Forensic Scientists

Forensic Scientists

Forensic Science Forensic Scientists

Introduction to Forensic Scientists

Within the broad area of forensic science, there are many subspecialties, including pathology (the examination of body tissues and fluids), toxicology (the study of poisons, including drugs), odontology (the study of teeth), psychiatry, anthropology (the study of human beings), biology, chemistry, and physics. The medical examiner may call upon forensic scientists who are specialists in these various fields for help in investigating a crime. For example, whenever it is suspected that drugs or poisons are involved in a crime, the medical examiner must obtain the services of a toxicologist. Toxicologists detect and identify any drugs or poisons present in a person’s body fluids, tissues, and organs. This type of investigation is conducted not only on the victim but, when possible, also on the suspected perpetrator of the crime.

Forensic odontologists examine and characterize the teeth of unidentified bodies when fingerprints or other identification is not available. The dental charts of missing individuals can then be compared with the forensic odontologist’s report to identify the body.

Forensic anthropologists are trained to determine the sex, height, weight, and ethnic group of a deceased person from an incomplete body. Marks on the bones often indicate past injuries, diseases, and occupational stresses suffered by the individual. Investigators can identify a body by comparing old X rays and the medical history of a missing person with the findings of the forensic anthropologist.

Forensic scientists may choose to be certified by the American Board of Criminalistics, a professional organization that has developed examinations to certify individual forensic scientists in their particular area of expertise.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

Guide to Forensic Scientists


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