I began this year considering a career in forensics. After delving into the field in detail however, I see that it is a very delicate science and easily open to misinterpretation. There are many variables within forensics, the first and foremost being that of the CSI effect and how it influences our expectations of the capabilities of forensic science. While it's true that great advances have been made in the area of forensic science, it's unrealistic to expect a crime scene to be processed, evidence analyzed and a conclusive forensics report to be completed in a short time and be completely accurate 100% of the time. Forensic science has a lot of room for improvement, and understanding if, how, and why shows like CSI affect the field is of high priority. After all, this is real life and not a TV show.
Forensic technology plays a major role in today’s crimes. Crimes differentiating from smaller crimes such as robbery and larger crimes such as murder. In order to solve some of these crimes law enforcement officers must depend on the role of Forensic technology. In today’s era the technology has come an extremely long way, meaning depending on the evidence that is available such as a finger print on a murder weapon can be what ties a case together and even collects a convection. Forensic technology was first introduced to law enforcement in the late 1800’s finger prints were taken from some criminals in Argentina. Then the method was introduced to the United States where it became slightly more organized and advanced as the years went on. Without forensic technology and the overall technology advances of computers, cell phones and other electronic devices many crimes would go unsolved and there would be an excessive amount of criminals floating around each state.
Forensic investigations require skills of specially trained scientists, police, engineers, doctors and others. “These investigators observe all types of evidence, from weapons to bloodstains and from computers to bugs” (Erzinclioglu 5). The greater the evidence against a person, the greater the chance of conviction.
The crime scene investigator must successfully complete seven-twenty hours of training in crime scene processing; eighty hours training in latent fingerprint processing, forty hours in major death investigation, forty hours in advanced death investigations, forty hours in photography, forty hours in blood spatter interpretation and other training courses in arson investigation and forensic pathology. Crime scene investigators will be most likely to give an exam before they qualify for independent work. In addition, the crime scene investigator must be certified by the International Association for Identification, Crime Scene Certification Board, during eighteen months as a crime scene
Evidence analysis and ranging is the most crucial stage of investigation. The success of the case exposure lies in the gradual evidence research and collecting prior to the laboratory analysis. The CSI systematically makes his way through the crime scene collects all potential evidence, tagging, logging and packaging so it remains intact on its way to the lab. Depending on the task breakdown of the CSI unit he may or may not analyze the evidence in the lab.
Forensic science is specialized in finding proof and evidence to analyze and search for clues. When crimes are done, criminals frequently leave behind evidence at the crime scene. Crime Investigators (AKA- CSIs) and Medical Examiners (MEs) the inspect the evidence left at the crime scene for leads to who did what. They try and rebuild the scene using the evidence and proof that they have. Forensic science has played a great role in finding evidence for crimes in history because it helps find the person who did wrong, the perpetrator, and it helps bring justice to the case. Forensics now are better than before because technological advances like DNA testing has been made, which takes forensics to a whole new level.
Forensic Scientist- Their responsibility is to analyse the samples taken from the crime scene back at the lab, applying the proper techniques
Crime scene investigation is the use of physical evidence at the scene of the crime committed, also reasonable and unreasonable reasoning to gain knowledge of the events surrounding the crime. Criminal investigators pursues to establish the methods. Motives, and identities of criminal. This paper will go into great depths of how to conduct an investigation and the proper way to obtain the information. After reading this paper you should be able to know step by step how to keep notes, take accurate photos and a variety of other things that will allow you to conduct a successful investigation.
Geberth, Vernon J. (1983). Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Technics. Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc.
Forensic scientists apply the studies of science to areas of crime and law enforcement. They are essential in the solving of all crimes for without them there would be no way to study and use evidence. To become a forensic scientist one must go through intense training and education as well as the basic education needed for any career. There are many different areas of forensic sciences including odontology, anthropology, and toxicology. Math is a crucial aspect of any forensic science. Forensic scientist Detective Sergeant Schiele, from the Concord Police Department says “never stop learning.”
The procedures depicted of the criminal justice system on television are complex, inaccurate, and implausible portrayals of what actually occurs. These shows do not show the planning, timing, and effort that is put into the maintenance of a crime scene. Investigators show up, take some photographs, and continue to the lab for results in a matter of minutes (Forensic Science Degree). Television leaves out the uneventful procedures that are essential in a real crime scene. They also neglect to show how much time is spent on each case, which can take months or even years to finish. There are many techniques and procedures which seem to be forgotten or simplified in the shows. Crime scenes require a variety of people, including the skills of photographers, sketch artists, evidence recorders, and other team members. Intricate notes and sketches of the crime scene give all of the details requ...
Officers who investigate crime scenes must be extremely well-educated. A Master's degree in forensic science is the biggest requirement for an investigator. If the person wants an education in criminal justice, it should be a program that offers a concentration in forensics. A crime scene investigator handles all the physical evidence generated at a crime scene. They search homes, vehicles and other environments after a crime has taken place. They photograph the scene, take hair and blood samples as well as fingerprints to match to a suspect
Crime scene investigators, also known as CSIs, have played an essential role in protecting citizens, by proving who is guilty, and who is innocent. CSIs use a large amount of Science and Math skills to solve crimes, resulting in a decent income. They are specialized in forensic science in order to examine crime scenes and recover important evidence (Career Cruising).
One is being able to communicate with ones colleagues, bosses, or in court situations. Reasoning and problem solving is a big one used in finding the suspect. Math and science are also used to do testing or measurements or anything helpful. Also, helping reconstruct the crime scene will take visualizing. The last, but definitely not least important, is being able to manage time and work with others to get tasks done quickly and efficiently.
Collecting evidence from a crime scene is a crucial aspect of solving crimes. Before evidence can be seized, there must first be a court order approving the search of the crime scene and the seizure of the evidence found at the scene. Standard protocol for officers is for them to always use latex gloves, avoid plastic bags, double wrap small objects, package each object separately, and to collect as much evidence as possible. It is better to have too much evidence than to not have enough. There are countless amounts of evidence that can be found at a crime scene.