Is Forensic Science a Good Career Choice?

In our society, people commit various crimes, ranging from minor offenses to serious acts like rape, murder, and cyber fraud. This is where forensic experts play an important role. As long as crime keeps growing, the need for forensic science experts will continue to grow. Forensic Scientists use scientific methods to assist law enforcement in investigating crimes. They work closely with crime branches and police departments of state or country to reveal the mysteries.

Each crime is unique, with its own story and motive, requiring a tailored approach to solve its mystery. Forensic Science Experts specialize in various fields, making them crucial in crime investigations. Their role extends beyond solving mysteries., as they have to study the psychology of both criminals and victims, providing valuable guidance to law enforcement agencies to help reduce crime rates.

With the immense opportunities and scopes of areas to work in, pursuing a career in Forensic Science has become increasingly attractive. This blog explores why forensic science is an excellent career choice, covering the benefits of working as a Forensic Scientist, the scope of the field, and how Uttaranchal University is preparing students for this promising career.

Benefits of Working as Forensic Scientists

Working as a Forensic Scientist is very special as the profession offers good opportunities to the candidates as the time and experience increases. Here are some of the key benefits of working in the forensic field.

1. Fascinating Job:

The field of forensic science is a very fascinating job that appeals to those who love murder mysteries. They work as investigators at crime scenes to gather the evidence from the site and try to solve the suspicious cases. The evidence collected by them from the crime scene is often exciting and horrific hence making this job very engaging. They have to deal with different challenges in each case, as the evidence is always unique to the specific circumstances. These individuals are so deeply involved in the crime scene of a particular case that they become an integral part of the investigation.

2. Play Important Role in Crime Solving:

These professionals play a crucial role in solving mysteries and investigating the cases. They aid law enforcement in investigating crimes and offer guidance in the pursuit of justice.  Forensic Scientists testify in the courtrooms and provide proof to support the innocence or guilt of a suspect. By applying scientific methods to all gathered evidence, they ensure the accuracy of the justice procedure. They use various tests such as the Narco test and DNA test to identify the accused based on the evidence collected. Their role in investigation in crime is an integral part and hence these people can’t be avoided.

3. Job Security:

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), Forensic Science is an emerging scientific field, which is projected to grow by 14% in the upcoming 10 years by 2030. With endless career opportunities, the demand of the experts in the field is very high. Every department requires specialists to solve crimes in an efficient manner.

Therefore, this profession offers job security for individuals entering the field of forensics. Once you take an entry in the field of forensics, you need not to worry about the pay or job security, as you can work as long as you desire. Candidates can specialize in any area as per their interest. While the initial salary of the experts may not be exciting, but slowly and gradually as they gain experience and as they spend time in the field, they will be earning more.

4. Diverse Field:

The job of a forensic expert is not confined to the gathering of evidence or conducting laboratory tests. The field of forensics offers a wide range of opportunities to specialise in the area of interest. If you are one who loves working in technology, you can pursue a career as a forensic computer analyst. Alternatively, if you are the one who is drawn towards body fluids, you can become forensic serologists.

Scope of Forensic Science

The need for Forensic Science experts is a never-ending thing. Their participation is crucial for solving crimes and conducting investigations. Both public and private organisations offer excellent employment opportunities for these professionals. As a forensic science expert your work is not confined to the labs, but instead you will be performing varied roles and will be working in different scope:

Forensic Experts: 

Forensic Experts are the specialized professionals who apply scientific methods and principles to identification, analysis and classification of the physical evidence which is collected from the crime scene. They have to mostly work in the labs where they have to test and analyse evidence and record the results.

Crime Scene Investigator:

Crime scene investigators are the individuals who document the crime scene. They document the scene by taking photographs and physical measurements, as well as identifying and collecting forensic evidence. Additionally, they maintain the proper chain of custody of that evidence.

Handwriting Expert:

The professionals who study the patterns of handwriting are known as Handwriting Experts. They oversee comparisons between the handwriting found in the evidence and that of the suspects to find out the individuals present at the crime scene. In front of the Court of Law, these experts examine the authenticity of the presented wills in cases of property transfers where the family fights over the property after the owner’s death.

Document Examiner:

Also known as forensic document examiner, Document Examiner is a professional who examines documents to establish their authenticity, origin, and other details. They use scientific methods and equipment to scrutinize the documents which are written, printed or typed.

Forensic Serologist:

Forensic Serologist job role is about studying the bodily fluids and other biological materials to help solve crimes. They employ a variety of methods and techniques to detect, identify and categorize evidence, such as blood, semen, saliva, and urine.

How Uttaranchal University is preparing its Students for the Forensic Science Field?

Uttaranchal University offers a B.Sc. Forensic Science program as part of its forensic science education. This undergraduate degree provides students with a strong foundation in the field. The program likely covers core forensic science topics such as crime scene investigation, fingerprint analysis, DNA profiling, ballistics, and toxicology.

Students in the B.Sc. Forensic Science program would have access to the university’s specialised laboratories and equipment, allowing for practical training alongside theoretical study. The curriculum may also include relevant subjects from biology, chemistry, and physics to give students a well-rounded scientific background.

In conclusion, a career in forensic sciences can be fulfilling for people with a strong interest in science and criminal justice. The field itself offers a wide array of specializations, mental stimulation, and the chance to affect meaningful change. However, it demands substantial education, which can be emotionally taxing, and the job market can be highly competitive. So the one who is considering the career in forensic science must carefully assess personal interests and strengths.