The study of forensic science is used everywhere around the world to enforce criminal laws and regulations. A career in this field can be lucrative, says DR RANA SINGH

The work of the forensic experts captivated us. Many people are drawn towards human anatomy and study of forensic science. The study of forensic science also known as criminalistics is used everywhere around the world to enforce criminal laws and regulations to protect public health and to resolve civil disputes. India has 37 States and seven central forensic science labs, 29 fingerprint bureaus, several regional forensic science labs and district mobile forensic units.

We also have an advanced Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Central Forensic Science Laboratory which facilitates DNA profiling. The country also has private sectors at several places providing opportunities in this field.

Even with so many opportunities in the field of criminalistics in India, there are only 0.33 forensic scientists per 0.1 million population. The need for forensic scientists is immense. Here are the opportunities in this field.

Crime Scene Investigator: Students wanting to have a career in this field should at least have a bachelor's degree, mostly a master's degree is preferable. One should have a degree in the field of science and criminal justice. The role of a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) is to conduct analysis, help in investigating crime scenes, work with body parts and many more.

Forensic Ballistics Expert: A ballistic expert is basically a firearm examiner who is trained in criminal justice. The duty of a ballistic expert is to collect and analyse evidence on live ammunition, bullet fragments, firearms and other tools associated with it. Another work of a ballistic expert is finding out the point of origin of fire rounds, examining if a gun was fired recently, identifying the type of bullet and more. Students wanting to pursue a career in this field should hold a bachelor degree in forensic science and have knowledge in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. A background in human anatomy and biology is compulsory.

Forensic DNA Analyst: A DNA analyst plays a vital role in the field of Forensic Science. The work of the DNA analyst is to examine the samples of victims, suspects, and various people as it helps in identifying whether the given person was present at the crime scene or not; DNA results are more accurate than fingerprint testing. A career in this field should be taken by students who are passionate and determined. Students should have at least a four-year degree having educational qualification in one of the streams. The fields that one can gain qualification in order to become a DNA analyst is biology, criminalistics, biochemistry, genetics nd chemistry.

Lie Detector Examiner: Students wanting to pursue a career as a polygraph examiner should have a degree in psychology, law enforcement or criminal justice. The work of a lie detector examiner includes conducting lie detector examinations, working with investigators, testifying in court and many more.

Digital Forensic Expert: To become a digital forensics expert, students should have a bachelor's degree in one of these courses like computer engineering, applied mathematics, cybersecurity information technology, and many others. To have a superior position in this field a master’s degree is required. Due to an increase in cases in cybercrimes, there is a great demand for digital forensics experts. The work of digital forensics includes analysing information in investigations and solving crimes related to computers.

As the career scope of criminalistics is vast, the students can get employed in hospitals, institutes, forensic labs, pharmaceutical MNC’s and Government and private agencies. There are endless opportunities for those who wish to have their forensic practice and forensic service office.

The writer is VC, Sanskriti University