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Criminologists
Criminologists or forensic analysts are the crime lab analysts
who assist in criminal investigations by applying scientific principles
to the evidence. Usually they are specialists working in a very
specific area such as toxicology or serology. Some are technicians
skilled in specific types of instrumentation. Evidence that can
be examined by the criminologist might include any number of things,
including paint chips, fibers, glass, dust, dirt, gases, hair,
blood, skin tissue, printed matter, paper, ink and food. They
use microscopes, spectroscopes, infrared and UV light, chromatography,
microphotography and other specialized lab equipment in their
work.
Evidence Technicians/Crime Scene Processing
Evidence technicians use a wide variety of materials and equipment,
including photography equipment and lamps; plaster and plastic
for making casts of impressions and tracks; fingerprint equipment,
including chemicals, powders, brushes, slides, and special lifting
tape; a portable vacuum cleaner used to collect hair or fibers;
as well as things like rope, tape measures, scissors, knives,
magnifying glasses, and evidence bags and containers. Technicians
also painstakingly search for and collect other types of evidence,
such as deadly instruments, knives, firearms, spent bullets and
casings, and narcotics.
Forensic Photography
After the scene is secured, it must be photographed in order to
create a permanent record of the condition of the scene, and to
establish the location and surrounding areas. This may include
relevant matters such as points of entry, and exit, the structure
and layout of rooms, close-ups of the scene or body, marks, tracks,
toolmarks, bullet holes, bullet casings, impressions, footprints
etc.
Ballistics, Firearms and Toolmark Identification
This may also include explosives, imprint evidence, and marks
left by prybars, screwdrivers or other tools which may be used
during the commission of a crime. Specialists in this area may
have to match a bullet back to the gun that fired it. In addition
these criminalists may have to estimate the distance that the
shot was fired, and/or the direction and type of weapon which
was used. In the case of explosives, residue can be analyzed to
determine the type of explosive. Imprint evidence is another important
aspect of this specialization. This includes anything which may
leave a two- or three-dimensional imprint such as tire tracks
and footprints.
Fingerprint ID and Classification
Everyone has a distinctive fingerprint pattern made up of mainly
loops, arches, or whorls. They are one of the best ways to positively
identify someone. Because fingertips naturally secrete oils, the
distinctive pattern is often left behind on items. Prints can
be picked up by dusting them with powder, by "fuming"
them with vapors or by lifting them up with special tape. Fingerprint
technicians are responsible for collecting, classifying, comparing,
and identifying these impressions for a variety of purposes. Fingerprint
classifiers specialize in cataloging and comparing prints using
a universal classification system (Henry Classification System).
Document Examiners
These specialists deal with documents and inscriptions, answering
questions regarding authorship, authenticity, and alterations.
They also study inks, paper, writing implements, business machines
and other issues relating to documents. Issues of forgery, counterfeiting
and handwriting analysis may come into play. After the evidence
is examined, a report is prepared. They generally learn the trade
under a two-year apprenticeship with a court qualified examiner.
Serology and DNA Testing
These specialists conduct laboratory tests and examinations of
blood and other bodily fluids gathered as evidence. They can determine
an individual's racial group, sex, state of health, and presence
of certain diseases. Drugs and alcohol can also be detected. In
just the past decade, DNA analysis has become possible (actually
carried out by more advanced specialists in DNA typing, molecular
biology and genetics).
Forensic Toxicology
This is an area of forensic science concerned with detecting and
identifying the presence of poisons, drugs and foreign chemicals
in a human body. Specialists in this field can isolate, extract
and identify various chemicals in the body. They are also able
to estimate the dosage in the body, and to determine if it is
the actual cause of death. Another part of their work is the rapid
identification of alcohol or drugs in DUI cases, or the effects
of toxic chemicals on a person.
Medical Investigators
These experts are sent to the crime scene to examine the bodies,
estimate the time of death, and make note of the position of the
bodies, blood, and clothing.
Coroner/Medical Examiner
Performs autopsies to determine cause of death in unusual or suspicious
circumstances. Also examines the body for evidence. They must
carefully wrap and label any clothing, loose hair, fibers and
foreign material. They must also take scraping samples of skin,
and fingernails. Specimens may be sent to criminalists or other
labs for more detailed analysis, or to be matched with other evidence.
Forensic Pathology
Pathologists are experts regarding diseases in the body. Forensic
pathology is a specialization in the field. The term often refers
to the medical examiner or coroner who will perform autopsies
to determine cause of death. Injuries to the body must be noted
and classified. The body, clothing, and tissues are carefully
examined for evidence. The pathologist and the staff will also
scientifically examine the kidneys, brain, liver, heart and bodily
fluids. All information must be recorded and written in detailed
reports.
Forensic Anthropology
A specialty concentrating on the examination and identification
of bones and skeletal remains. Sex, age , race, health status,
trauma, cause of death, and other useful information can be discovered
and analyzed. Forensic Anthropologists usually have a Ph.D. in
anthropology as well as a strong background in the study of anatomy
and bones. Some are hired by medical examiners' offices. But,
generally they are often found at major universities and colleges,
where they consult or conduct research for law enforcement personnel
as a sideline. Museums and the military are other avenues of employment.
Forensic Dentistry/Odontology
A branch of dentistry which deals with the collection, and evaluation
of dental evidence. These experts are often able to identify deceased
persons through dental remains; can analyze bite marks left on
victims or objects. and can examine oral-facial structures for
determination of injury, malpractice, or insurance fraud in civil
or criminal cases. Dental hygienists and assistants also are important
members of this team of dental experts.
Forensic Psychiatry and Profiling
Forensic Psychiatrists identify mental illness and disorder and
try to determine its causes. They may also diagnose and treat
patients. They often are called in to address issues of competency
during criminal trials. Sometimes they may be asked to determine
the mental state of a defendant at the time in which the crime
was committed. Profilers are also trained forensic psychologists.
These special investigators can examine certain crime scenes using
aspects of psychology and behavioral science, in order to generate
a possible personality profile of the offender.
Salary, training, and employment
Salary will widely vary, depending on the type of work, the employer,
geographic location, education and skill level. Advancement requires
further education. Entry-level positions as research assistants
or technicians can range from $20,000 to $25,000. If you have
a bachelor's degree and at least 2-5 years of specialized experience,
you can earn $30,000 to $40,000. Because there is a shortage of
experienced personnel with advanced degrees, those with Master's
or Doctorate degrees may earn salaries ranging from $50,000 all
the way up to over $100,000 a year.
For More Information contact:
American Academy of Forensic Sciences/
The Forensic Sciences Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 669
Colorado Springs, CO 80901-0669
(719) 636-1100
The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
15200 Shady Grove Rd. Ste. 350
Rockville, MD 20850
American Society of Questioned Document Examiners
56 W. Park Dr.
Ottawa Ontario, KIB 3E5
(613) 824-3046
FBI
US Department of Justice
Washington, DC 20535
(For a Career Kit on FBI opportunities)
|Society of Forensic Toxicologists
c/o 8503 North 104th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85345
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