1. By Kathy Rucker
• 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.
2. 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)
3. 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
4. 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.
