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Chapter 5: Forensic Science

Careers in Criminal Justice. Chapter 5: Forensic Science. Sage Publications Inc. 1. Careers in Criminal Justice. Chapter 5: Forensic Science. Having a witness to a crime is valuable for the successful prosecution of a case.

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Chapter 5: Forensic Science

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  1. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Sage Publications Inc. 1

  2. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science • Having a witness to a crime is valuable for the successful prosecution of a case. • Gaining a confession from the suspect is another key component. HOWEVER • Neither of these is good enough to convict the defendant of the crime all by itself. • The days of routinely convicting innocent people have been over for quite some time. Sage Publications Inc. 2

  3. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science • As we develop more technology and discover better methods of manipulating evidence, more is expected. • Today, successful prosecution of a case depends largely on physical evidence that is properly collected, tested, and presented. • DNA technology has become one of the most effective forensic tools law enforcement uses to convict suspects of certain crimes. Sage Publications Inc. 3

  4. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science DNA • DNA can be found in blood, semen, hair, saliva, sweat, skin cells, vomit, tears, earwax, and feces. • A drop of blood the size of a pin head is enough to identify a suspect. • Because such small samples can be used, crime scenes must be cautiously searched and the evidence properly collected in order to preserve any evidence available. • The materials must be properly tested. Sage Publications Inc. 4

  5. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science DNA • A record of all those who have handled the evidence must be documented. • If comparisons are successful, the evidence must then be presented at court along with testimony from those who took part in each step of the process. • The jury would need to be educated by the expert witnesses so they would understand what the evidence corroborates, proves, or disproves. Sage Publications Inc. 5

  6. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Fingerprinting • Fingerprints remain one of the most common and consistent means for identifying suspects. • They are infallible because the crucial features never change, barring any surgeries, injuries, or diseases. • A lot of fingerprinting technology has been computerized, including a national computerized system that allows identity matches to be completed in minutes. Sage Publications Inc. 6

  7. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science • Until scientists work miracles in the area of robotics, there will always be a need for humans to operate the equipment, perform necessary tasks, and testify in court. • The television show CSI may mislead viewers somewhat on the realities of forensics and crime scene work. • Nevertheless, the actual present day capabilities of what can be accomplished at a crime scene and in the lab are astounding. Sage Publications Inc. 7

  8. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science • Like a family sitting at a card table assembling a 500 piece puzzle, crime scene techs and other forensic experts are part of the criminal justice family, contributing vital pieces to the successful outcome of multifaceted cases. Sage Publications Inc. 8

  9. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science • Forensics = The use of science and technology to investigate and establish facts in criminal or civil courts of law. • Includes: • Criminalist, • Pathologist/Biologist, • Computer Forensics Specialist, • Crime Scene Technician, • Forensic Nurse Examiner, • Toxicologist, • Entomologist, • Accident Reconstructionist, • Odontologist, • Anthropologist, • Psychiatrist. Sage Publications Inc. 9

  10. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science • Because of the wealth of knowledge needed to be effective in criminal justice jobs, there isn’t just one path to get there. • Working in a forensics related field is no exception. • There are numerous avenues one can take. • Just like any other job, the more you have on the resume, the likelier you are to get an interview. Sage Publications Inc. 10

  11. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Crime Scene Technician • Crime Scene Technicians (CSTs) are almost always civilian positions. • They perform a variety of analytical examinations. • They process the crime scene using chemicals, light source enhancement, and other methods. • They reconstruct crime scenes, preserving marks or impressions made by shoes, tires, or other objects with plaster or moulage casts. Sage Publications Inc. 11

  12. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Crime Scene Technician • An applicant for the position of CST generally needs to be 21 years of age, have a Bachelor’s degree in a natural science, forensics, or related field, and have five (5) years evidential/crime scene experience. • However, some agencies around the country make available a volunteer program in which no degree or experience is required. Sage Publications Inc. 12

  13. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Crime Scene Technician • Volunteer programs give the opportunity for the experience that so many agencies require. • Forensic laboratory experience can also be substituted for the required Bachelor’s degree. • A polygraph test, agency proficiency test, and interview process is normal protocol for applicants seeking this position. • The pay scale for CSTs is approximately $28,000 - $48,000. Sage Publications Inc. 13

  14. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Scientist • Forensic Scientists work with law enforcement at the federal level, state level, and with large cities. • Smaller agencies that can’t afford their own crime lab contract with other cities or their state lab. • To be a Forensic Scientist with the Illinois State Police you need an undergraduate degree in forensic science or one of the natural sciences. Sage Publications Inc. 14

  15. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Scientist • Commonly recognized natural sciences include disciplines such as agricultural science, animal science, biochemistry, botany, biology, chemistry, medical technology, geology, preliminary medicine, physics, and zoology. • Trainees get paid while learning their new profession. Sage Publications Inc. 15

  16. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Scientist • A new hire with Illinois State Police would be trained in one of several specialties, which include Forensic Biology/DNA, Drug Chemistry, Latent Prints, Firearms/Tool marks, Microscopy, Questioned Documents, Forensic Toxicology, or Trace Evidence. • Forensic Scientist Trainees receive comprehensive instruction in the use of the most advanced science technology and procedures for analyzing evidence. Sage Publications Inc. 16

  17. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Scientist – Average Training Time • Forensic Biology - 18 months (Stain Identification - 5 months, DNA - 13 months) • Documents - 36 months • Drug Chemistry - 12 months • Firearms/ Tool Marks - 24 months • Latent Prints - 24 months • Microscopy - 18 months • Toxicology - 18 months • Trace Chemistry - 23 months (Instruments & Arson - 14 months, Glass - 4 months, Explosives - 4 months, Paints & Polymers - 1 month) Sage Publications Inc. 17

  18. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Scientist • In Illinois, under normal circumstances and if there are no major quality issues, the trainee would be promoted to a Forensic Scientist I after one year. • Trainees are paid in the range of $44,424 - $64,560. An applicant must undergo a written exam and score an A. • The next phase is an interview and the last phase is a background check. • The pay scale for Forensic Scientist ranges from $44,424 as a trainee to $96, 804 as a level III scientist Sage Publications Inc. 18

  19. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Medical Examiner • As a Medical Examiner in Maricopa County, Arizona you would perform autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death.  • You would review items related to autopsies such as hospital charts, medico-legal death investigator reports, law enforcement agency reports and postmortem results.  • You would also investigate unnatural deaths by performing scene investigations, gathering information and responding to hospitals.  Sage Publications Inc. 19

  20. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science As a Medical Examiner • You would serve as an expert witness in depositions, grand jury sessions, trials and conferences with attorneys.  • You would also provide expert witness capabilities for all forensic criminal and civil actions associated with cases investigated and any other forensic needs within Maricopa County.  • You would participate in conferences with family members, law enforcement, attorneys, and other individuals to provide information on investigations and autopsies.  Sage Publications Inc. 20

  21. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science As a Medical Examiner • You would train personnel such as forensic technicians, investigators, photographers, and others assisting in the autopsies.  • You would also be expected to provide assistance and guidance to the organ donor centers, and participate in mass fatality planning, training, and other relevant exercises as needed.  • You would possibly be asked to present lectures for students, officers, and general community.  Sage Publications Inc. 21

  22. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science As a Medical Examiner • You may need to provide information to citizens, groups, news media, and the general public.  • You would write scientific papers and presentation materials, attends seminars and lectures for continuing education in forensic medicine, provide training and observation opportunities to selected students during autopsy examinations.  Sage Publications Inc. 22

  23. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science To qualify as a Medical Examiner • In Maricopa County (AZ) you would need to have graduated from an accredited school of medicine, and possess a current license to practice medicine in the state of Arizona as required by the Arizona Department of Professional Regulations. • You would need to display knowledge of the principles and practices of forensic pathology, and the laws, rules, and regulations governing forensic services.  Sage Publications Inc. 23

  24. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science To qualify as a Medical Examiner • You would need the ability to operate a personal computer, including experience with Microsoft Office programs.  • You would need to be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing. • You would need to establish and maintain positive working relationships with members of law enforcement agencies, as well as prosecuting and defense attorneys, and to conduct research in forensic pathology. Sage Publications Inc. 24

  25. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Medical Examiner • You must be board certified in anatomic or clinical pathology and in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology.  • The hiring process for Maricopa County Medical Examiner involves an on-line application, after which the agency fills positions as needed through interviews, background checks, and polygraphs. Sage Publications Inc. 25

  26. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Medical Examiner • As part of the online application process, you are required to answer these four questions: 1. Are you currently licensed to practice medicine in the State of Arizona? 2. Do you have experience performing autopsies? 3. Are you certified in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology? 4. This position may require the ability to work on-call, weekends, and holidays, as needed. Are you able to work these shifts/days? • The salary for Medical Examiner is $152,193.60 - $173,659.20. Sage Publications Inc. 26

  27. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Investigative Technician • An Investigative Technician (IT) in San Diego, California is a job within the Trial Support Services (TSS) Unit within the Bureau of Investigation Division, allocated only to the District Attorney’s Office.  • Investigative Technicians provide audio/visual, fingerprint and graphic design support for the District Attorney staff. • This position is law enforcement related. Sage Publications Inc. 27

  28. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Investigative Technician If you were hired as an IT in San Diego, you would perform the following essential functions: 1. Create court exhibits, such as photo boards, maps, and timelines.2. Photograph crime scenes, items of evidence, line-ups, and other items of evidence3. Edit, duplicate, convert, and enhance audio and/or video recording/files.4. Provide testimony in court.5. Consult with attorneys concerning the production and presentation of evidence. Sage Publications Inc. 28

  29. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Investigative Technician If you were hired as an IT in San Diego, you would perform the following essential functions: 6. Operate photographic, audio-visual, computerized, and trial presentation software in producing trial exhibits.7. Videotape and document courtroom proceedings, line-ups, and crime scene activities. 8. Provide courteous, high quality service to members of the public by personally responding to requests for service or making appropriate referral. 9. Record, categorize, and file rolled inked and electronic ten print fingerprint cards.10. Compare and classify fingerprints Sage Publications Inc. 29

  30. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Investigative Technician Knowledge base and skills you would need: • Knowledge of operating and using computers and computer aided design systems. • Skills in investigating methods and techniques. • Presentation methods and techniques for court appearances. • Understanding the chain of evidence procedures. • Comprehension of basic photographic film processing. Sage Publications Inc. 30

  31. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Investigative Technician Additional knowledge base and skills you would need: • Adept in the operation and use of photography, audio-visual, and computer equipment including basic computer aided design programs, and • Expertise with audio and video equipment, fingerprinting, CCTV systems, and video/digital image compression techniques to maintain evidence integrity. Sage Publications Inc. 31

  32. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Investigative Technician Some desirable traits include someone who: • Communicates effectively • Is a knowledgeable worker • Is customer focused • Values and respects others • Has the drive to excel • Is good at teamwork and collaboration • Open to continuous learning • Demonstrates ethical behavior • Is supportive of change. Sage Publications Inc. 32

  33. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Investigative Technician • The desirable education for this position includes an associate's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in evidence technology or a related field from an accredited institution or a federal, state or local agency. • You also need one year of full-time work experience. • An alternative to the Associates degree would be three-years of full-time work experience. Sage Publications Inc. 33

  34. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Investigative Technician • Like most agencies, San Diego performs a thorough background check as part of the hiring process. • You must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. • Misdemeanor or felony convictions could be disqualifiers depending on type, number, severity, and how recent it is. • The annual salary for this position is $53,081.60 - $64,542.40 Sage Publications Inc. 34

  35. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Criminalist - DNA Analyst • The position of DNA Analyst is a technical and advanced professional level laboratory position in a specialized field of biology involving work with evidence from DNA cases.  • This position in Charlotte, N.C. involves the application of laboratory techniques, materials, equipment, and instruments used in various physical and chemical analyses of evidence, and the presentation of findings for investigative and prosecution purposes. Sage Publications Inc. 35

  36. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Criminalist - DNA Analyst • In Charlotte, you would be required to conduct complex analyses requiring subjective opinions. • You would need the ability to work with minimal work instructions and the ability to use complex instrumentation.  • Your work would be performed with considerable independence under the general direction of a supervisor.  Sage Publications Inc. 36

  37. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Criminalist - DNA Analyst • Minimum requirements: • Bachelor’s Degree in biology or related science with coursework including biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics. • Three years of experience in forensic biology/DNA casework at the Criminalist II level or higher in an accredited crime laboratory. • Knowledge of laboratory techniques used in body fluid identification and location of trace evidence. Sage Publications Inc. 37

  38. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Criminalist - DNA Analyst • Minimum requirements: • Knowledge of the methods used in collecting and preserving physical evidence and presenting such evidence in court as an expert witness. • Knowledge of the background and theories supporting the testing procedures utilized in the identification of body fluids and location of trace evidence. • Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance and ability to communicate effectively with detectives and attorneys. Sage Publications Inc. 38

  39. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Criminalist - DNA Analyst • Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test. • During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and participate in other assessments. • Candidates may also be required to pass a physical exam, polygraph exam, other skill evaluations, and a background check. Sage Publications Inc. 39

  40. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Criminalist - DNA Analyst • Criminal conviction checks are required on final internal and external candidates applying for positions. • In Charlotte the position is grant funded and pays an annual salary of $60,000 to $63,000. • There are a variety of grant funded positions in the criminal justice domain, but there are also risks associated with grant funding. Sage Publications Inc. 40

  41. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Criminalist – Toxicologist • To work as a toxicologist you would analyze blood and urine evidence using established procedures and guidelines, keep precise records, and develop scientific conclusions. • You would comply with discovery orders, participate in laboratory projects and complete tasks as assigned by the supervisor. • You would observe and participate in training for police cadets regarding testing. Sage Publications Inc. 41

  42. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Criminalist – Toxicologist • To work as a toxicologist you would need to properly maintain the records and prepare sectional standard operation procedures for maintaining accreditation. • You would need to provide technical assistance to police officers, assist district attorneys, other law enforcement agencies, and civic groups. • You would also provide testimony at district and county courts. Sage Publications Inc. 42

  43. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Criminalist – Toxicologist • Houston, Texas requires their toxicologists to have a Bachelors' degree in chemistry, criminalistics, biology, physics, or a related field with a minimum of 30 hours of chemistry, however, no experience is required. • Houston also administers a skill assessment evaluation and requires you to pass a background check and polygraph. • The salary for toxicologist in Houston is $33,358.00 - $68,900.00 Sage Publications Inc. 43

  44. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Nurse Examiner • Forensic nurses are sometimes hired by law enforcement agencies that are large enough to fund their own advocacy center. • Victims of sexual assault are taken straight to the advocacy center and receive a forensic exam in private instead of going to a hospital emergency room and competing with others for time. • Those working for law enforcement agencies specialize in sexual assault and child molestation investigations. Sage Publications Inc. 44

  45. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Nurse Examiner • Some agencies contract with a forensic nurse and have them on call when needed. Often the government offers grants for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, which helps smaller agencies set up a system for victims of sexual assault to receive better treatment than the typical hospital experience. Sage Publications Inc. 45

  46. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Nurse Examiner • At Tacoma General Hospital in the state of Washington, Forensic Nurse Examiner experience is not required.   • MultiCare offers a five day core Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training to selected applicants.   • The 40 contact hour training meets the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) Advanced Certification requirement to be able to take the advanced certification exam.   Sage Publications Inc. 46

  47. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Nurse Examiner • SANE nurses in Tacoma work around the clock to provide a medical forensic evaluation to patients needing care following an act of sexual violence.   • Patient exam experience is required. • External applicants are required to attend two weeks of system orientation prior to SANE training Sage Publications Inc. 47

  48. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Nurse Examiner • The job at Tacoma requires you to have a Washington RN license as well as two years experience in a family, women’s health, maternal/child, or emergency health care setting, as a nurse, and experience in crisis management and/or advanced psycho-social nursing. • The salary for the job of Forensic Nurse varies depending on experience, credentials, location, and whether or not it is a grant position. • A Forensic Nurse can make anywhere from $50,000 to $120,000. Sage Publications Inc. 48

  49. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Psychiatrist Specialist • A Forensic Psychiatrist Specialist conducts court ordered evaluations and risk assessments for individuals at court or in community settings, and for patients within mental health facilities. • Court clinic duties include providing direct service to individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders who become involved with the courts or criminal justice system. Sage Publications Inc. 49

  50. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 5: Forensic Science Forensic Psychiatrist Specialist • Duties include conducting court-ordered forensic evaluations on pre-trial or adjudicated defendants. • The duties also include conducting court-ordered statutory evaluations pertaining to involuntary commitment to the mental health or substance abuse inpatient systems, assessing mental status, and answering dispositional questions. Sage Publications Inc. 50

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