Roles, Functions, and Responsibilities of Forensics and
Career Options
What's A Forensic Scientist?
A forensic scientist is first a scientist. When he applies his scientific knowledge to
assist juries, attorneys, and judges in understanding science, he is a forensic scientist.
Forensic scientists are thinkers, good with details, good with putting pieces of a puzzle
together, and curious. Some scientists work in laboratories and some also go out to places
where crimes are committed (crime scenes). Others teach in colleges and universities.
Work
The work of the forensic scientist may reduce the number of cases entering our
overloaded court system by assisting the decision-makers before a case reaches the court.
The facts developed by forensic scientists, based on scientific investigation, not
circumstantial evidence or the sometimes unreliable testimony of witnesses, may
convince prosecuting or defense attorneys, a grand jury, or a judge that an issue does not
merit a court hearing.
The work of the forensic scientist at times proves the existence of a crime or makes
connections to a crime. The forensic scientist provides information and expert opinion to
investigators, attorneys, judges, and juries which is helpful in determining the innocence
or guilt of the accused.
The rule of law is based on the belief that the legal process results in justice. This has
come under some question in recent years. Of course, the forensic scientist cannot change
skepticism and mistrust single-handedly. He can, however, contribute to restoring faith in
judicial processes by using science and technology in the search for truth in civil,
criminal, and regulatory matters.
The forensic scientist is entirely responsible for the work he performs; no one else can
write his report nor testify to his opinion. However, it takes teamwork to solve a crime.
Scientists work closely with police officers, sheriff's deputies, prosecuting and defense
attorneys, DEA, CIA, and FBI agents, immigration workers, and crime scene
investigators, to name a few.
There is a strong requirement for accurate record keeping, chain-of-custody
documentation, stringent quality control, and data management. Chain-of-custody
guarantees that the integrity of evidence is maintained at all times. The time, date,
location, and signature are required when transporting a piece of evidence within the
laboratory or to an outside facility.
Ethics
The forensic scientist, no matter where or by whom he is employed, works only for
truth. He must make sure that the examination is complete, the tests performed are done
correctly, the interpretation of the data is thorough, the written report is correct and easily
understood by a non-scientist, and the testimony is complete and truthful. Anything less
is not acceptable.
Testimony
Testimony is the verbal statement of a witness, under oath, to the trier of fact, that is,
the judge and/or jury. The ordinary witness can testify only on the basis of personal
knowledge of a situation gained through the use of his five senses. He may not express
opinions formed on any other basis. The forensic scientist, on the other hand, can testify
not only on the basis of personal knowledge, but also in the form of opinion based on his
informed evaluation of the evidence presented and scientific tests performed and
interpreted within the bounds of his skills, experience, and ability. He is an "expert"
witness as opposed to an ordinary or "fact" witness.
There are four criteria that are generally required to qualify a person as an expert
witness. They are: educational degrees received, number of years of occupational
experience in the field, membership in professional organizations, and professional
articles or books that the person has published.
The forensic scientist, as an expert witness, must be able to explain complex chemical
reactions, the working of scientific instruments, or medical conditions in simple everyday
language understandable to anyone, not scientific jargon or "gobbledegook." This is not
easy. It is so difficult that before a new scientist is allowed to testify, a mock court is held
so the scientist can learn how it feels to testify, and how to convert his hard-earned
scientific knowledge into simple terms.
The forensic scientist must be impartial and unbiased. The forensic scientist must tell
all of the truth, "the whole truth," no matter what it is or whom it hurts or helps. An
expert opinion can be offered only if there are scientific facts upon which to base it.
In court, the work of the forensic scientist is carefully examined to find any flaws,
whether in the test performed, the interpretation of the results, or the science upon which
opinion is based. Whether the forensic scientist "expert" is hired by the prosecution or
defense, the opposing attorney will try to undermine or discredit testimony which is
against his client.
The forensic witness must be qualified and knowledgeable of both his special area of
scientific knowledge and expertise and the rules of evidence that govern the admissibility
of opinions and conclusions.
The forensic scientist often spends long hours testifying clearly and concisely in
judicial proceedings concerning scientific information and what it means. Throughout he
must maintain a posture of impartial professionalism.
"If the law has made you a witness,
remain a man of science.
You have no victim to avenge,
no guilty or innocent person to convict or save
— you must bear testimony within
the limits of science."'
— Dr. P.C.H. Brouardel
19th Century French Medico-legalist
How Do I Become One [a Forensic Scientist]?
You will need:
A bachelor's degree — get one in science; some forensic sciences require
advanced degrees; take chemistry, biology, math, English composition
Good speaking skills — take public speaking, join the drama
club, Toastmasters, the debate team
Good note-taking skills — you can't subscribe to a service or depend
on Cliffs Notes in real life!
The ability to write an understandable scientific report
Intellectual curiosity
Personal integrity
How Much Money Will I Make?
Income in the forensic sciences varies greatly depending upon your degree, your actual
job, where you work, and how many hours you work. You may never "get rich" but you
will have a good income. You will be satisfied with your job, knowing you are
contributing to justice — keeping the good guys on the street and helping put the bad
guys in jail.
Forensic scientists work different hours, depending upon what they do. Some work in
forensic laboratories and work 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Others work
out in the field on digs and may work different hours. Still others are "on call" and work
after their regular shift and receive overtime or compensatory (comp) time.
Essentially every branch of forensic science offers opportunities for personal growth,
career advancement, and increasing financial compensation.
Where Will I Work?
Forensic scientists work in laboratories, at crime scenes, in offices, and in morgues. They
may work for federal, state and local government, forensic laboratories, medical
examiners offices, hospitals, universities, toxicology laboratories, police departments,
medical examiner/coroner offices, or as independent forensic science consultants.
Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team (DMORT) is a branch of the Federal
Emergency Management Association (FEMA). Teams are sent on an "as needed" basis to
mass disasters or large criminal cases. Members are sent for two weeks to any destination
in the world and may extend their time as needed. DMORT is used to assist already
existing forensic teams.
Kinds of Forensic Science:
Disciplines within the American Academy of Forensic Sciences
The American Academy of Forensic Science, the largest forensic science organization in
the world, is composed of over 5,000 scientists organized into ten sections representing
the different areas of interest, activity, education, and expertise of individual members.
Each of the following sections will be reviewed in alphabetical order:
Criminalistics
Engineering Sciences
General, Jurisprudence
Odontology
Pathology/Biology
Physical Anthropology
Psychiatry & Behavioral Science
Questioned Documents
Toxicology
Now you will choose which section that interests you the most and write a 500 word
research paper about the field, the education required to work in that field, and the range
of income for that field. This paper must be done in the format that we have discussed in
earlier class settings. This is due on December 1, 2008 and you will be presenting your
report to the class at that time.