensive knowledge to search for the truth, regardless of whether it agrees with the evidence.
Forensic scientists may work together to carry out a variety of laboratory work. They should be competent to communicate well verbally as expert witnesses in the courtroom and then produce clear written reports.
A further area of forensics involves a background in biological and material sciences. These forensic chemists and toxicologists will look at biological evidence to search for drugs, poisons, alcohol along with substances in the body. This may be because of a death or possibly to ascertain whether a sports player or public vehicle driver may be taking drugs. Chemists will look at blood spatter patterns as well as for evidence of foreign agents on materials.
The medical examiner or coroner will not be a branch of forensics for those with a delicate constitution. Their function will be to pronounce death, sometimes at the scene of an accident or even in the home. Their next job is to perform an autopsy on bodies to identify the reason for and time of death. Evidence will be collected as appropriate, secured and sent for analysis to forensic scientists specializing in other areas. This could also include bullets for ballistics experts to examine.
The above mentioned will be the nearest to what you will see on television programs. However, there are many more fields to focus on, including engineering, accounting, computers and nursing for instance. The training for all of these may start in different ways, but all will benefit from either some kind of work experience or a thorough grounding in the history and background of forensics itself.
A degree in forensics is one starting point, or, chemistry and toxicology are other good options before taking a forensic degree. A dual degree involving a relevant science and law is also useful. Your path may be different if your interest is in being a medical examiner. Here you may need a degree in a health science for med school to become a medical doctor, which is obviously a long path to take. Once you have done this, you will need to enrol in a forensic residency program to be certified to operate. The whole process taking around 10-12 years.
Careers in forensics are varied and the training extensive and time consuming, so you must be passionate about what you're trying to achieve. Do your research thoroughly and don't just jump into one field before you investigate other areas of forensic science, as you may make your path a lot longer and more difficult. What does a forensic scientist do is complex, this is why it is important to think things through carefully before you begin a career in forensics.
Forensics is not only restricted to violent crimes. It's also used to investigate (for example) theft, extortion, menace, fraud along with a whole host of other areas investigated by the police. A forensic scientist uses their extensive knowledge to search for the truth, regardless of whether it agrees with the evidence.
Forensic scientists may work together to carry out a variety of laboratory work. They should be competent to communicate well verbally as expert witnesses in the courtroom and then produce clear written reports.
A further area of forensics involves a background in biological and material sciences. These forensic chemists and toxicologists will look at biological evidence to search for drugs, poisons, alcohol along with substances in the body. This may be because of a death or possibly to ascertain whether a sports player or public vehicle driver may be taking drugs. Chemists will look at blood spatter patterns as well as for evidence of foreign agents on materials.
The medical examiner or coroner will not be a branch of forensics for those with a delicate constitution. Their function will be to pronounce death, sometimes at the scene of an accident or even in the home. Their next job is to perform an autopsy on bodies to identify the reason for and time of death. Evidence will be collected as appropriate, secured and sent for analysis to forensic scientists specializing in other areas. This could also include bullets for ballistics experts to examine.
The above mentioned will be the nearest to what you will see on television programs. However, there are many more fields to focus on, including engineering, accounting, computers and nursing for instance. The training for all of these may start in different ways, but all will benefit from either some kind of work experience or a thorough grounding in the history and background of forensics itself.
A degree in forensics is one starting point, or, chemistry and toxicology are other good options before taking a forensic degree. A dual degree involving a relevant science and law is also useful. Your path may be different if your interest is in being a medical examiner. Here you may need a degree in a health science for med school to become a medical doctor, which is obviously a long path to take. Once you have done this, you will need to enrol in a forensic residency program to be certified to operate. The whole process taking around 10-12 years.
Careers in forensics are varied and the training extensive and time consuming, so you must be passionate about what you're trying to achieve. Do your research thoroughly and don't just jump into one field before you investigate other areas of forensic science, as you may make your path a lot longer and more difficult. What does a forensic scientist do is complex, this is why it is important to think things through carefully before you begin a career in forensics.
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