By Kathy Rucker

What Is Forensic Science?

• Forensic science involves the collection of information about the physical characteristics, chemical composition and occurrence of materials of forensic interest.

• Forensic science is used to enforce laws and government regulations and statutes, to resolve disputes and to enhance public safety.

Areas of Forensic Science: Toxicology Serology Questioned document examination (examination

of documents, handwriting comparison, study of inks, typewriter imprints, counterfeiting etc.)

Forensic chemistry Firearms identification and ballistics Hair and fibre analysis Pathology Odontology (study of bite marks, teeth structure)

Specialties include: Disaster identification (e.g., identifying bodies,

and cause of death) Analysis of lip prints Forensic engineering Meteorology (impact of weather on a case) Blood spatter identification Voice print analysis Retinal scanning (e.g., for identification purposes) Forensic entomology Forensic anthropology

Forensic Science Laboratory

Perform biological, chemical, hematological, serological or physical analyses on a variety of samples obtained at crime scenes

Enter appropriate data and information into automated forensic databases, including the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS), the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)

Schedule and oversee the maintenance or calibration of laboratory equipment

Forensic science technicians play an important role in a laboratory, as they ensure that evidence is not compromised and that the rules and regulations within the laboratory are followed at all times. Their duties help forensic scientists conduct crime tests and analyses in a timely fashion.

References: http://

www.forcon.ca/learning/forensic_science.html

http://www.crimesceneinvestigatoredu.org/forensic-lab-technician/

https://www.class-central.com/mooc/1264/coursera-introduction-to-forensic-science

http://herainc.com/ocme.html