Forensic science: about

A forensic scientist gathers physical evidence from crime scenes. He or she then analyzes that evidence to help in the investigation of the crime. Forensic scientists are sometimes called crime scene investigators or forensic science technicians. They worked primarily for state and local governments. Generally technicians before they become experts on forensic science usually begin work as trainees in routine positions, under the direct supervision of a scientist or a more experienced technician. As they gain experience, technicians take on more responsibility and carry out assignments under only general supervision, and some eventually become supervisors. Jobs for forensic science technicians are expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations.

Forensic science: tasks

• Testify in court about investigative and analytical methods and findings.
• Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
• Interpret laboratory findings and test results in order to identify and classify substances, materials, and other evidence collected at crime scenes.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
• Analyze and classify biological fluids using DNA typing or serological techniques.
• Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
• Identify and quantify drugs and poisons found in biological fluids and tissues, in foods, and at crime scenes.
• Analyze handwritten and machine-produced textual evidence to decipher altered or obliterated text or to determine authorship, age, and/or source.
• Reconstruct crime scenes in order to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
• Examine DNA samples to determine if they match other samples.
• Collect impressions of dust from surfaces in order to obtain and identify fingerprints.
• Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths in order to determine how shootings occurred.
• Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources in order to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
• Examine physical evidence such as hair, fiber, wood or soil residues in order to obtain information about its source and composition.
• Determine types of bullets used in shooting and if fired from a specific weapon.
• Examine firearms in order to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms in order to obtain information such as serial numbers.
• Interpret the pharmacological effects of a drug or a combination of drugs on an individual.
• Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
• Compare objects such as tools with impression marks in order to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.