Detect new prospects
Usha Albuquerque

Reading in the daily newspapers about nabbing criminals through modern methods of DNA testing and finger printing has aroused the interest of many a potential Sherlock Holmes. Many a youngster today enjoys watching programmes like Cold Files and Detectives on Discovery channel, finding out how much easier it is to collect evidence about a crime today. Today, police officers and intelligence agents are utilising the expertise of forensic scientists with the latest investigative techniques to provide invaluable evidence of a crime.

Forensic science is the application of scientific principles for the investigation of crime. In criminal cases, forensic scientists are often involved in the search for and examination of physical traces, which might be useful for establishing or excluding an association between someone, suspected of committing a crime and the scene of the crime or victim. Such traces commonly include blood and other body fluids, hairs, textile fibres from clothing etc, materials used in buildings such as paint and glass, footwear, tool and tyre marks, flammable substances used to start fires and so on.

Sometimes, the scientist will visit the scene itself to advise about likely sequence of events, any indicators as to who the culprit might be, and to join in the initial search for evidence.

Recently, in the Priyadarshini Mattoo case, it was the presence of hair fibres and some bloodstains found at the house, and tested in a forensic lab, that nailed down the culprit. Other forensic scientists analyse suspected drugs of abuse, specimens from people thought to have taken them or to have been driving after drinking too much alcohol, or to have been poisoned. Yet others specialise in firearms, explosives, or documents whose authenticity is questioned.

Future in forensics

Forensic scientists and police investigators also work along with criminologists who deal with the scientific study of crime. They try to establish evidence and understand the motive for a crime. In the Nithari case, investigators are using brain mapping and lie detector tests on the suspects for evidence on the disappearance of the victims. Forensic science and criminology are related areas of work, which also involves psychologists, social workers and rehabilitation experts. While forensic scientists analyse forensic evidence to detect crime, criminologists study causes of crimes, and attempt to rehabilitate criminals. Therefore, professionals in the field are involved in not only law enforcement, but also correctional administration and counselling.

Course clues

There are several areas of specialisation in this field:

Forensic medicine and forensic dentistry: This is the application of medical and dental knowledge to legal problems. Forensic medical examiners, deal with the living, while forensic pathologists, deal with the dead. They need to be qualified medical practitioners who, having completed their training as doctors, choose to specialise in either field. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies to determine the cause, manner and the time of death and work closely with the investigators. Forensic deontologists are qualified dentists who have undergone additional training and who provide expert evidence through dental remains, bite mark analysis and examination of oral facial structures for determination of injury.

Forensic anthropology involves the identification of the victim for determining sex, age, and state of health, ancestral background, and cause of death. Forensic anthropologists can also recreate the face and history behind unidentifiable human remains.

Criminologists handle a broad range of legal issues like, the patient's competence to stand trial, determining the mental condition of the accused, juvenile delinquency, child custody, parental fitness, spouse abuse etc. Experts in this field are called upon to put together the criminal profiles of the most wanted for the investigators to understand his mind and course of actions, which will aid in apprehending him. Forensic psychology or criminology is gaining ground and playing a very important role not only in detection of crimes but also in correctional methodology and rehabilitation of perpetrators and victims.

Wildlife forensics is a new field created because of increasing poaching violations, and the need to protect endangered species of animals.

Eligibility

Training in forensic science is offered both through universities and specialised institutes at the postgraduate level. While courses in forensic science require a background in science, you can do criminology after a background in any discipline, preferably social sciences, social work and law.

Forensic science: You would require a degree in Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, or Applied Sciences to qualify for the 2-year M.Sc. in Forensic Science offered by the department of forensic science, Dr B.R.Ambedkar University, Agra (UP,) Punjabi University, Patiala (Punjab), and University of Madras, Chennai. There is also a two-year M.Sc and MA in Forensic Science and Criminology offered by the Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, Dr.H.S.Gaur Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar (MP), and Karnataka University, Dharwar, open to graduates from science disciplines.

You can also consider the B.Sc in Anthropology offered by many universities, including University of Delhi, which includes some modules on forensic science. Moreover, the Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, offers a 1-year certificate course in forensic science open to science graduates.

Training talk

The Master’s in Social Work offers specialisation in criminology and correctional administration available at the University of Delhi, New Delhi, Tata Institute of Social Science, Mumbai, and Madras School of Social Work, Chennai. While students from any discipline can apply for this programme, admission to the course is based on an entrance test, and preference is given to candidates with some social work experience. Law graduates can also consider a one-year diploma in Criminology and Criminal Administration offered by Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (UP), and University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Symbiosis Law College, Pune also offers a Diploma in Forensic Science & Medical Jurisprudence.

The National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science situated at New Delhi, Sagar, Anna and Patiala is a premier body conducting training and research in the field. Here, research programmes and diploma courses are open to forensic scientists, police officers, judges, research scholars and senior officials from forensic laboratories, in a variety of disciplines relating to forensic science, including Chemistry, Biology, Serology, Ballistics, Toxicology, Documents and Photography.

Skills set

In addition to academic qualifications, to make a career in this field you also need to have a keen eye for details and very strong analytical skills and powers of observation. You must be organised, methodical, and capable of high levels of concentration. You should also have a logical bent of mind and possess good communication skills in order to give comprehendible testimonies in court. Forensic scientists and criminologists must also be good team players, as they often need to work in association with social workers, psychologists and the police

With the spiralling crime rate, especially in urban areas, the jobs for forensic scientists and criminologists will continue to rise. The state forensic departments employ professionals through the state public service commission exam. The CBI's forensic laboratory in Delhi recruits candidates through the Union Public Service Commission exams. Those recruited to government jobs in the forensic department or the CBI can take up the certificate courses in various fields of forensic sciences offered by the state forensics departments. These courses are recognised all over India and the students get ample hands on experience during their courses as they assist their seniors in handling and analysing the evidence

You can also be employed in the vigilance department or take up teaching in colleges offering criminology courses. To freelance on assignments, which can include insurance claims, document registrations, forgery and other white-collar crimes, you would need a certification by the state forensics department. Forensic scientists can also diversify into Investigative journalism, while those trained in criminology can opt for avenues in social work, correctional administration and guidance and counselling.

Today, there is a paradigm shift in crime investigations and other legal issues and so forensic scientists can be vital links in the investigation chain, and watchdogs of society. Forensic science is a fascinating and challenging career. However, be prepared for odd hours of work and work pressure that can be physically and mentally exhausting. If that is the excitement you are looking for, then you can also get the satisfaction of helping society in fighting crime.

The writer is a noted career expert