Forensic Science: What Is The Scope Of This Upcoming Field?

Forensic science is not a new concept in India. Arshashtra by Kautilya mentions the practice of forensic science. It includes explicit details about the plan of action and mindset of a criminal. It further introduces what can be deduced from the tiniest evidence left by the offender.

Forensic Science Education In India

National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), which was formerly known as Gujarat Forensic Science University (GFSU) was established on September 30, 2008.

It later got upgraded to NFSU being an institute of national importance. This was established to bridge the gap between acute shortage and accelerating demand for forensic scientists in India and the world. It is one of a kind institute in the world dedicated to providing knowledge and training in behavioural or digital forensics, cybersecurity etc. It has nine campuses across India and one campus in Uganda.

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There are over 80 universities and colleges that offer forensic science education. Students who have successfully completed their Class 12 in science stream can opt for an undergraduate degree in forensic science. Students of commerce and arts can also pursue their careers in this field with a diploma or certificate course in certain subjects.

Branches Of Forensic Science

Forensic science is a broad field with multiple branches related to applied science, technology, and psychology. Some of them are listed below:

>>Forensic Anthropology-It is a branch of forensic science that deals with collecting and studying the skeletal remains found in the profile and other details about the deceased. This technique was used to investigate the famous Sheena Bora murder case.

>>Forensic Criminology-This branch of forensic science involves monitoring crime scenes, analysing evidence and more facts related to crime. The detailed study of the crime helps answer the investigative queries related to the crime.

>>Digital and Multimedia Forensic Science-Multimedia and digital forensic science involves recovering, and analysing data related to a crime extracted from a digital device. As we are shifting into a more advanced digital this is a somewhat new field in forensics but has a wide scope in future.

>>Engineering and Applied Forensic Science-This involves using engineering techniques to examine the reason for an accident or crime. It investigates cases involving physical harm, fire safety, engineering failures, or accident reconstruction.

>>Forensic Jurisprudence-This branch of forensic science involves the union of legal matters with science. Forensic experts and everyone involved in the criminal justice system must comprehend the legal principles of forensic evidence. This understanding ensures that scientific knowledge can effectively hold up in a court of law.

>>Forensic Odontology-Forensic odontology is a branch of forensic science that examines dental evidence to analyse a case. The culprits in the Nirbhaya case were identified using this technique.

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>>Forensic Psychiatry-Forensic psychiatry is part of forensic science which studies how the mental state relates to criminal behaviour. It deals with the real-life aspects of mentally ill offenders as they navigate through the legal system while receiving treatment.

>>Forensic Questioned Document Examination-This a part of forensic science that uses scientific methods to scrutinise the details of the document which is questionable in the eyes of law.

>>Forensic Toxicology-It is a branch of forensic science that identifies the traces of drugs, or toxins present in the body through conducting on the fluids present in the body.

>>Wildlife Forensics-Wildlife forensic science applies forensic science techniques to legal matters involving wildlife. It plays an important role in conservation efforts, helping to identify and protect rare species.

The Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS), National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Central Board Investigation (CBI) are a few of the government organisations that appoint forensic scientists. Forensic Scientists can also join the private sector by working in cybersecurity, medical, legal industry and more.

Transforming Forensic Science Education

There are multiple disciplines of forensic science with multiple job roles. Still, the education system faces issues in providing proper training and education related to this field. The classroom still chooses the traditional lecture or theory-based approach to teaching. Students have limited access to experiments or practical exposure. As per a research-based experiment, by ‘Forensic Science International: Synergy’ more active or project or activity-based learning is more useful for students

Organisations like International Forensic Sciences provide a more practical approach towards training and knowledge related to forensic science. This institute offers self-paced online courses at all levels i.e. school, undergraduate and postgraduate level for those who want to make a future career in the field of forensic science. It also conducts workshops to train students to get real-life experience related to the field.

Challenges And Solutions Of Forensic Science

With the widening scope of the field, forensic science also encounters many challenges. Wrongful convictions based on faulty evidence, lack of scientific certainty, insufficient research, absence of a well-defined code of ethics, lack of certification for experts, and limited databases and error rate statistics for techniques are just to name a few drawbacks. Digital forensics is a new stream in the field that faces two main challenges. First, maintaining proper resources and coordination between traditional and digital investigation methods. Second, ensuring the acceptance of digital evidence in criminal and civil cases requires legal support.

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To fully benefit from digital forensics, the police, investigation agencies, and policymakers should address the challenge. They must recognise the importance of concrete evidence for speedy justice. Forensic training for officers should be made mandatory. Ensuring consistent technology and expertise in forensic labs will generate effective results.

Future of Studies In Forensic Science

The up-to-date and persistent growth of forensic science has made detection of offenders easier. This was not the case earlier. But as the world advances with digital technology and modern sciences it is important that students who are interested in this subject are encouraged to follow their passions. Infrastructure in terms of curricula and labs etc are made available so that hands-on training becomes an integral part of preparing these aspirants for real life situations.