There has been a large demand for the continued advancement in forensic science for quite some time. Though much of what went into the practice wasn’t fully understood until the early 20th century. Until then forensic specialists were largely self-taught and not as highly regarded when it came to their role in law enforcement. Forensic science is a boon that has revolutionized law enforcement.
According to The History of Forensic Science (2011) the first classes to teach the subject weren’t adopted until 1902. It also wasn’t until the 1930s that the course began to catch on with criminal theory and even with police science. By 1950 one of the first ever criminology departments had been established at the University of California in Berkeley. At the same time the American Academy of Forensic Science was established in Chicago.
Forensics is useful in many different ways, including finding and analyzing DNA,
detecting toxins that might have contributed to a crime-related death, and even ballistics and
cyber crimes. Forensics have become an integral part of law enforcement and as such are
indispensable in an era where criminals are making constant attempts to dodge law enforcement
using various and innovative methods. While the television shows that depict forensics often
manage to glamorize the field and produce results that are, in some cases, quite extraordinary,
the true life of a forensic scientist involves a great deal of work and more busywork than action.
Still, it is quite interesting to watch the process being played on the television screen, even if it is
not always true to life.
The demand for forensic laboratories throughout the nation has been growing since the inception of the practice thanks to the effectiveness it has shown in solving current and cold cases. Criminal cases that have been relegated to cold case files have been reportedly solved by new forensic evidence that was considered inconsequential in the past. Thanks to new methods and practices these cases have been reopened more often than not when time and opportunity allows. Unfortunately not all said cold cases can be solved, but with very little forensics still manage to at least finalize the cases and draw whatever conclusion is available.
Forensic scientists are able to take the smallest, trace amounts of evidence and rebuild a crime through that evidence alone. Their skills are often impressive enough that they have grown in demand throughout the past few decades. Cases that might have lain unsolved for years are now able to be re-examined and closed finally. The chance to give the families of deceased some peace and to clear the records of those who were falsely imprisoned is just one of the many perks of forensic science.
There are always new and inventive methods being created in the field of forensics. New methods to practicing old habits are always being discovered, which keeps this field on the cutting edge. Forensic science is the method of law enforcement that needs no witness to discover who the perpetrator is. Through DNA and other various methods forensic scientists can determine the crime, the victim, and the perpetrator.
The real world applications of forensic science are undeniable. Its place in law enforcement was inevitable the moment it was adopted as a course. With forensics, law enforcement has gained a much needed leg up on not just catching criminals, but on helping to prosecute the right person. Forensics has become an invaluable part of law enforcement.
Works Cited
“The History of Forensic Science.” Forensic Science Laboratory. 2011. Web. 20 Aug. 2016.
