Who is Forensic Science?
Forensic science is the application of scientific knowledge and methodology to criminal investigations and legal problems. Forensic Science is a subject which involves multidisciplinary subjects of science like chemistry, biology, psychology, social science.
Forensic Scientist apply practical knowledge and scientific based techniques to solve various cases, using the laboratory and highly advanced equipment’s they carry out crime and do various investigations.
What does forensic science people do?
Main roles of forensic scientist are:
Direct the findings of basic scientific research in broader scientific fields applicable to forensic science.
Apply forensic science research to the development of highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, rapid methods for the identification, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence.
Expand the scientific basis of forensic methods.
Produce useful materials, devices, systems or methods that have the potential for forensic application.
Increase the body of knowledge to guide and inform forensic science policy and practice.
Types of Forensic Science
Forensic Accounting / Auditing
This is also called forensic investigation which involves intelligence into practice and deep analysis of the case.
Forensic accounting services can include:
Searching for hidden assets
Calculating lost wages
Tracing misappropriated funds
Performing fraud investigations
Forensic Computer or Cyber Forensics
These specialised people work with the technical departments and are involved into recovering of data and investigate frauds. They work into browsers and all the tracing and investigating the calls and networks.
Crime Scene Forensics
They are involved ion gathering physical evidences of the case. They have to study the trajectory and steps of the cases.
Forensic Archaeology
Forensic archaeology focuses on human remains that are severely decomposed. They mainly focus on clues they can glean from the bones, including carbon dating to determine their age. Theyare involved in understanding the cause of the death.
Forensic Dentistry
Forensic dentists are vital when a victim can’t be identified by any other means or when a culprit bites a victim. Since teeth have distinct patterns, the marks left behind can identify a suspect or victim. The shape of the jaw can also indicate age, gender, and DNA can be extrapolated from teeth.
Forensic Graphology
Forensic graphologists study the handwriting on ransom notes, poison pen letters, suicide notes, and blackmail demands. Though age and gender cannot be determined by handwriting alone, it can indicate the writer’s state of mind at the time.
They are involved in understanding:
Mood
Motivation
Integrity
Intelligence
Emotional stability
Forensic Pathology
The role of such people is to understand the death of the death, knowing the fact that the death has not occurred due to natural causes. Understanding various body parts being hurt. The professional person looks into the evidences of bullet fire, injuries and wound etc.
Forensic Psychology
This field of knowledge involves understanding the master mind. The thought processes, actions and mind involved in the case. The motive, thoughts of the criminals. Understanding the mental psyche of the criminals.
Forensic Science
Forensic science is the general term used for all of the scientific processes involved in solving a crime. Some roles and responsibilities of these people include:
DNA coding
Toxicology (drugs and the effects)
Serology (bodily fluids)
Ballistics (everything related to firearms)
Forensic Toxicology
This in involved in understanding the illogical and legal action involved in the case. Understanding of the drugs and chemicals being used. The illegal procedures undertaken.
What is the workplace of Forensic Science?
Professionals have to work on the streets, in a laboratory or in a court. The working environment can be from outdoors in all weathers and emotionally demanding to indoors in full comfortable zone. They may also need to wear protective clothing.
Generally, the working environment is stressful and overloaded which involves quick decision-making ability.
Knowledge areas that need to be required
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
knowledge of public safety and security
excellent written communication skills
the ability to work on your own
legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Skills
Forensic science technicians should have the skills like Collecting, identifying, classifying, and analysing the physical evidence related to criminal investigations. An Aspirant should have strong Technical Skills, Analytic skills, Keen observations and knowledge of various fields in science which helps in identifying the evidence, gathering the important information to arrest the culprit and interrogating them regarding the crime.
Abilities
Ability to concentrate
Communication Skills
Ability to work under pressure and deadline
Objectivity and sensitivity while dealing with confidential information
High tolerance to stress
Ability to take quick and write decision even in the stressful situations
Personality
Investigative
People who are quite curious and involved in knowing the reasons behind every action are best suited for this.
Conventional
People who are organised, prefer to work in structured environment and interested in understanding every details of the action.
Perfectionism
These people are accurate in the investigations they carry out. They prefer to work with perfectionism. They also uphold the characteristic as truthfulness
Logical
Such people are logical and apply practical knowledge into practice. They are involved into logistics.
Education
Undergraduate Course (3 years): - B.Sc. in Forensic Science
It is 3-4-year course which involves learning of various primary topics like investigation procedure, rules and regulations to be followed etc. People also learn about fingerprint analysis, theories related to criminology.
Post Graduate Courses (2 years): - M.Sc. in Forensic Science or PG Diploma in Forensic Science
This field of knowledge helps people to gain deep knowledge of the core subjects which help them later to solve the cases.
It involves advanced topics like drug analysis, DNA analysis etc.
Doctoral Course (3 years): - Ph.D. in Forensic Science or M.Phil. in Forensic Science
This is one of the most important to get into professional job and training. This course provides specialised courses in the field of Forensic.
Job outlook
Every place/field requires a forensic scientist. Demand of such people is directly related to the crime rate in the country. India being rich in crime rate is highly in need of such people. Mumbai has a highest rate of such people and technicians and professionals.
The scope of this profession is very vast. People can get private as well as governmental job in this field in various areas of their interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are some of the top universities to prove Forensic science course?
FS Indian Education Department, Pune
Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Department of Forensic Sciences (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University), Agra
Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai
Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science (LNJN NICFS), New Delhi
Institute of Forensic Sciences (Gujarat Forensic Sciences University), Gandhi Nagar
Centre for Cyber Forensics and Information Security (University of Madras), Chennai
Government Institute of Forensic Science, Aurangabad
Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences (SHIATS), Allahabad
St. Xavier’s College (University of Mumbai), Mumbai
Bundelkhand University, UP
Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi
Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar
Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology (Panjab University), Chandigarh
Osmania University, Hyderabad
Amity University (Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences)
Q. What are some of the top job roles in the field of forensic science?
Intelligence Bureau (IB)
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Forensic Pathologists (FP)
Forensic Anthropologists (FA)
Clinical Forensic Medicine Experts
Forensic Serology Experts
Forensic Expert/ Scientists
Q. What is the salary status for this profession?
Starting salary in Forensic science field starts from RS. 3 lakhs – 4 lakhs per annum. An experienced candidate can get about Rs. 6 lakhs – Rs. 8 lakhs per annum.
In India, a senior scientific assistant can earn over Rs 30,000 a month; whereas, a district scientific officer, who is at par with the District Superintendent of Police, can earn around Rs. 54,000 per month.
Q. Which are the colleges one can go in to study abroad?
UC Davis
George Washington University
Michigan State University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Pennsylvania State University
Texas A&M University
George Mason University
University of Florida
Durham University
University College London
University of Cambridge
University of Oxford
University of Dundee
University of Glasgow
University of Central Lancashire
Coventry University
University of Liverpool
Trent University
Laurentian University
Auckland University of Technology
University of Technology Sydney
Swinburne University of Technology
Deakin University
National University of Singapore
University of Amsterdam
Q. What all things could act as evidence?
Genetic material (blood, hair, skin)
Trace chemicals
Dental history
Fingerprints
Witness testimonies
Bullets or other potential weapons (ballistics)
Shoe and tire marks
Illicit substances
Documents, files, and records (hospital records, tax forms, job history, etc.)
Computers and phones
Videos or photographs
ANYTHING THAT WAS PRESENT DURING THE CASE OR IS RELATED TO IT
Q. What are the various job profiles?
- Investigative officers - Legal counsellors - Forensic Expert - Forensic Scientist - Crime Scene Investigator - Teacher / Professor - Crime Reporter - Forensic Engineer - Law Consultant - Handwriting Expert