The Functions of the Forensic Scientist

1. The Functions of the Forensic Scientist Saferstein, Richard. "Chapter 1 Introduction." Criminalistics an Introduction to Forensic Science. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004. pp. 12-22

2. Tools to help investigators solve crimes • Confessions • Eyewitness accounts • Evaluation of physical evidence Which of these is free of inherent error or bias?

3. Forensic Scientists analyze physical evidence. • Process involves the scientific method Formulate a question. Develop a hypothesis. Test the hypothesis through experiments. Analyze results. Develop a conclusion that is admissible in court.

4. Admissibility of Evidence • Frye v. United States, 1923, requires that the procedure, technique, or principle must be “generally accepted” by the scientific community. • Federal Rules of Evidence states that expert testimony is based on sufficient facts using reliable principles and methods. • Daubert V. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 1993, established the trial judge as the authority on relevancy of evidence.

5. Providing Expert Testimony • Expert Witness- an individual whom the court determines possesses knowledge relevant to the trial that is not expected of the average layperson. (p. 16) • Expert Witness must cite educational degrees, participation in special courses, membership in professional societies, publications, and years of experience prior to testimony. • http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/3801/3892550/DNACD_mod13-2-01.swf

6. Evidence Technicians • Recognize and gather pertinent evidence at the crime scene • Maintain proper “chain of custody” • Often, patrol officer or detective collects evidence. Must be thoroughly trained and must work closely with forensic scientist.

7. How do I become a Forensic Scientist? • You will need: • a bachelor's degree — get one in science; some forensic sciences require advanced degrees; take chemistry, biology, math, and English composition • good speaking skills — take public speaking, join the drama club, toastmasters, the debate team • good note-taking skills — you can't subscribe to a service or depend on Cliffs Notes in real life! • the ability to write an understandable scientific report • intellectual curiosity • personal integrity • http://www.aafs.org/choosing-career

8. How much money will I make? Income in the forensic sciences varies greatly depending upon your degree, your actual job, where you work, and how many hours you work. You may never "get rich" but you will have a good income. You will be satisfied with your job, knowing you are contributing to justice — keeping the good guys on the street and helping put the bad guys in jail. Forensic scientists work different hours, depending upon what they do. Some work in forensic laboratories and work 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Others work out in the field on digs and may work different hours. Still others are "on call" and work after their regular shift and receive overtime or compensatory (comp) time. Essentially every branch or forensic science offers opportunity for ­personal growth, career advancement, and increasing financial ­compensation • http://www.aafs.org/choosing-career

9. Where will I work? Forensic scientists work in laboratories, at crime scenes, in offices, and in morgues. They may work for federal, state and local ­government, forensic laboratories, medical examiners offices, ­hospitals, universities, toxicology laboratories, police departments, medical examiner/coroner offices, or as independent forensic science consultants. http://www.aafs.org/choosing-career