Career in Forensic Science and Criminology

Sherlock Homes, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple have fascinated a number of minds for a number of years. Not to forget our very own Karamchand and Byomkesh Bakshi who made investigations ever so fascinating. To add to it, the crime shows on various Indian TV channels have only added to the popularity of investigative sciences like forensics. Forensic science is the application of science to the investigation of a crime. When a crime is committed, there are different types of evidence found at the crime scene. It could include traces of an object, paint, soil, blood, saliva, body fluids, digital evidence, plant material, bones, documents, fingerprints. Forensic science uses physical science such as chemistry, biology, physics to analyse the evidence found at the crime scene and uses that analysis to help the law enforcement to catch the criminal and most importantly, present that evidence in court.

While criminology is the study of crime, a criminologist uses different social sciences such as sociology, psychology, to understand crime and criminal behaviour. Criminology typically includes studying different types of crime, causes behind the crime, occurrence or incidence of crime in various parts, the consequences of the crime as well as society's perception, different rules and punishment and preventive strategies for crime.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

To become a forensic scientist, one needs to first complete a Bachelors' in Forensic or Physical or Biological Science and further pursue MSc (Forensic Science). To become a forensic pathologist, one has to complete an MD in Forensic Medicine after successfully completing his/ her MBBS.

There are graduate as well as postgraduate courses in criminology. One can pursue it either after 10+2 or after having a graduate degree in arts or science. Criminology is also offered as a specialisation at the masters' level in social work.

JOB PROSPECTS

A forensic scientist can work as a crime scene investigator, forensic pathologist, trace evidence analyst, and expert analysts in forensic specialisations. A criminologist can work as an analyst, teacher, reviewer and reformer of law, revising ways of criminal rehabilitation and as researchers working to improve the criminal justice system.

Both these fields offer opportunities in: Government and private forensic labs Private detective agencies government agencies such as CBI, IB, RAW Crime cells of police forces NGOsJuvenile shelters Rehabilitation centres

Crimes have been committed from time immemorial and continue to happen in today's world. With the increasing need for effective measures to stop and prevent crime, forensic science and criminology have become a necessity. This field is constantly evolving with the development of new technology and new ways of investigations.