What is Forensic Science?
Forensic Science is simply the application of science to the law.
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Some forensic scientists search for and examine traces of material which might either establish or exclude an association between a suspect and a victim or a crime. These traces might include: blood, saliva, semen and other body fluids, paint, glass, footwear and tyre impressions, flammable substances and explosives, hairs, fibres and vegetable material. Others analyse drugs, specimens of tissue for poisons and blood or urine for alcohol. Forensic scientists also examine firearms and documents and investigate the causes of fires, explosions and road accidents.
Many forensic scientists present the results of their examination in the form of a written report which may be read to a law court and appearance in court to give evidence and answer questions is a regular occurrence. Forensic scientists appear in the criminal courts on behalf of both prosecution and defence. Forensic scientists may also advise either the plaintiff or the defendant in the civil court, for example in a claim for damages resulting from a road accident.
Forensic Medicine and Forensic Dentistry
By analogy, this is the application of medical and dental knowledge to legal problems. Forensic medical examiners, who deal with the living and forensic pathologists, who deal with the dead, are qualified medical practitioners who, having completed their training as doctors, choose to specialise in either field. Forensic odontologists are qualified dentists who have undergone additional training and who provide expert evidence on dentistry.
Police Sciences
Civilians are now employed by many police forces to provide a variety of technical services. These include photography, the collection and comparison of fingerprints, vehicle examination and the detailed examination of crime scenes. The latter group, often referred to as SOCOs (Scenes of Crime Officers), will normally have some scientific qualifications. For enquiries about police technical support, contact the Chief Constable of the Force concerned.
Employment
The majority of forensic scientists in the United Kingdom are employed in government or police laboratories. The major employer is the Forensic Science Service (FSS), an executive agency of the Home Office. The FSS has six operational laboratories, the largest of which is the Metropolitan Laboratory in London, the other five being located at Birmingham, Chepstow, Chorley, Huntingdon and Wetherby. The Northern Ireland Office also has a substantial laboratory in Belfast (FSANI). In Scotland, forensic science services are provided by laboratories in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow and are maintained by the local police force or a consortium of local police forces.
There are numerous consultants in forensic science in the United Kingdom and many official forensic science establishments throughout the world. The vast majority of these are listed in the 'World List of Forensic Science Laboratories' published by and obtainable from the Forensic Science Society, price £25.00.
For those still at school
The minimum requirements for appointment at the FSS, and FSANI as an Assistant Scientific Officer (ASO), the most junior of the Scientific grades, are four GCSEs or their equivalent, at grades A, B or C (including English and Maths or a Science subject). Qualifications at GCE, level are essential for the FSS and an advantage at other laboratories.
To encourage ASOs to obtain higher academic qualifications, 'day release' facilities for further study in approved subjects may be available.
In Scotland employment in a police forensic science laboratory is restricted to those having a Degree or Higher National Certificate in science.
In the Irish Republic the minimum requirements for employment as a technician is the National Certificate of the Education Authority.
For those at University
A good Honours degree in Science or Technology is invariably the minimum requirement for appointment as a potential court-going officer in any of the laboratories mentioned.
In addition to the academic requirements, graduates are expected to have suitable personal qualities such as independence of mind, a resolute will, a capacity for fine, painstaking work and to be articulate.
Graduates entering forensic science will, in the first instance, act as assistants to more senior staff and they will only become court-going officers after in-house training and if their individual progress warrants it.
Degree Courses
A degree course leading to an Honours Degree in Forensic and Analytical Chemistry are available from various universities.
A post-graduate qualification may be an added advantage. Courses of study lead to the award of a Master of Science Degree in Forensic Science.
Students contemplating taking these qualifications in forensic science either at undergraduate or post-graduate level, should be aware that possession of either will not automatically guarantee a post in a forensic science laboratory.
Some Universities offer courses combining Forensic Science with other subjects, e.g., 'Applied Science and Forensic Measurement' and 'Chemistry with Pharmaceutical and Forensic Science'. Advice on which universities offer these or similar courses should be obtained from Career Advisers.
For further information contact:
The Forensic Science Society,
Trident Court,
2920 Solihull Parkway,
Birmingham Business Park,
BIRMINGHAM,
B37 7YN,
United Kingdom.
www.forensic.gov.uk/
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