Forensic Science Specialists

Medical Examiner

A medically qualified officer whose duty is to investigate deaths and injuries that occur under unusual or suspicious circumstances, to perform post-mortem examinations/autopsies, and in some jurisdictions initiate inquests. They determine the manner and cause of death on the physical level. (see forensic pathologist)

Forensic Fingerprint Expert

Also known as latent print examiners. They use their expertise to analyze finger and footprint clues left at a crime scene. They need to be able to lift prints as well as use them to help the investigation.

Forensic Engineer

Collectively, the interests range across all engineering fields as well as the underlying fields of chemistry and physics. There is no specific job description but they perform research and are at crime scenes in hopes of somehow contributing. Typically they help with the investigation of materials, products, structures, etc. that do not operate as intended and thus cause damage.

Ballistics Expert

Experts who analyze anything involving projectiles; commonly thought of as mostly firearms and weapons, bullet casings, etc. They are able to determine the position of both the shooter and the victim.

Forensic Odontologist

Forensic dentistry involves the use of teeth mainly to identify human remains. They compare teeth to dental records, evaluate bite marks, determine age, and use the dental/oral hygiene to determine civil and criminal matters.

Document Specialist

Forensic scientists responsible for using a number of scientific processes and methods for examining documents. They typically do not analyze handwriting (to obtain information about the person), but they are experts in machine processes, as well as obliterated, indented, and erased entries.

Coroner

Not always a qualified medical professional, now more of an elected office position to oversee the medical examiners work. Usually not present at the crime scenes or during the autopsy, but can take over in cases when the medical examiner is not present.

Forensic Pathologist

The practice of medicine concerning injury analysis. Experts on what happens on tissue and fluid levels. Typically their job is to confirm the theories of the Medical Examiner via lab work.

Forensic Geologist

The study of evidence relating to minerals, soil, dirt, pollens, and other materials found in the earth, used to answer questions raised by the legal system.

Forensic Psychologist and Psychiatrist

They address a broad range of legal issues such as family/domestic relations law. They focus on competence, how mental illness relates to criminal responsibility, etc. They also help determine the mental reasoning behind the crime and how it should be approached.

Forensic Artist and Sculptor

They are graphic artists that use freehand or computerized drawings (etc.) used for identification, apprehension, and conviction purposes.

Arson Investigator

They are part detective, part fire scientist. After fires are reported and suppressed, they help determine the cause of the blaze and, if appropriate, whether criminal activity was involved.

Forensic Serologist

They detect, classify, and study various bodily fluids such as blood, semen, fecal matter and perspiration, and their relationship to a crime scene. They may also be involved in DNA and bloodstain analysis.

Forensic and Crime Scene Photographer

They record the initial appearance of the crime scene and physical evidence in order to provide a permanent record for the courts. Differs from regular photography because they have a specific purpose in each picture.

Forensic Toxicologist

They study the adverse effects of drugs and chemicals on biological systems. Involves the application of toxicology for the purpose of law or in a medico-legal context. They ask if the drugs contributed to the death. Or if the person was impaired due to the substances or if the drugs lead to a criminal act.

Forensic Anthropologist

Use bones and skeletal remains to identify the body as well as determine age, facts about their life, and how they died. Even race can be determined. They use archeological methods as well as human osteology.

Forensic Entomologist

Use insects and other arthropods to aid in legal investigations. They use the insects and observe their effect, location, etc. and often it helps determine the time of death,