A legal science called forensics explores the characteristics and mechanism of a criminal act. The forensic scientist is a profession filled with complexity and tension, but, despite this, it is considered to be very interesting. This article will highlight the nuances and characteristics of the labor activity of representatives of this profession.
Facts from the history of forensic science
At the end of the 19th century, the term criminology appeared in the scientific community. The emergence of this science was caused by the observed high increase in crime, causing particular concern in society.
Although the time of the emergence of the profession of a criminalist is considered to be the 19th century, examples of the investigation of criminal acts using science have been observed since ancient times. Hippocrates wrote about methods for determining which wound on the body led to death. When Caesar was killed, a physician examined his body. He revealed that one of the twenty-three injuries caused death. In the 13th century, they began to study at the University of Bologna with a degree in forensic medicine.
In Russia, forensic data were systematized in the 1920s. In the higher educational institutions of our country, they began to teach the criminal profession, important and valuable for each state, after the end of World War II.
Features of work
Prior to the arrival of the criminalist at the scene of the crime, the investigating team cannot touch or move anything. When a specialist arrives at the place, he takes pictures of everything, draws up a protocol. The forensic expert also examines a person who has suffered or died as a result of a crime. He collects evidence, which is usually attributed to certain traces and objects.
After completion of the preliminary examination, a representative of this profession examines evidence in a laboratory setting. He documents the results of his research. Only after a thorough study does the forensic specialist, together with the investigator, paint a picture of the crime committed. The forensic scientist is a profession that involves traveling to the scene of a criminal offense several times a day.
Main tasks and skills
The primary tasks of a specialist who is able to detect a criminal with the help of scientific research are considered to be:
- Drawing up a clear picture of a criminal act.
- Detection of traces of a criminal stay.
- The study of evidence.
- Providing the investigator with an expert opinion.
- Participation in the investigation of the circumstances of the criminal case.
The forensic expert must have certain skills:
- Know the theory of forensic science and have the ability to put it into practice.
- The nuances of the investigation of criminal acts.
- Possibilities of using various methods and tools in their work.
- Rules for the use of funds used in conducting examinations and much more.
Work directions
The forensic scientist is a profession that includes work in more than 20 important areas of activity. The main ones are:
- Graphology. Experts are able to determine the emotional state of a person by studying his handwriting or signature.
- Trassology. They study the traces that help to open the veil of secrecy over the mechanism of committing a criminal act (traces of hacking, car wheels, etc.).
- Ballistics. Forensic scientists work with firearms. They can determine its type and under what circumstances a shot was fired.
- Fingerprinting. Representatives of this profession are able to identify a person by fingerprints.
- Phonoscopy A specialist can make portraits of suspects based on information about the voice and a set of characteristic features of speech.
Forensics is undergoing continuous development and is supplemented by new methods and technologies. One of these methods is DNA testing, which helps to determine a person’s identity using biological traces. Physics in the profession of forensic science is one of the most irreplaceable sciences. Infrared rays are used to read burnt texts, ultraviolet rays are used to study documents. With the help of nuclear physics you can detect explosives and much more.
Pros and cons of the criminal profession
This profession has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of the work of the forensic department staff include various bonuses of the social and financial plan that law enforcement officers have. Having extensive work experience, a forensic expert can carry out his work in private security or detective organizations.
The minus of this work is the psychological pressure exerted on the forensics by criminal elements. In some cases, representatives of this profession can observe a terrible picture at the crime scene. To bring this sight to people with a weak nervous system is simply impossible. Forensics sometimes work with the DNA of dead people, they have to inhale pretty unpleasant odors.
Necessary personal qualities
To connect your life with the profession of a forensic scientist, to achieve success in your chosen field, you should have a set of the following important qualities.
- You need to be a diligent, patient and consistent person.
- To have strong nerves and resistance to stressful situations.
- Carefully, gently and painstakingly carry out their work.
- The forensic scientist needs teamwork and mobility.
- He must be able to think logically, analyze and concentrate.
- Own various technical means.
The requirements for the profession of a criminalist are quite high. The representative of this profession is constantly studying, acquiring new skills and abilities. He must be confident in himself and absolutely indifferent to various temptations. Isolated cases were observed when the forensic department staff left their work in law enforcement agencies and switched sides. The criminals paid experts a lot of money. The former criminologists usually did not succeed in calling to account, because they were aware of all the nuances of the investigation and acted with great caution.
Study
Some ask themselves the question: to become a forensic scientist, what kind of education do you need to get? This responsible profession requires in-depth knowledge of criminal law, psychology, expertise and other areas. Only a person with a higher education can become a criminalist.
The profile for study should be chosen legal, the direction is a criminal case. The presence of a practical base is important. The training program should include the conduct of research, analysis, experiments from the field of forensics.
Where to study as a forensic scientist
In the walls of many higher educational institutions of our country, they are trained in the specialties of Forensic Medicine and Jurisprudence. In most cases, in order to enter these faculties, it is necessary to successfully pass the exams in history, social studies, the Russian language and physical education. In addition, future forensics, to qualify, will not hurt:
- Direction from the Office of the Interior at the place of residence.
- Steady mental state. Future students will need to undergo psychological testing.
- Health and physical fitness are up to standard.
Those who dream about the profession of a criminalist should be aware that higher education alone is not enough. To become a specialist of the highest class, it may take more than one year of hard work and constant painstaking work on yourself. The work of a criminalist cannot be called boring. It is saturated with versatility and complexity. In the law enforcement system, highly qualified representatives of this profession are considered very valuable employees. This is directly reflected in their salary level.