Forensic Psychologist Job Description

 Forensic Psychologist Job Description

Forensic psychologists play a critical role in the assessment of offenders and the provision of support and training for other staff. They also work with victims. Research is a further element of their work, as is presenting evidence in court and advising parole boards and mental health tribunals.

Using expertise based on psychological theory and research, forensic psychologists work closely with other professionals and agencies both in the assessment and treatment of individuals and in the development of institutional policy and working practices.

Most forensic psychologists work within the Prison Service, although they are also employed in a range of other settings, including probation services, the National Health Service (NHS) and private hospitals, the police, social services and higher education institutions.

Typical work activities

Forensic psychology is often perceived as concerning criminal investigation and profiling. Although this is one very minor aspect of forensic psychology, it is not a core role. The work of forensic psychologists mainly relates to the assessment and treatment of criminal behaviour. Forensic psychologists work not only with prisoners and offenders but also with other professionals involved in the judicial and penal systems, and with victims of crime.

The core part of working with offenders focuses on therapy in forensic settings where tasks typically involve:

• carrying out one-to-one assessments, often to assess the risk of reoffending (e.g. for lifers being released into the community or sex offenders after a treatment programme) or of suicide, self-harm or other high-risk behaviour;
• developing, implementing and reviewing appropriate offender treatment and rehabilitation programmes, including anger management, treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, and social and cognitive skills training;
• undertaking research projects to evaluate the contribution of specific service elements, policy initiatives or group programme developments, e.g. exploring probation 'drop-out' rates, investigating the impact of bullying in the prison environment, or evaluating the effectiveness of an anger management group programme;
• undertaking statistical analysis for forensic client profiling;
• preparing risk assessment and other formal written reports;
• delivering training to support forensic staff in areas such as stress management, or training on how to cope with understanding bullying and techniques for crisis (hostage) negotiation;
• attending court and providing expert witness testimony;
• advising parole boards and mental health tribunals;
• liaising with and providing consultancy to hospital staff, prison officers, the police, social workers, probation officers, representatives of the judicial and legal systems and university staff;
• contributing to policy and strategy development to ensure continuous service improvement;
• training and mentoring psychological assistants or trainee forensic psychologists;
• management and administration.

Forensic psychologists may also be involved in:

• working with victims of crime and the general public in relation to their fear around crime;
• conducting applied research;
• designing and delivering training;
• organisational consultancy.

Source: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/forensic_psychologist_job_description.htm

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Online Cyber Forensics Graduate Programs at Stevenson University (School of Graduate And Professional Studies)

Online Cyber Forensics Graduate Programs at Stevenson University (School of Graduate And Professional Studies)

Address:

1525 Greenspring Valley Road
Stevenson, MD  21153
United States

Phone:

443-334-2587

Fax:

N/A

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Program Information

Degree Offered

Format: Online

Program Description:

Stevenson University’s innovative accelerated master’s degree in Cyber Forensics is designed to provide an advanced education for experienced information technology personnel that is focused on practical exercises in real-life events with cyber forensic analysis. This program will prepare professionals in the fields of auditing, IT security, professional investigations, and law enforcement for the new realities of digital crime. With the proliferation of cyber attacks, fraud, and other crimes in the technology-driven, networked world, the proper investigation, documentation, and presentation of digital evidence has never been more important.

Accreditation:

.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Baccalaureate Colleges--General

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large Suburb

Size & Settings: 1,000 - 4,999

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Source: http://www.gradschools.com/program-details/stevenson-university/cyber-forensics-256702_2

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Forensic Psychology Description

Forensic psychology Description:

What is Forensic psychology?
Forensic psychology is the interaction of the practice or study of psychology and the law. Psychologists interested in this line of applied work may be found working in prisons, jails, rehabilitation centers, police departments, law firms, schools, government agencies, or in private practice, to name a few. They may work directly with attorneys, defendants, offenders, victims, pupils, families, or with patients within the state's corrections or rehabilitation centers. Other psychologists interested in forensic psychology focus on the study of psychology and the law. They may work in colleges, universities, government agencies, or in other settings interested in researching and examining the interaction of human behavior, criminology, and the legal system.

Psychologists working in forensic psychology often come from a wide variety of education, training, and work experiences. All hold a doctorate degree in a field of psychology. Some graduate training programs now offer specializations in the field. Some of these psychologists also have education or training in the law or even hold a Juris Doctor - the degree earned by attorneys. Most working in applied settings such as a private practice or prison also hold a license to practice granted from their state's board of psychology following the successful completion of an approved doctoral degree, pre and post doctoral training years, and passing scores on a series of board examinations. The exception to this is that some governmental agencies are considered exempt settings, which allows unlicensed psychologists to practice with supervision for a period of time.

Psychologists working in applied forensic psychology settings may provide a multitude of services, too many to fully describe here. Generally though, psychologists working in corrections may attend to the mental healthcare needs of inmates including, screening, psychological assessment, individual therapy, group therapy, anger management, crisis management, court-ordered evaluations, or daily inpatient rounds. They may also consult with prison staff, inmate attorneys, advocates, and court systems on a variety of mental health related topics or recommendations garnered as a result of psychological assessment. Psychologists working directly with attorneys may provide psychological assessment, personality assessment, assessment of mitigating factors, assessment of sexual offenders, competency evaluations, and recommendations for parental custody or visitation, to list just a few. Psychologists working in police departments often provide services for the department employees, such as counseling or crisis management.

Psychologists working in forensic psychology research or academic settings may teach or research on any topic in which psychology and the law interact. The field seems limitless. To name a few popular areas: criminal profiling, crime trends, effective mental health treatment for offenders, effective treatment for substance abusers, techniques for jury selection, impact of divorce, custody, separation, visitation on children. The list goes on.


Source: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/take-all-prisoners/201006/what-is-forensic-psychology

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Computer Forensics in Criminal Investigations

Computer Forensics in Criminal Investigations

Cybercrime, stolen identities, lost electronic files, computer espionage ... so many things can go wrong in our increasingly heavy dependence on computer and Internet information. Cybersecurity — or lack of it — affects every aspect of our lives, from home to the workplace to the very core of national and homeland security.analysis and study

Are you a problem-solver with a mind for details? A computer professional interested in improving your job skill level and career security? A concerned citizen who just wants to protect your own computer files? A forward-thinker looking to a job in government cybersecurity? Think Computer Forensics! It’s a fast track to a vital, high-paying and urgently needed career path.

What is computer forensics?

Also called digital forensics, it includes:

•     Collecting and preserving legally admissible electronic evidence
•     Recovering lost data or critical digital information
•     Protecting networks or computer systems from security breaches

What are its applications?

•     Fighting cybercrime through local, state and national law enforcement agencies
•     Tracking information trails for businesses from medical to financial institutions
•     Data recovery by businesses and information technology services
•     Protecting information vital to the success of any business
•     Proving that computer fraud was committed (producing evidence admissible in a court of law)
•     Proving that a cybercrime was not committed (producing evidence that proves someone is not guilty of wrongdoing)
•     Understanding computer security to prevent personal identity and information theft
•     Helping any business adhere to government standards and regulations

Careers

Computer forensics is used by attorneys, private investigators, businesses, government agencies, law enforcement agencies and a wide variety of individuals in need of technical and forensic expertise.

Job titles in the digital forensics field can include:

•     Computer forensics analyst
•     Counterintelligence studies and policy analyst
•     eDiscovery and data restoration specialist
•     eDiscovery and forensics project manager
•     Forensics analyst
•     Forensics consultant
•     Forensic science technician
•     Information systems security analyst
•     Junior software developer
•     Manager of network and data security
•     Security consultant
•     Systems administrator
•     Technology risk management professional

Responsibilities for these positions might include:

•     Performing comprehensive technical analyses and interpreting computer-related evidence on a variety of network environments, software, media and storage systems.
•     Ensuring that collection of evidence and chain of custody processes are achieved consistently with industry best practices.
•     Providing advisory services to enhance forensic and e-discovery engagements.
•     Acquiring and developing comprehensive knowledge of client operations, processes and business objectives as well as internal operations, and using this information to identify additional opportunities for achieving client objectives.

Source: http://www.howardcollege.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=183

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Job Outlook for Criminal Investigation

Job Outlook for Criminal Investigation

The demand for forensic criminal investigators has more than doubled over the last decade, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics for this position. Forensic criminal investigator jobs are expected to increase by as much as 20 percent over the next few years alone, a much faster growth rate than typical crime/law enforcement positions.

The average hourly wage for a position fitting the forensic criminal investigator job description is $26.47 with the annual wage of $55,070. Some questions asked during the job interview process for a forensics-related position, according to a sample interview questionnaire, include:

1. Why are you interested in this line of work? Take some time to think about your answer to questions like this. It may not seem very important, but questions like this tend to carry a lot of weight in the final decision process.

2. What can you do for us? Bring samples of work you have done in class with you. This may include fingerprint samples or test crime scene photos you have taken. This is the part where you show why you would be a valuable asset.

3. Be prepared to close with a “wow” factor. An interview usually ends with “Do you have any questions for us?” or “Is there anything you would like to add?” Avoid the temptation to simply answer with “No.” This is the part where you seal the deal. Do not be afraid to ask questions and explain in greater detail why you want the job of a forensic criminal investigator.

Choosing to become a forensic criminal investigator requires commitment and dedication. After all, a forensic criminal investigator has an important job: to give victims a voice through the evidence collected and processed at a crime scene.


Source: http://www.criminalinvestigatorhq.com/what-is-a-forensic-criminal-investigator/

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Forensic Criminal Investigation

Forensic Criminal Investigation

Forensic Criminal Investigation is a specialty vocation in law enforcement. Being a forensic criminal investigator is not as glamorous as television crime shows make it out to be, but the work is challenging and rewarding.

Understanding the Job

The goal is to provide the final piece of the puzzle and bring some peace of mind to loved ones of the unfortunate victims. As a forensic criminal investigator, you will work primarily in the field. If you want to work in the laboratory, you need to study forensic science with a focus on chemistry.

What to Expect

Being a criminal investigator is very similar to being a detective. The main goal is to collect and secure evidence at the scene. Traditionally, police officers or other law enforcement officials have been involved with collecting evidence and securing the scene.

Today, the trend has shifted towards using people specifically trained to look for evidence. A forensic criminal investigator still works very closely with law enforcement officials, especially when it comes to securing the scene to avoid contamination from outside sources such as curious onlookers.

Basic duties of a forensic criminal investigator include:

•     Securing a Crime Science
•     Assessing and Processing a Crime Scene
•     Gathering and Transferring Evidence
•     Preparing Detailed Crime Reports
•     Managing Equipment
•     Viewing Autopsies
•     Attending Conferences or Press Briefings
•     Testifying in Court
•     Identifying Potential Evidence
•     Protecting and Properly Collecting Evidence
•     Photographing all Evidence
•     Photographing and Documenting a Crime Scene

Your ultimate goal is to document everything to the best of your ability. The evidence collected will be used to piece together the events that resulted in the crime scene. In other words, you are trying to capture and preserve the crime scene. A forensic criminal investigator needs to pay attention to every detail.

Nothing is too insignificant. A certain dedication is required, along with a lot of time. Processing a crime scene takes anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the scope and nature of the crime scene. Procedures need to be strictly followed when collecting evidence. One mistake could easily destroy a vital piece of evidence.

Getting Started

Biology and chemistry courses in high school helps to prepare you for an eventual career as a forensic criminal investigator. You will need a high school diploma or GED to get started with the process of pursuing this line of work as a full time career.

A good place to start is to get an internship with a local police department or crime lab to get an idea of what is involved with assessing and processing a crime scene. Becoming a forensic criminal investigator requires a Criminal Justice or a Physical Science degree. Some forensic criminal investigator positions require an individual to have police officer status or higher education with a strong background in science.

The average education to become a forensic criminal investigator will involve 52 major credit hours of study and 128 total credit hours to earn a bachelor of arts forensic criminal investigation degree.

Criminal justice and forensic courses that are normally required to obtain this degree include:

•     Anatomy
•     Physiology
•     Basic Inorganic Chemistry
•     Forensic Chemistry
•     Applied Forensic Techniques
•     Criminology
•     Forensic Investigation
•     Elements of Criminal Law
•     Digital Photography
•     Criminal Procedures (Rules of how to Process Evidence)

Working Conditions

As a forensic criminal investigator, your work conditions will vary greatly from one assignment to the next. Generally, your first goal will be to secure the scene. The scene may include everything from a well-manicured yard to a wrecked car scattered along a dark highway.

You will be dealing with the elements and racing against them, in some cases, to protect evidence. Your first goal at any crime scene is going to be collect, preserve and protect as much evidence as possible.

You are not trying to play detective at that point. It may seem like cliche by now, but you really do want to let the evidence speak for itself. At a crime scene, you will likely have the assistance of law enforcement to help with securing the scene.

Realize that you are not going to have “typical” work conditions. You will have the tools you need to collect evidence, but the effort to collect evidence will differ from one crime scene to another.

Source: http://www.criminalinvestigatorhq.com/what-is-a-forensic-criminal-investigator/

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Forensic Anthropologist Career

Forensic anthropology is a specialty branch of anthropology that involves using anthropological knowledge to help the law. Most typically, a forensic anthropologist will be called into a law enforcement agency when skeletal remains are found in order to help identify the victim. Forensic anthropologists are educated in the study of bones and from the remains of a body can identify age, sex, height, and health status of the individual bones.

Educational Requirements for Forensic Anthropologist In order to become a forensic anthropologist, it’s necessary to have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in forensic anthropology. A person interested in this career should study a broad form of anthropology as an undergraduate. Some classes to consider in your undergraduate courses include chemistry, biology, criminology, physics, biochemistry, statistics, electron microscopy, and computer forensics. Top forensic anthropologists have an expert grasp on osteology; understanding bones and their characteristics is a large part of the job. The American Board of Forensic Anthropologists offers certification that requires candidates to pass an examination that covers practice and theory.

Career Choices as a Forensic Anthropologist

There are three main choices for careers as a forensic anthropologist. The first is working as a faculty member at a university or as a museum curator. The second is working for the armed services, which hires forensic anthropologists to work at their centers in Washington, D.C. and Hawaii. The final choice of career as a forensic anthropologist is working for a state, federal, or local crime lab as a staff member, who happens to have a forensic anthropology background. These jobs are all very difficult to obtain, as there are oftentimes more candidates for the positions than there are open positions.

Hints and Tips for Obtaining Jobs in Forensic Anthropology

Most individuals interested in forensic anthropologist jobs take the route of working in a local, state, or federal crime lab as a basic lab tech. The main reason for this is that the job opportunities are more plentiful within this area of the forensic science industry. Another way to gain information about jobs in the forensic anthropology field is to join a local anthropology group. This is a way to meet individuals working in the area. Joining a local anthropology group also offers a wonderful way to network skills when seeking out a job within the industry.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for a person wishing to become a forensic anthropologist is not great. In order to be hired in the industry, it’s necessary to have a Ph.D. in the field. The reason for the lack of jobs is simple: There just are not enough cases to keep a forensic anthropologist busy, even in large cities like New York and Los Angeles. Another reason there are not many jobs available is that many students who are studying forensic anthropology will work on cases for free in order to gain experience.

If you’re considering a career as a forensic anthropologist, it’s important to understand that getting a job in the industry may be difficult. In addition, most jobs will require a Ph.D., which means attending school for a long time. One of the best ways to work in the forensic anthropology field is to take a job as a lab technician with a law enforcement agency.

Source: http://www.forensicanthropologist.net/Forensic-Anthropologist-Career.html

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Forensic Anthropologist Salary

Forensic Anthropologist Starting Salary

Becoming a forensic anthropologist will require an extensive education in the field of anthropology. The first step will be to obtain a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. After completing a bachelor’s degree, many students choose to go on and get their masters degree, as forensic anthropology jobs are not widely available for those individuals with strictly a bachelor’s degree. The average pay for someone working in forensic anthropology with only a bachelor’s degree will be on the low end of the pay scale, averaging around $35,000 per year. However, working as a professor’s assistant offers a way for individuals to earn a bit of money while studying for their master’s.

How Much Money Can I Make?

Work in forensic anthropology will be either in the world of academia, as a consultant for a police or other government office, or as a lab technician. Careers in forensic anthropology can be very rewarding, but the pay scale for these jobs varies. The average salary for these jobs can be anywhere from $35,000 to $50,000 when starting out, but those entering the world of academia can expect much higher salaries. Most professors with doctorate degrees in forensic anthropology will earn starting salaries of around $50,000 and can earn upwards of $100,000.

Types of Jobs: Lab Technicians

The work of a forensic anthropologist is somewhat limited because many people interested in the field will have a heavy background in the sciences and apply for jobs as lab technicians. Working as a lab technician is a way to gain experience in the field of forensics and at the same time use your knowledge of anthropology to help solve cases. The other possibility is to work as a consultant for your local law enforcement agency. The average salary of a lab technician is around $35,380, depending on the type of facility you work in. Many lab technicians will work full time doing research and work as consultants on the side.

Types of Jobs: Professors

One of the other popular routes individuals choose is becoming a professor of anthropology at a university.
In order to qualify for this type of position you will need to have your Ph.D. and experience in the field. One of the benefits of working for a university is the possibility of obtaining grants for research in the field. This is one of the best ways to fund your special area of interest. Publishing your research in scientific journals can boost your career within the world of academia. Jobs as professors pay very well, with full time professors at major universities averaging over $90,000 per year.

Overall, the expected salary of a forensic anthropologist will depend directly on the amount of education received and the area chosen to work. Working in an academic setting has the potential for high earnings, but these positions are fiercely competitive. Working as a professor’s assistant is the best way to get your foot in the door. Starting out working in a laboratory for a law enforcement agency offers another way to gain experience in the industry.


Source: http://www.forensicanthropologist.net/Forensic-Anthropologist-Salary.html

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Forensic Anthropologists Definition

Forensic anthropologists are experts in analyzing human remains and for this reason are integral to a number of different types of forensic investigations. Oftentimes, forensic anthropologists are called on after mass disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis in order to assist in identifying human remains. They are also used at crime scenes to help recover evidence.

What Does a Forensic Anthropologist Do?

Forensic anthropologists are educated in osteology, or the study of bones. Using this knowledge, a forensic anthropologist can look at human remains and determine how the person died; whether it was suicide, homicide, accidental, or from natural causes. Using human bones the forensic anthropologist can determine the age of the individuals, the sex, the height, the type of occupation they worked in and the overall health status at the time of death. This information can lead crime scene investigators to their identities is as well as how they died.

Educational Requirements

Forensic anthropology is a specialization within the anthropology field. The first step in becoming a forensic anthropologist is to earn a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. Undergraduates focus on taking classes in a wide variety of areas such as archaeology, cultural and physical anthropology, and science classes such as genetics, anatomy, and chemistry. Mastering osteology, ethnobotany, and dentition is important for someone who wishes to be successful in this career. A master’s degree or Ph.D. in forensic anthropology is necessary to find a job within the field.

Places that Employ Forensic Anthropologists

There are two main categories of forensic anthropologists, academic and applied. Those employed in the academic world work in colleges and universities teaching classes and performing individual research projects. The number of projects a forensic anthropologist works on in the academic area will depend on the university he/she works for. Forensic anthropologists working in the applied field may work with a law enforcement agency, a coroner’s office, or directly with medical examiners. Applied forensic anthropology involves visiting crime scenes and working directly with bodies to gather information about how the individual died.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for forensic anthropologists is not great since most of the positions for this type of work are within universities or as consultants for cases involving unknown identity. Consultant work can consist of working in a medical examiner’s office, with local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies, or on human rights cases. The number of people specialized in this field is not large, which means getting a job may prove difficult. The average salary is around $54,000 per year with salaries of up to $75,000 per year for individuals with more than five years of experience.

Forensic anthropology is the study of human remains for scientific evidence. Using just bones, a forensic anthropologist can determine information about the deceased individual, which may aid in criminal investigations. During times of disasters, forensic anthropologist can help uncover and identify the bones of missing people.


Source: http://www.forensicanthropologist.net/

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Forensic Investigations

Forensic Investigations

The term forensic investigation refers to the use of science or technology in the investigation and establishment of facts or evidence to be used in criminal justice or other proceedings. Forensic investigation is a rather broad field with many different subdivisions. The American Academy of Forensic Science and the International Association for Identification are major professional organization that advances the application of scientific methods and their application in the legal system. Interested persons are highly encouraged to regularly review these websites for career information, current job listings, training course opportunities, and certification body-of -knowledge requirements. Adjunctive disciplines with subspecialties for forensically trained professionals are present such as in forensic nursing, forensic social work, computational forensics, forensic accounting, forensic anthropology, forensic photography, among others. Interestingly enough, journalists have recently begun seeking forensic training to expand their careers as crime writers or as public information officers in criminal justice agencies.

It is our belief that as the criminal justice system continues to evolve academic programs dedicated to teaching criminal justice studies must become more involved in delivering courses on forensic investigation to students. With the recent creation of television programs like CSI, CSI: Miami, and Forensic Files, there is an increased student demand for these types of courses. But the catalyst that drives the need for criminal justice programs to assist in the development of forensic investigation courses has little to do with the increased demand for these courses created by Hollywood's fascination with forensic investigations and crime scene analysis. As technology develops that can potentially aid criminal justice practitioners in their pursuit of justice in individual cases it is necessary to deliver this information to future criminal justice practitioners in an accurate and efficient manner.

Forensic investigation is increasingly playing an important role in the pursuit of justice. But the use of forensic investigation is not the straightforward endeavor that is portrayed in many television programs and other mass media sources. Forensic investigation is very complex. Forensic investigation techniques, when used appropriately, can be an incredible tool for practitioners and society. But used inappropriately, forensic investigation techniques can generate error and injustice in the system. For information about death row exonerations due to the misapplication of forensic investigation techniques, please see the Death Penalty Information Center's pages on Forensic Science Misconduct and Unreliable/Limited Science.

The Department currently offers and courses leading to either an Associate of Arts in Forensic Investigations or an Institutional Award in Forensic Investigation. These programs were approved in 2008 and will be offered for students for the first time in the Fall Semester of 2008.

Institutional Award in Forensic Investigation
The Associates degree is primarily designed to accommodate students who seek the requisite knowledge and skills to: 1) work as practitioners in the criminal justice system in the area of forensic investigation in the capacity of crime scene investigators; 2) obtain the required competencies in preparation for national certification examinations, and/or 3) continue for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or another discipline with a solid, applied pre-professional qualification. Criminal justice majors may pursue the Institutional Award in Forensic Investigation; however, it was primarily developed to accommodate students who major in other disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics, accounting, chemistry, nursing, emergency medical technician, computer science, journalism, psychology, paralegal studies, photography, and social work) that are indirectly linked to aspects of the criminal justice system's use of forensic investigations and/or have forensic career tracks and subspecialties within in their professional discipline. Each of these fields has possible career tracks that would be enhanced by the pre-service credentialing and skill set provided by the training in the Institutional Award.

The Institutional Award is particularly well-suited to the natural science major who seeks supplemental forensic investigation training directed toward eventual employment in a crime lab or graduate study in a forensic-related discipline. The Institutional Award is also ideal for the practitioner in criminal justice, protective services, health care and others fields seeking credentialing and special skills development, or even a career change. In both the case of the Associates and Institutional Award, eligible students will be permitted to sit for the Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI) national examination. The candidate may be awarded their CCSI upon successful completion of the required 18-months of on-the-job crime scene-related employment that must be achieved within 5-years of successful completion of the certification examination.

Each of these programs will be coordinated by Professor Michael Lytle. Professor Lytle is a forensic criminalist and educator with an extensive background in forensic science and investigation techniques.

The Forensic Investigations Academic Achievement perpetual plaque hangs in the forensics lab honoring the top performer of each class section. Recipients receive a copy of Fish, Miller, & Braswell's book Crime Scene Investigation, which is part of the IAI's senior crime scene analyst certification body of knowledge. Recipients are also awarded a courtesy enrollment in the Fundamentals of Forensic Investigation distance education short-course of the American Institute of Applied Science. The current forensics Top Dogs are:

• Ralph Medrano, Spring 2008
• Abelardo Aguirre, Spring 2008
• Ashley Holland, Summer 2008
• Felisha Rodriguez, Fall 2008
• Gilberto Flores, Spring 2009
• Elvira Alvarado, Spring, 2009
• Daisy Solis, Fall, 2009
• Cynthia Mascorro, Fall, 2009
• Sandra Rodriguez, Fall, 2009
• Yesenia Treviño, Spring, 2010
• Michael Rivas, Spring, 2010
• Edith Garcia, Spring, 2010

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Forensic Toxicology

Forensic Toxicology

The field of forensic science has come a long way – this is particularly true in the area of forensic toxicology, which is both fascinating and important for many applications. Forensic toxicology deals with the investigation of toxic substances, environmental chemicals or poisonous products. If you have ever been asked to take a drug test for work or you know someone who has, then you are already familiar with one of the applications of forensic toxicology. The toxicology part refers to the methods used to study these substances. Forensic toxicology is actually a bit of a mix of many other scientific disciplines such as chemistry, pathology and biochemistry. It also shares ties with some of the environmental sciences.

Using Forensic Toxicology Today
Currently, this area of forensics has evolved to mean the study of illegal drugs and legal ones such as alcohol. Forensic toxicology can even identify poisons and hazardous chemicals. The chemical makeup of each substance is studied and they are also identified from different sources such as urine or hair. Forensic toxicology deals with the way that substances are absorbed, distributed or eliminated in the body – the metabolism of substances. When learning about drugs and how they act in the body, forensic toxicology will study where the drug affects the body and how this occurs.

Obtaining Samples for Toxicology Testing
Before toxicology testing can go forward, samples need to be taken. You might be surprised to know just how many parts of your body can produce samples that are effective for identifying drugs. One example is urine, which is commonly used in forensic toxicology. It's an easy sample to obtain and relatively rapid and non-invasive. It can show substances even several weeks after their ingestion. One example would be the drug marijuana, which can be detected even two weeks following use of the drug. When a urine sample is taken, however, there are sometimes rules and regulations around how the sample is collected. If the testing was related to workplace drug testing, a person could substitute a sample from someone else that would then show a negative result. For this reason, there are sometimes parameters around reasonable supervision when a person has to provide a urine sample.

Blood samples are another body sample used for forensic toxicology. A huge range of toxic substances can be tested from a blood sample. You may already be familiar with blood alcohol testing used to assess if a person was driving under the influence of alcohol. This type of testing is important in assessing if a driver is above the legal limit and it is also used to prove a case in court.

Hair samples are a good way to test for substance abuse that has occurred over the long-term. After a person ingests a chemical, it ends up in the hair, where it can provide forensic toxicologists with an estimate of the intensity and duration of drug use. Hair testing is even offered quite widely by companies that allow you to mail in a hair sample and check off the drugs you want checked. Saliva is another way that forensic toxicologists can test for drugs. It does, however, depend on the drug in terms of identifying its concentration. One of the more unusual sounding but interesting ways that the human body can be used for forensic toxicology involves the gastric contents in a deceased person. During the autopsy, a sample of the person's gastric contents can be analysed, which then allows the forensic toxicologist to assess if the person took any pills or liquids before their death. The brain, liver and spleen can even be used during toxicology testing.

Forensic Toxicology Applications
While there are many uses for forensic toxicology testing, the most familiar one to most people is likely to be drug and alcohol testing. This type of testing is commonly performed in the transportation industry and in workplaces. Another use is for drug overdoses, whether these are intended or accidental. People who drive with a blood alcohol concentration over the accepted legal limit can also be assessed through toxicology testing. Another application of forensic toxicology relates to sexual assault that involves the use of drugs. Various drugs are used today for the purposes of rendering the victim unable to fight the attacker, who then proceeds to sexually assault the victim. Through toxicology testing, a victim can find out what drug was given and can then be treated accordingly.

There are a lot of substances and poisons in our world – many of which impact how we function in work and society. For some people, these substances can influence their death. Fortunately, forensic toxicology testing allows forensic scientists to identify substances and determine a pattern of use. In this way, a forensic toxicologist can provide closure on the 'what if' of a person's drug habits or perhaps some mystery surrounding their death.


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Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is an interesting branch of psychology since it involves the study of both law and psychology. This new branch of study is sought after by students that want to specialize in law with applied psychology. A forensic psychology helps people from the investigation department to nab the culprits and criminals quite easily. That’s because he helps the investigators by studying the minds of the criminals and by knowing more about the mental behavior of the wrong-doers.

The recommendations forwarded by forensic psychologists can prove very vital when it comes to nabbing criminals. As a matter of fact many a criminal case is solved by the assistance of the highly qualified forensic psychologists much to the delight of both the attorneys and the police officials. The real motive behind the killing or the murder of a person can be deduced quite effortlessly by a forensic psychologist since he works in unison with people from the legal and investigative arenas. The actual truth is that a forensic psychologist works in the line of a qualified psychologist but with a little difference. Hence there is not much of a difference between a conventional psychologist and a forensic psychologist.

A skillful forensic psychologist relies on forensic evidence to establish his findings. Most of his findings are based on human psychology and the psychological approach of a criminal. He would necessarily compare the normal human psychology with that of a criminal. He is an expert in the study of the human mind and uses subjects such as forensic medicine and forensic psychiatry to arrive at some of the crucial conclusions that could be of great help to the personnel from the criminal investigation department. A forensic psychologist is adept in making competency evaluations. He would help the lawyers in recommending death sentences. He would also be in a position to correctly evaluate the re offending behavior of a criminal.

It is important to know that forensic psychology also includes subjects such as clinical psychology and neurology. An expert from the investigative department often needs the services of experienced neurologists and clinical psychologists especially when he wants to establish the fact that the suspected criminal suffers from some sort of mental illness. Sometimes the help of a clinical psychologist is sought when medical or mental treatment to the criminal is suggested at the court of law. A forensic psychologist on the other hand specializes in the mental assessment of criminals that tend to resist any attempt at help. Thus he is a forensic, clinical and neurology specialists all combined into one!

All the special requirements of a forensic psychologist make him almost indispensable in the criminal proceedings at courts. A judge would also wait for the final word from an experienced forensic psychologist before pronouncing the final judgment. The rising demand for experienced forensic psychologists has made the subject of forensic psychology extremely popular among the students in the recent times. More students are showing great interest in the field of forensic psychology and hence many universities and community colleges have opened separate departments where this wonderful branch of applied psychology is taught by experienced and highly qualified professors.


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Forensic Psychologist

Forensic Psychologist

A forensic psychologist is any psychologist who offers an expert psychological opinion in a way that it impacts one of the adversarial arenas, typically the courts. Many people think of forensic psychologists as focussing on criminal matters. This is certainly not always the case. A forensic psychologist is any psychologist who by virtue of training or experience may assist a court or other fact finder in arriving at a just or correct decision. For example a forensic psychologist may assist in a wide variety of civil matters. Civil matters include but are not limited to lawsuits or insurance claims where emotional suffering is a part of the claim, determination of competency of an aged or ill person to make decisions, whether a death was an accident or a “disguised suicide” in an insurance claim case, or in a wide variety of other areas. Becoming a forensic psychologist will first require you to get a doctorate in psychology, often (but not necessarily) in clinical or counseling psychology. It will probably take you about seven years after the undergraduate degree to get this doctorate, though some people may take a little less time. Competition is stiff to enter these doctoral programs, so study hard! One way the person who is already a psychologist becomes a forensic psychologist is by doing additional informal study after receiving the doctoral degree. She or he does this by attending seminars, consulting with senior colleagues, or returning to the university to take additional course work. Simultaneously, psychologists often undertake their first cases in the forensic area. When done well the ethical psychologist takes care to consult closely with colleagues in the early years.

After getting considerable experience and continuing education, some forensic psychologists will go on to become ‘Board Certified’ in the forensic psychology specialty. But not all forensic psychologists do become board certified. The best known certification board is theAmerican Board of Forensic Psychology, which offers the title of ‘diplomate’ to people who meet its standards and pass its examination. There are a few graduate programs in the United States and Canada that directly train people to become forensic psychologists during the university doctoral psychology program. A person who completes one of these programs gets training in forensic psychology at the same time as obtaining the doctoral training in clinical psychology. But additional work is still necessary for the psychologist to become a ‘board certified’ diplomate in the specialty. The following list of doctoral psychology programs that offer training in forensic psychology is built and maintained as readers send me additions and corrections.

• Alliant International University, Fresno Campus, CA [reported by reader 3/13/03]
• American International College – Springfield MA [reported by reader 10/27/01]
• Argosy University – Campuses at various locations [reported by reader 02/06/06]
• California State University – Los Angeles [M.S. only - reported by reader 1/8/04]
• California State University – Sacramento [reported by readers as present and absent!]
• Capella University [non-resident PhD Internet program - added 8/21/98]
• Carlos Albizu University – Miami FL [reported by reader 3/1/04]
• Castleton State College – Vermont [M.A. only][added by webmaster 11/14/97)
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology [added by webmaster 1/12/02]
• College of St Elizabeth Morristown, NJ [Master's only][added by webmaster 6/02/07]
• Colorado School of Professional Psychology [reported by reader 09/24/05]
• Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA [added by webmaster 2/11/98]
• Florida International University [added 8/21/98]
• Florida State University
• Florida Tech, Melbourne FL [BA only] [reported by reader 3/13/03]
• Forest Institute of Psychology, Chicago IL [reported by reader 3/13/03]
• Illinois School of Professional Psychology [added 8/21/98]
• John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York [PhD beginning Fall 2004][reported by reader 2/13/04]
• Miami Institute of Psychology [reported by reader 10/30/99]
• Northwestern University [reader reports it's no longer available 6/2/01]
• Nova Southereastern University [reported by reader 10/30/99]
• Pacific Graduate School of Psychology [reported by reader 07/01/04]
• Queen’s University, Kingston Ontario
• Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI, [MA only] [reported by reader 11/01/05]
• Sam Houston State University, Huntsville TX [added by webmaster 6/11/97]
• Simon Fraser University
• State University of New York at Buffalo [reported as not available by reader]
• Tiffin University, Ohio [M.A. only][M.A. not yet accredited][added by webmaster 2/11/98]
• University of Alabama
• University of British Columbia
• University of California at Los Angeles [M.A. only][reported by reader 2/28/01]
• University of Denver, Denver CO [M.A. only][reported by reader 3/13/03]
• University of Illinois at Chicago Circle
• University of Liverpool, UK [M.Sc. in Investigative Psychology][reported by reader 3/11/04]
• University of Kansas
• University of Nebraska at Lincoln
• University of Kentucky
• University of Nevada-Reno [for jury consulting - contact R. Dillehay PhD - added 8/21/98}
• University of Virginia in School of Education - contact D. Cornell PhD [added by webmaster 4/09/02]

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Different types of forensics

Different types of forensics

 Forensic science is vital term and has great importance throughout the world. Forensic word implies that forum and it comes from Latin word ‘Forensis’. Science implies that systematic formulation of knowledge relied on experiment, observation and induction. The combination of these two words is really just science that can be utilized in court. In short forensic science is an application of science that can be used for the purposes of law or based on knowledge in the law processes.

In concentrate then, it is the application of scientific knowledge in a legal context. Several numbers scientific knowledge sources can be applied in a legal context such as: Pathology, dentistry, chemistry, toxicology, engineering and so on.

Different types of forensics

Forensic field is categorized into several different kinds of specialists or forensic, including forensic anthropology, computer forensic & forensic toxicology. Computer forensics is the area of forensics in which professionals analyze and gather data from a PC or other form of digital media. Another kind of forensic is forensic toxicology, is involved in the study of chemicals includes alcohol and drugs. Forensic anthropology is another type of forensic that involves in the examining bone fragments for clues to the conditions surrounding the people’s death.

Forensic accounting is also quite popular and a forensic accountant will seek to trace any financial inconsistencies within a company’s account. Forensic dentistry is type of forensic that comes into play when victims can’t identify by conventional implies or when an attacker bites a victim. Graphology is another forensic type. It is a study of handwriting that can be found in poison pen letters, ransom notes and black mail demand. It used to determine the individual state of mind of the person.

Forensic scientist is a professional who applies a scientific knowledge in a legal context. The forensic scientist job involves dealing with crime scenes & accumulating crucial evidence that can assist in handling and solving a crime. Many people want to become a forensic scientist, for this you have to attain a degree in science such as chemistry, physics and biology. In this filed candidate must require good reporting, organizational and filing skills. Forensic scientists work in hospitals, police departments, laboratories, universities and morgue. These days this profession is gaining huge popularity all over the world. They are also responsible in the electronic matters investigation. Digital forensic scientist is the person who is involved in these matters. They work to determine the truth and facts, when people use scientific knowledge to assist attorneys, juries & judges understand that science, according to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences he/she becomes scientist in this field known as a forensic scientist.

Responsibilities of the Forensic scientist

1. Being a scientist in this field, must prepare you to face challenges.
2. Analyse and collect pieces of evidence from crime scenes, & nearby object and vehicles.
3. Make sure willing to cooperate with governmental officials and other sources.
4. Must coordinate with investigating team and other employees who are working the laboratory.
5. Must follow legal duties and testify the case in the right manner.

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Various Types of Forensics

In the world of forensic consists of several types, among others:

Forensic Anthropology
Forensic anthropologists work to identify human remains using standard techniques from physical anthropology. They are often able to provide information about the age, sex, occupation and unique features of the victim. They can also detect disease and inflicted trauma.

Forensic Artist
A forensic artist works with the descriptions of victims or witnesses to produce detailed sketch of the offender. Traditionally, the artist drew the sketch by hand, but more and more artists are using computer software to create the sketch.

Forensic Ballistics Expert
Ballistics experts are interested in the the functioning of firearms and their ammunition. They study the trajectory path and other characteristics of ammunition and can match bullets with particular weapons.

Forensic Chemist
Forensic chemists examine a crime scene on a molecular level. They offer a variety of services including fiber analysis, chemical analysis, and particle analysis. These experts most often work on matching or identifying evidence.

Forensic Computer Scientist
Professionals working in the forensic field with computers are interested in any evidence having to do with computers. This includes user files, system files, deleted files as well as emails and other contact information stored on a computer.

Forensic Cytologist
The cytologist is a relatively new professional in the field of forensics. These scientists examine the tissue left on a bullet in order to determine which part of the body the bullet passed through.

Forensic Entomology
Arthropods and insects are the focus of forensic entomology. Experts in this field apply their knowledge of insects to legal issues in one of three areas: Medicolegal, urban, and stored products pests. Professionals working in the medicolegal area examine arthropods found on human remains to determine rate of decay, time of death and if a body was moved. Professionals working in the urban and stored pests area are interested in the damage insects cause in urban areas and their role in food contamination.

Fingerprint Expert
Dactyloscopy is the practice of using fingerprint analysis for identification purposes. Fingerprint experts employ dactyloscopy techniques to match prints from any of a variety of surfaces at a crime scene with the prints of a victim or a suspect.

Forensic Geologist
Forensic geologists analyze soil samples that are found on humans or other pieces of evidence (for example automobiles or shoes) and compares them to other, location-specific samples. Through their analysis they can determine where the individual or piece of evidence has been.

Forensic Linguist
The focus of a forensic linguist is the spoken or written word. Their analysis on linguistic evidence can provide information regarding the individual’s intent, education, culture and health. They can often determine if two separate pieces of evidence were left by the same individual.

Forensic Odontologist
A forensic odontologist is a dentist who specializes in teeth and bitemark evidence in order to help identify missing persons, victims of mass disaster, victims of homicide, suspects and offenders and to answer other legal questions.

Forensic Pathologist
Forensic pathologists are individuals who have specialized in a subfield of pathology (the study of disease and injury through autopsy) which centers on the medicolegal issues involved in the investigation of sudden or unexpected death. After an autopsy and examination of the body, they are able to determine the cause and time of death.

Forensic Photographer 
The forensic photographer is given the responsibility of taking comprehensive and clear photographic evidence from a crime scene. They reconstruct the crime scene by taking photos from every angle, using several different types of cameras and flash bulbs.

Forensic Psychiatrist
A forensic psychiatrist is a medical doctor who deals with mental health issues (diagnosis and treatment) in the legal system. These professionals provide consultations with the courts, attorneys, and other parties involved in the litigation process. They also provide clinical services to victims and offenders.

Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists work to apply psychological knowledge to the legal setting. They offer consultation regarding the mental health of victims and offenders to attorneys, court officials and law enforcement officials. They also provide clinical services to victims and offenders.

Forensic Sculptor
A sculptor working in a forensic setting creates a three-dimensional likeness of a victim or an offender. This likeness is frequently a clay or computer-generated reconstruction of the individual based on skull or other bone fragments.

Forensic Serologist
A forensic serologist examines body fluids, most commonly blood, to provide information for the identification of a victim, suspect or offender. This investigation will often include DNA fingerprinting or the identification of an individual from their DNA.

Forensic Toxicologist
Forensic toxicology is a specialized field in chemistry. Professionals in this field are interested in the study of substances that are harmful or poisonous to the human body. They are trained to identify these toxins and they sometimes treat the conditions that result.


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Forensic Definition

Forensic Definition:

Forensics is a science dedicated to the methodical gathering and analysis of evidence to establish facts that can be presented in a legal proceeding. Though crime scenes and labs are perhaps most often associated with forensics, computer or network forensics, forensic accounting, forensic engineering and forensic psychiatry are among other specialized fields.

In the United States, forensics was a fairly obscure topic to the general public until the double-murder trial of Orenthal James Simpson in 1995. In a case that gripped the nation, months of testimony were heard on DNA blood evidence, shoeprint evidence, fiber evidence and other forensics. Since then, a string of forensic-based television shows have regularly topped the ratings, making forensics a household word.

Those that collect forensic evidence must follow strict procedures to protect evidence from contamination and destruction and to preserve the chain of custody. Because science is unbiased and sound, forensics is considered a very critical part of any investigation. While witnesses can often be mistaken, have credibility issues, hold a stake in the outcome, have fading memories, or even pass away, forensics "tells the same story" no matter how many times it is tested, or how many years have passed.

The field of forensics is so vast, it requires specialists or criminalists in everything from tire track analysis, to odontology, to the lands and grooves that make every gun barrel unique. From microscopic evidence and transfer evidence such as fibers and hairs, to blood splatter and forensic entomology, there are many fields of specialization.

Though forensics deals with circumstantial evidence, it is widely considered some of the best and most compelling evidence that any prosecution or defense lawyer can have in his or her arsenal. Some people have suggested that the public's awareness of forensic science might be potentially compromising to law enforcement, producing educated criminals who might be more apt to try and effect a clean crime scene. Experts generally contend that it is nearly impossible to avoid leaving behind trace evidence at a crime scene, despite extraordinary efforts.

Forensic definition In Wikipedia: Forensic science (often shortened to forensics) is the application of a broad spectrum of sciences and technologies to investigate and establish facts of interest in relation to criminal or civil law.[1] The word forensic comes from the Latin forensis, meaning "of or before the forum."[2] In Roman times, a criminal charge meant presenting the case before a group of public individuals in the forum. Both the person accused of the crime and the accuser would give speeches based on their sides of the story. The individual with the best argument and delivery would determine the outcome of the case. This origin is the source of the two modern usages of the word forensic – as a form of legal evidence and as a category of public presentation.

In modern use, the term "forensics" in the place of "forensic science" can be considered correct as the term "forensic" is effectively a synonym for "legal" or "related to courts". However the term is now so closely associated with the scientific field that many dictionaries include the meaning that equates the word "forensics" with "forensic science".


Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-forensics.htm

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