Careers in Forensic Science Definitions Also known as

Careers in Forensic Science

Definitions Also known as Criminalistics The application of science to the law

Careers üForensic Scientists üCriminologists üCrime Scene Investigators üCoroners üMedical Examiners üProsecutors

Common Duties üData collection üData analysis üData interpretation üCourt testimony

Forensic Scientists üIdentify and/or compare physical evidence through chemical, physical, and instrumental analysis

Forensic Scientists: Main Roles üAnalyze – unearth factual information, regardless which side the evidence supports üInterpret – evaluate findings, arriving at opinions and conclusions üReport – testify accurately and truthfully

Criminologists üStudy criminal and behavioral psychology to aid in criminal investigations

Crime Scene Investigators üCollect and preserve physical evidence from crime scenes

Medical Examiners üPerform autopsies to identify the causes and manners of death

Coroners üTypically transport corpses from the crime scene to the morgue; some aid in death investigations

Prosecutors üInitiate arrests, indictments and prosecution of criminals

Disciplines Trace Evidence (hair, fiber, paint, glass, impressions, etc. ) ü Latent Prints (fingerprints) ü Forensic Biology (Serology/DNA) ü Toxicology (blood alcohol, poisons) ü Controlled substance (drugs) ü Questioned documents (handwriting & typescripts) ü Firearms (firearms and ammunition) ü Others ü 12

Other Disciplines ü Crime Scene Investigation ü Forensic Photography ü Forensic Anthropology ü Forensic Computer Science ü Forensic Engineering ü Forensic Entomology ü Forensic Pathology ü Forensic Psychology & Psychiatry 13

Employment Opportunities ü Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ü Federal, State, and Local Crime Laboratories ü Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) ü Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) ü U. S. Postal Service (USPS) ü U. S. Secret Service ü Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) ü U. S. Fish & Wildlife Services ü Teaching at community colleges and universities. 14

Employment Qualifications ü Forensic Scientists natural or physical science – Bachelor of Science (BS) or higher in ü Criminologists – BS or higher in sociology or psychology ü Crime Scene Investigators – law enforcement officers with a certification, such as one from the International Association for Identification (IAI) ü Medical Examiners (ME) – licensed pathologists possessing a Doctor of Medicine (MD), that have completed several years of internship in pathology ü Coroners – equivalent to MEs in some jurisdictions; some are elected county officials who handle corpse and death investigation ü Prosecutors – Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) in criminal law 15

Training ü College education ü Internship ü In-house training provided by the employing agency ü External training sponsored by federal and state agencies such as: üFBI National Academy in Quantico, VA üTexas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) ü Workshops provided by various associations during meetings 16

Certifications & Accreditations American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors – Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB) ◦ Accredits crime laboratories International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ◦ Certifies crime laboratories (ISO 17025) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ◦ Certifies testing materials used in analysis American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) ◦ Certifies individual forensic scientists 17

Organizations American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) More available on the AAFS website: http: //www. aafs. org/forensic-links

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