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The Forensic Science Formula
(Photo Credit: Ian Pattinson) Programs such as CSI, CSI Miami etc are very popular and thoroughly entertaining but they have created what is know in academic and professional circles as the 'CSI effect' i.e. the perception of the near-infallibility of forensic science. Given that this perception is wide of the mark, we thought it would be useful to investigate the essence of forensic science. What do those working in the field consider the main attributes of forensic science to be? How much importance do they give to these attributes? Do these attributes vary across different forensic science disciplines? What do those studying or thinking about studying forensic science think? What do the public think? We appreciate that there are no right or wrong answers but we thought it would very useful and interesting to see if any themes develop. To get people thinking about this issue, we put together the following video and we will shortly publishing the views of a number of forensic scientists. However, please note that this discussion is open to all, so why not let us know what you think via the have your say form below. The Forensic Science Formula Video
Have Your SaySubmissionsName: Sarah Lee Job: Crime Scene Analyst From: Malaysia Main Forensic Interests: DNA, crime scene investigation Forensic Science Formula: "Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him. Not only his fingerprints or his footprints, but his hair, the fibers from his clothes, the glass he breaks, the tool mark he leaves, the paint he scratches, the blood or semen he deposits or collects. All of these and more, bear mute witness against him. This is evidence that does not forget. It is not confused by the excitement of the moment. It is not absent because human witnesses are. It is factual evidence. Physical evidence cannot be wrong, it cannot perjure itself, it cannot be wholly absent. Only human failure to find it, study and understand it, can diminish its value." (Paul L. Kirk. 1953. Crime investigation: physical evidence and the police laboratory. Interscience Publishers, Inc. New York) Name: Neelam Job: Student From: India Main Forensic Interests: Everything except dead body analysis. Forensic Science Formula: "Knowledge, presence of mind, concentration, team work and most important passion." Name: Naomi Job: Student From: USA Main Forensic Interests: Everything Forensic Science Formula: "Evidence never lies." Name: Joe Job: Student From: Ireland Main Forensic Interests: Ballistic/Explosives Forensic Science Formula: 50% - Good Scientific Practice 50% - Integrity "Integrity is just as important as the science because without it the science is worthless. Look at 'scientists' on both sides of any major debate, some will distort the science to prove themselves right rather than to determine what is right." Name: Ali Raza Job: Forensic Science Student From: India Main Forensic Interests: Document Examination and Fingerprints Forensic Science Formula: 30% - Common Sense 50% - Skill/Knowledge 20% - Determination & Patience "Forensics starts where science ends." Name: Jazz Job: Student From: Malaysia Main Forensic Interests: DNA fingerprinting Forensic Science Formula: 40% - Interest/Passion 30% - Skill/Knowledge 15% - Thinking 10% - Finding Truth 5% - Satisfaction Name: Laura Job: Liberal Arts Math and Science student interested in forensic science and the criminal justice field. From: Nassau County, NY, USA Main Forensic Interests: Forensic Anthropology, DNA Analysis, Blood Splatter Analysis, Evidence Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, Desire to Become An Expert Witness, Anything Science and Law Forensic Science Formula: 30%- Skill/Education/Tools 25%- Passion/Reason/Will To Find Truth 15%- Interest/Achievements/Self-Satisfactory 10%- Justice/Proving The Criminals Guilty/ Setting Free the Innocent 10%- Accomplishment of Advancement in the Field 10%- Pain 100%- Remember the Victims Name: Altrisha Robinson From: Turks and Caicos Islands Job: Currently studying forensics online Main Forensic Interests: Forensic Entomology Forensic Science Formula: 20% compassion 20% teamwork 30% skill 50% stupidity of criminals who help convict themselves more than they know 100% satisfaction of seeing the bad guys get what they deserve Name: Shashi Kumar From: Tirunelveli Job: Student of criminology Main Forensic Interests: Finger prints Forensic Science Formula: 20% Skill 15% Analyse 25% Finding truth 10% Understanding 15% Thinking 15% Interest Name: Victor Manso Job: Forensic Science student planning to work with the Santa Rosa P.D. From: New York, USA Main Forensic Interests: Forensic Geology Forensic Science Formula: 15% Understanding 20% Interest 20% Skills 30% Will Find Truth 15% Satisfaction Name: Ruchishree Job: BSc Student From: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India Main Forensic Interests: Want to go into forensic science. Forensic Science Formula: 10% Understanding 25% Interest 20% Tools 10% Skills 30% Will Find Truth 5% Satisfaction Name: Hui Seong Job: Technical Support Engineer for Forensic Equipment From: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Main Forensic Interests: Forensic Document Examination Forensic Science Formula: 15% Understanding in question document examination 20% Interest 15% Knowledge/skill 40% Tools/equipment 5% The will to find truth 5% Self satisfactory Forensic Nurse Examiner From New Jersey Main Forensic Interests: Sexual assault and death investigation Forensic Science Formula: 10% compassion 15% teamwork 25% skill 50% stupidity of criminals who help convict themselves more than they know 100% satisfaction of seeing the bad guys get what they deserve The CSI Effect
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