**Disclaimer – This article mentions blood, violence, and crimes. If you are triggered by things that involve physical violence, gore, or any of the elements listed above, I would not recommend reading this article.**
When a crime scene has more questions than answers, forensic experts step up to deliver the answers needed. Forensics is the application of scientific methods and special techniques to investigate crimes, collect and analyze evidence, and uncover facts to help serve justice. Forensics offers multiple careers necessary to the outcome of a crime case. For example, crime scene investigators (CSIs) do hands-on work, while lab analysts work behind the scenes in specialties such as DNA analysis, pathology, and toxicology. In this article, we will discover what a career in each one of these specialties looks like.
First, let’s look at the specialty of a DNA analyst. These scientists spend most of their time in the lab profiling samples collected from a crime scene. Figuring out whom DNA belongs to is one of the most significant elements in a criminal investigation. Sometimes they will analyze an unidentified body to determine an identity. They might also profile a DNA sample found at a crime scene, not necessarily on a body, to find or confirm a suspect. These DNA analysts take the information they have found and the DNA profiles to detectives or the police for legal cases.
To become a DNA analyst, someone must first get a Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, biology, and even chemistry. In addition, they must become an accredited analyst by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). After becoming accredited, they must get lab experience, such as an internship. To become a stronger or more accomplished candidate, DNA analysts may get a Master’s in the sciences, such as forensic science, or become certified by the American Board of Criminalists.
Now, let’s look at a prominent case in which DNA analysis was a crucial part. The Golden State Killer case, which took place over the course of a decade from 1974 to 1986, was initially shut down after all clues led to nothing. After the discovery of genetic fingerprinting, or DNA analysis, however, the case was reopened. The DNA found at a crime scene was run through a public family tree and ended up connecting to a police officer named Joseph DeAngelo. Without DNA analysis, he may have gone unpunished for the rest of his life.
Next, let’s dive into forensic pathology. Forensic pathology is the specialty that conducts autopsies and diagnoses injuries and diseases by looking at a live or dead person’s tissues, cells, and organs. Forensic pathologists are also a type of forensic analyst, so they most often work in the lab and analyze samples sent in by CSI agents. The education path to become a forensic pathologist is to first get a medical degree, then perform a pathology residency, followed by a forensic pathology fellowship. They can also become certified or accredited like DNA analysts.
An example of an important case in which pathology was very useful is the Boston Strangler case. In this case, pathologists found a string of murders that they realized were all connected because the victims had the same manner of death and cause of death, which was homicide by strangulation. As a result, detectives and investigators knew that there was only one perpetrator, not multiple. The case was closed based on a confession made by Albert DeSalvo, who confessed to the string of murders, though after being convicted, his DNA was only found at one of the crime scenes. This insufficiency of physical evidence linking him to the other victims has fueled decades of skepticism among experts and the public. This led to many
documentaries and reinvestigations questioning whether the true killer has been found. Nevertheless, he was indeed sentenced to life in prison, but people still suspect the verdict of the case.
Last but definitely not least, let’s take a closer look at toxicology. Forensic toxicologists direct most of their attention to identifying chemicals, drugs, poisons, and other substances in the body that may have contributed to a person’s death or behavior. Their work helps determine whether someone was under the influence, poisoned, overdosed, or exposed to harmful toxins. Toxicologists analyze samples of blood, urine, hair, and other bodily objects that may reveal something about what a person may have ingested before death or a crime.
The path to working as a certified forensic toxicologist usually entails a person earning a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or forensic science. Many go on to complete a Master’s degree to develop a greater range of skills and be further informed on topics, which is more appealing to employers. Similar to any other lab analyst, no matter the specialty, lab experience is crucial to land a job as a toxicologist. In addition, toxicologists can also be certified and accredited, like all forensic professions.
A well‑known case that highlights the importance of toxicology is the investigation into the death of music icon Whitney Houston. Toxicologists discovered substances in her system, including cocaine and prescription medications, which in turn helped determine that the abundance of substances in her body, plus accidental drowning, was the cause of death. Without toxicology, investigators would have lacked the critical information needed to understand the circumstances and manner of her death.
The subject of forensics is truly interconnected and complex, and each specialized career within it serves an important purpose in revealing the truth behind a crime. DNA analysts assist in identifying victims and perpetrators through forensic evidence. Forensic pathologists determine the cause of death by scrutinizing the body and its tissues. Toxicologists say whether chemicals or drugs may have contributed to a person’s death or behavior. Altogether, this group of experts and far more work as a force to decipher and take on complicated cases with twists and turns around every corner.
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