5 answers
Kyra
Student
Marion, Iowa
8
Questions
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Forensics?
What are some different Jobs/branches of forensics?
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5 answers
Tatiana T. Scott
Software Engineer, Former Forensic Scientist
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Tatiana T.’s Answer
The field of Forensic Science is a huge umbrella that broadly consists of many professions/professionals all working for a common goal. Naturally there are the criminal justice professionals, the crime lab professionals and there are also many forensic "specialists".
I often ask students questions about their passions interests and hobbies that are showing an interested in forensics but curious about what the field can offer them specifically. For example, one student had a love for sketching and artwork. So I introduced her to Forensic Artistry.
There are many "disciplines" for instance (this website does not list them all, but lists some specialities: https://www.forensicnexus.com/Disciplines
https://www.aafs.org/careers-forensic-science/what-forensic-science
I often ask students questions about their passions interests and hobbies that are showing an interested in forensics but curious about what the field can offer them specifically. For example, one student had a love for sketching and artwork. So I introduced her to Forensic Artistry.
There are many "disciplines" for instance (this website does not list them all, but lists some specialities: https://www.forensicnexus.com/Disciplines
Tatiana T. recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Kyra
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Addison
Stephanie Goldman
Forensic Scientist
10
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Forensic just means pertaining to law, so you can have all sorts of different forensic disciplines. Some of the more common ones are forensic biology, drug analysis, firearms, computer forensics, forensic art, toxicology, and trace analysis (which can include fire debris, glass analysis, fiber analysis, and tool marks). If you want to get involved in forensic analysis of crime scenes, the best way to start is to think about what kind of analysis you like to do. Do you want to do pattern comparisons like firearms or latent prints? Do you like chemistry or biology? Do you prefer working on computers? Do you want to take crime scene photos or make or make sketches of suspects? There are a lot of options in the realm of forensics so start with your other interests.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Kyra
Alexander Badu-Boateng
Forensic DNA Scientist
2
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
Forensic Science is very broad. There are sub disciplines like Forensic Biology, Forensic chemistry, Firearm examination, Questioned document examination, Forensic photography, etc
Jay Phillips
Former Forensic Scientist
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Jay’s Answer
If you are referring to forensic science, here are the most common disciplines found in a comprehensive crime lab: toxicology, drug chemistry, trace evidence, serology/DNA, latent prints, questioned documents, and firearms. “Forensic” refers to anything related to the court of law, so there are also forensic accounting, engineering, ordontology, pathology, etc.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Kyra
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Kyra!
Exploring the Various Roles in Forensic Science
Forensic science is a fascinating field that uses science to solve legal puzzles and crimes. There are many different roles in this field, each focusing on a unique aspect of investigation and analysis. Here's a rundown of some key jobs and areas within forensic science:
1. Forensic Pathology: These medical professionals determine the cause of death by examining bodies. They conduct autopsies, gather evidence, and testify in court about their findings. Their work is essential in murder cases and other deaths that are suspicious.
2. Forensic Anthropology: These experts use their understanding of the human skeleton to help identify human remains. They examine bones to figure out age, gender, ancestry, and any injuries that happened before or after death. This role is especially important when dealing with decomposed or skeletal remains.
3. Forensic Odontology: These specialists use dental records and bite marks to identify victims or suspects. They provide crucial information when other identification methods aren't possible, like when a body is too decomposed or burned.
4. Forensic Entomology: This role involves studying insect life cycles to estimate when someone died. Forensic entomologists look at the insects on decomposing bodies to give clues about the time since death, which is often key in murder cases.
5. Forensic Toxicology: These experts analyze samples like blood, urine, or tissue to find drugs, alcohol, poisons, or other substances that might have caused a person’s death or impairment. Their findings can be very important in cases involving substance abuse or poisoning.
6. Digital Forensics: These professionals investigate electronic devices like computers and smartphones to find data related to crimes. They analyze things like emails, social media activity, and digital trails left by people involved in cybercrimes.
7. Forensic Chemistry: These chemists examine physical evidence from crime scenes using chemistry to identify substances like drugs, explosives, or toxins. They often create profiles for unknown substances found at crime scenes.
8. Crime Scene Investigation (CSI): These investigators collect and preserve evidence from crime scenes. They document the scene with photos and sketches and make sure all physical evidence is properly collected and stored for further analysis.
9. Forensic Psychology: These psychologists evaluate people involved in legal cases—like defendants being tested for competency—and provide insights into psychological factors related to criminal behavior or victimization.
10. Forensic Accounting: These accountants investigate financial inconsistencies in fraud or embezzlement cases by looking at financial records and transactions to find illegal activities.
Each of these roles is crucial to the forensic process, providing specialized expertise that helps law enforcement solve crimes effectively.
This answer is likely accurate, as it's based on well-established definitions from forensic science literature.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
National Institute of Justice (NIJ): The NIJ offers a wealth of resources on various aspects of forensic science, including the methods used in different branches.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS): The AAFS provides detailed information about professional standards and practices in various forensic disciplines.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI provides thorough descriptions of forensic roles in law enforcement and their use in criminal investigations.
Take care!
JC.
Exploring the Various Roles in Forensic Science
Forensic science is a fascinating field that uses science to solve legal puzzles and crimes. There are many different roles in this field, each focusing on a unique aspect of investigation and analysis. Here's a rundown of some key jobs and areas within forensic science:
1. Forensic Pathology: These medical professionals determine the cause of death by examining bodies. They conduct autopsies, gather evidence, and testify in court about their findings. Their work is essential in murder cases and other deaths that are suspicious.
2. Forensic Anthropology: These experts use their understanding of the human skeleton to help identify human remains. They examine bones to figure out age, gender, ancestry, and any injuries that happened before or after death. This role is especially important when dealing with decomposed or skeletal remains.
3. Forensic Odontology: These specialists use dental records and bite marks to identify victims or suspects. They provide crucial information when other identification methods aren't possible, like when a body is too decomposed or burned.
4. Forensic Entomology: This role involves studying insect life cycles to estimate when someone died. Forensic entomologists look at the insects on decomposing bodies to give clues about the time since death, which is often key in murder cases.
5. Forensic Toxicology: These experts analyze samples like blood, urine, or tissue to find drugs, alcohol, poisons, or other substances that might have caused a person’s death or impairment. Their findings can be very important in cases involving substance abuse or poisoning.
6. Digital Forensics: These professionals investigate electronic devices like computers and smartphones to find data related to crimes. They analyze things like emails, social media activity, and digital trails left by people involved in cybercrimes.
7. Forensic Chemistry: These chemists examine physical evidence from crime scenes using chemistry to identify substances like drugs, explosives, or toxins. They often create profiles for unknown substances found at crime scenes.
8. Crime Scene Investigation (CSI): These investigators collect and preserve evidence from crime scenes. They document the scene with photos and sketches and make sure all physical evidence is properly collected and stored for further analysis.
9. Forensic Psychology: These psychologists evaluate people involved in legal cases—like defendants being tested for competency—and provide insights into psychological factors related to criminal behavior or victimization.
10. Forensic Accounting: These accountants investigate financial inconsistencies in fraud or embezzlement cases by looking at financial records and transactions to find illegal activities.
Each of these roles is crucial to the forensic process, providing specialized expertise that helps law enforcement solve crimes effectively.
This answer is likely accurate, as it's based on well-established definitions from forensic science literature.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
National Institute of Justice (NIJ): The NIJ offers a wealth of resources on various aspects of forensic science, including the methods used in different branches.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS): The AAFS provides detailed information about professional standards and practices in various forensic disciplines.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI provides thorough descriptions of forensic roles in law enforcement and their use in criminal investigations.
Take care!
JC.