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The Key to Solving the Case: Forensic Psychology and other Scientists

 

Forensic science refers to the careful application of science to serve the legal system. Through their investigations, scientists apply their specific discipline to help collect, preserve, analyze and explain evidence as it pertains to law. Though both civil and criminal cases may involve forensics, criminal applications are most widely known. Forensic investigators are required to examine results, provide support and often testify in such cases. Without them, cases would go unsolved.

So why is forensic science important to our legal system? Without the help of scientists, we would be unable to investigate and prosecute criminals. They are responsible for establishing the innocence or guilt of all potential suspects.

In the criminal investigation world, we rely on forensic evidence to link criminals to the scene of a crime. Without experts who are keenly aware of the latest science and technology, we would see many guilty people go free. Justice would not be served.

Forensic analysis can only be carried out by experts within their given field of study. We rely on expert scientists who are carefully able to extract conclusions based on evidence. These individuals work in labs and around crime scenes to help local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Forensic science is a loose term to describe many experts who help make our legal system work. Here is a list of the many types of forensic investigators and their roles in help solving both civil and criminal cases:

• Chemists. These scientists understand the drugs, accelerants explosives and even gunshot residue.
• Accountants. For cases of fraud, individuals with an expert background in accounting are necessary. They analyze evidence and help uncover paper trails.
• Botanists. These professions can help law enforcement officers understand plant life as it relates to a crime scene.
• Photographers and digital forensic scientists. Those who can analyze photographs and extract details related to a case.
• Anthropologists. Study skeletal remains and other physical evidence.
• Computer engineers. Forensic computer analysts help understand crimes related to hacking and cases where computer software is involved.
• Civil engineers. Engineers understand how structures and products work or fail and relate to damage within a crime scene.
• Entomologists. These scientists examine insects around humane remains to determine case and location of death for homicide cases.
• Pathologists. Help understand medicine as they relate to cause of death.
• Podiatrists. These experts help study footprint evidence around a crime scene.
• Toxicologists study drugs and poisons that may be in the body at the time of autopsy
• Forensic psychologists. These individuals study the mind of the criminal and help determine motive as it relates to both the suspect and victim.

Earn your forensic psychology degree!

These are just a handful of the type of specialties at work each day to help move the legal system forward. It’s clear to see how important forensic science truly is. Without the expert knowledge and testimony of these individuals, many guilty persons would go free. It is impossible for local, state and federal law enforcement officers and agencies to proceed with civil and criminal investigations without scientists who specialize in the type of evidence they are required to examine. For instance, one individual cannot be responsible for understanding DNA samples as well as toxicology screenings. Instead, all forensic experts and law enforcement officials must work together as a team to help solve crimes and provide enough evidence for conviction. It is a tedious process and a rewarding one.

Forensic psychologists are extremely important in cases. They help investigators find people of interest analyze data and determine motive. Often they are called as expert witnesses and are asked to provide opinions of treatment and/or punishment in cases.

Are you interested in learning how forensic works in criminal justice? Do you specialize or show interest in a field of science that may be applied through forensics? Rewarding careers in forensic science helps keep the pursuit of justice moving forward.

Tags: Business, education, forensics, science