As a child, did the fascinating job roles of Dr Salunkhe and Dr Taarika from your CID leave you in awe? Does the thought of donning a lab coat and examining crime scenes give you an inexplicable thrill? If you’re the kind of person who daydreams about playing Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew, then you probably have half of what it takes to pursue a career in forensic science.
Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary branch of science that perfectly combines the essence of Natural Sciences, like Chemistry and Biology, as well as Engineering and Computer Science. It covers a wide range of disciplines, including fingerprint and DNA analysis, anthropology, and also wildlife forensics. Essentially, it is used to recognise, distinguish, analyse, and witness any physical evidence, which is typically discovered at crime scenes. This field is essential for solving not only criminal cases such as murder, drug trafficking, and rape but also civil cases like pollution of air and water. Forensic Science offers promising career opportunities with a wide scope for jobs across various crime bureaus, and education institutions, among others.
Top Indian universities to pursue a degree in Forensic science include:
- Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science, Delhi
- Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai
- IFS Education Department, Pune
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar
Also, if you’re looking to study abroad, you may enrol in the below listed top universities:
- University of Oxford, UK
- Stanford University, USA
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Toronto, Canada
- Australian National University, Australia
Here are a few lucrative career opportunities in forensic science:
Forensic Pathologist
A forensic pathologist is a specialized doctor who investigates and examines human corpses to determine the cause of suspicious deaths. They thoroughly examine autopsies and gather evidence using their expertise in pathology, anatomy, and medicine. They are vital in evaluating if foul play was involved in a person’s death and work closely with law enforcement and legal experts. Forensic pathologists are meticulous in their examinations and analysis, using their expertise to provide justice for the deceased.
Forensic Engineer
A forensic engineer is a skilled investigator who studies and deciphers the reasons behind accidents. They specialize in investigating the causes of structural collapses, fires, accidents, and other major incidents. These experts carefully inspect damaged structures, gather evidence, and reconstruct what happened. Their insights and expert evidence are vital in court cases to establish liability, enhance security, and stop future occurrences of similar incidents.
Computer Forensics Analyst
Computer forensic analysts play a crucial role in recovering data from compromised or damaged devices. They assist in finding evidence related to cybercrimes. These analysts are undeniably knowledgeable in digital forensics technologies, network analysis, malware analysis, and data recovery. They carefully examine computer systems, hard drives, mobile devices, and other digital media to extract relevant information while maintaining data integrity.
Forensic Medical Examiner
Forensic medical examiners are doctors who perform autopsies and investigate deaths. They determine the cause of death by examining all available evidence, including autopsy results and clinical data. Besides, they may also identify human remains using dental records or DNA analysis. In addition to recording injuries and determining possible causes of death, forensic medical examiners also do toxicology testing to look for medications or poisons.
Crime Laboratory Analyst
Crime laboratory analysts conduct tasks such as chemical analysis and DNA testing. They examine biological evidence like blood or semen stains, analyze trace evidence such as hair or fibres, and process drug samples from crime labs. These experts use advanced instruments and methods in order to extract and process vital information, with the goal of establishing connections, identifying perpetrators, and supporting legal proceedings.
Latent Print Examiner
A latent print examiner is a forensic scientist especially responsible for identifying fingerprints and palm impressions found at crime scenes. Their duties include identifying the source (finger or palm), determining the person who left the print, and establishing when and where it was left. They could also give expert witness testimony in court. Latent print examiners retain skills in specialised equipment and software while remaining abreast with developments in fingerprint analysis methods.
Evidence Technician
Evidence Technicians carefully locate, photograph, and document different types of evidence like fingerprints, DNA samples, weapons, and trace materials. They use specialized techniques and equipment to collect and package the evidence, making sure to maintain the chain of custody for its integrity. Evidence Technicians also conduct initial analysis, such as dusting for fingerprints or collecting biological samples at the crime scene. They furthermore keep precise records of the evidence gathered, methodically document their observations, and provide thorough reports.
