Careers in Forensic Science

Was your future career choice sparked by watching episodes of Midsomer Murders, Bones or CSI! Did it appeal to you in that you are now seriously considering starting your first investigation by looking into the many career dimensions of Forensic Science!

Would you describe yourself as having a passion for problem-solving? Do you have a love for the natural sciences and implementing scientific methods? Are you now considering finding a way to apply that knowledge and passion towards fighting and solving crimes? If you have answered in the affirmative with overwhelming excitement, and you feel that this is the career you would like to dedicate yourself to, then forensic science will be the career for you.

Being a “forensic scientist” does not describe  one particular job title, but rather a host of scientific specialists that use their expert skills by applying them to legal questions. What “forensics” means is ” the reference to legal questions.”

Due to the nature of the disciplines, it is evident that such a career is not suitable to everybody. While researching the information, you will see where your interests lie and whether you feel able to face the aspects of the job that are far from attractive.

Furthermore, many of the specialities are not the starting point of your career but may evolve from the profession that you would first need to qualify in and gain experience. The writer refers specifically to those that require qualifications such as Accountancy, Medicine. Dentistry and Psychology.

The Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians are highly beneficial in the field. They collect evidence, carry out analysis and investigate crime scenes. It is this faculty that conducts most of their work either at the ​scene or in a laboratory. They are trained how to collect evidence and thus require a sharp eye for detail.

The Bloodstain Pattern Analyst

As their title suggests, bloodstain pattern analysts analyse patterns in blood to garner important clues. They are forensic science technicians who specialise in violent crime scenes. While examining drips, spills, spatters and stains, they may determine the type of weapon used, whether a struggle ensued, the track of travel of a victim or suspect, who the primary perpetrator was, and whether wounds were self-inflicted.

The Forensic Ballistics Expert

When detectives need help matching a bullet to a gun, or identifying the type of fire weapon used, it is the forensic ballistics experts they require.  Their role is to provide critical analysis at complex scenes, helping investigators identify the trajectory of bullets fired to find a point of origin. Forensic ballistics experts can identify what type of bullet was used and where it was manufactured. They also can analyse how recently the gun was fired and whether a specific bullet was fired by a specific gun.

The Forensic DNA Analyst

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis has gained increased significance in criminology and forensic science. Because DNA contains genetic coding that each human being comprises, it provides an “as-close-to-perfect” identification as possible, more accurate than fingerprinting. DNA samples taken from suspects and victims are compared to determine whether anyone was present at the scene, whether they were involved in a violent encounter and any other identity questions when a sample is available.

The Polygraph Examiner

Although polygraphs do not hold up in a court of law in South Africa, the examination remains a useful tool in helping to solve crimes and detecting untruths and irregularities from suspects and witnesses. Polygraph examiners use “lie detectors” and provide analysis of the results. Their services are often used during the candidate screening process for many sensitive jobs.

Digital Forensics Experts and Forensic Computer Investigators

Digital and computer forensics are most prevalent in the field of IT and are very much in demand due to rising crime statistics within the field. As computers and digital devices are used more and more, criminals are leaving more clues and electronic fingerprints. Many illegal activities occur online. Forensic computer investigators collect data from various places, including damaged and wiped hard drives, cell phones, tablets and other digital devices. The evidence they uncover can be essential in prosecuting the electronic criminals.

The Forensic Toxicologist

Forensic toxicologists assist investigators identify causes of death by poisons, chemicals and intoxicating substances. They detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in the bloodstream. This specialty must be educated in chemistry, biology or preferably both, as well as pharmacology.

The following Forensic Specialists are all highly qualified in their specific fields and thus earn very well.

The Forensic Accountant

Forensic accountants specialise in financial crimes and follow money trails. As white-collar crimes are very much on the increase, especially in the latest economic downturn, which has affected South Africa, forensic accountants work to detect and eradicate fraud.

The  Forensic Anthropologist

The Forensic Anthropologist identifies gory gruesome human remains. By studying decomposed physical remains and skeletal systems, anthropologists can determine the age, sex and weight of a victim, the types of injuries inflicted and the possible cause of death.

The Forensic Odontologist

It does sometimes occur that the DNA identification is impractical, and fingerprint analysis ,impossible. In gruesome cases, or during mass casualty incidents, they use unique dental features to identify human remains.

The  Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists provide psychological services for the criminal justice system. They are involved in prison counselling. They investigate allegations of child abuse, evaluate victims, witnesses and suspects, and help the courts determine whether a suspect can stand trial.

The Forensic Pathologist

Forensic pathologists provide one of the most important components of any homicide investigation: the cause of death. They draw upon their medical training to identify which, if any, injuries were fatal. They assist investigators learn about the weapon used and an approximate time of death.

These forensic scientists play a crucial role in their field, and as each crime differs, may find their career stimulating and rewarding. They are vital role players in the criminal justice system of the country.