If you're interested in pursuing an unconventional career that involves serving the Judicial Department, you might want to consider studying Forensic Sciences. "forensic" is derived from the Latin word "forensis". Any science that is related to law is considered a forensic science. This branch of science is famous worldwide as it helps in solving complex civil disputes, identifying culprits and solving criminal cases, justifying government regulations, and protecting public health. Forensic scientists are essential for uncovering the truth and seeking justice in criminal proceedings.
Who is a forensic scientist?
High-paying Forensic Science jobs come with the huge responsibility of remaining unaffected and unbiased of the ongoing case. Also, maintaining secrecy and staying loyal to the higher authorities is extremely vital, as it involves the lives of offenders and victims as well. When a scientist uses his knowledge and findings to assist lawyers and judges in the Judiciary in comprehending the outcome of scientific tests, he is called a forensic scientist. The work of a forensic scientist needs to be accurate and remain unbiased, as it is to be used in the courts as powerful scientific evidence, which in turn helps solve complex cases.
Basic qualities of a Forensic scientist
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A forensic scientist is required to possess a degree in any branch of science, such as physics, chemistry, or biology. It would be great if they also had good knowledge of statistics or mathematics.
Forensic Science job roles
If you pursue a course in Forensic Sciences, you can examine a range of job opportunities based on your experience level. Potential positions include working as a lab technician, science writer, analytical chemist, biomedical scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic science analyst, food technologist, and toxicologist, among others. These roles can involve serving and assisting in forensic laboratories, providing a diverse and impactful career path within the field of forensic science.
Forensic Scientist
A Forensic scientist uses science and technology to examine and analyse evidence and crime sites and draw inferences about the crime. They are important people, as their role is crucial in delivering judgement in sensitive cases by providing scientific explanations. Their evidence includes fingerprints, samples of DNA, and so on. The forensic scientist salary range starts at 6 lakh INR per year.
Forensic Psychologist
It is an interesting role, as the psychologists get to conduct one-on-one interactive sessions with the culprits and victims of the crime and try to find out information about their personalities. They carefully observe and study their psychological behaviour and identify the circumstances that pushed them into the situation. Psychologists also have the responsibility to fix their mental trauma, after having multiple conversations with the victims. They need to record the mental stability status of the offenders or victims and treat them with care so that they do not get into such situations again. They also analyze their psychological behaviour by conducting periodic tests. The average salary of forensic psychologists ranges from Rs 90,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh per year. A diploma in Psychology is a must to launch your career as a psychologist.
Drug Analyst
A drug analyst has the responsibility to analyze the drug that is found at the scene of the crime. Screening the drug, examining its chemical composition, and confirming its use all fall under the analyst’s duty. Tests like spectroscopy are performed to identify the drug, as these tests help to maintain databases on illegal drugs obtained in trafficking. Drug analysts are often confined to the laboratory and their salary averages from 4 to 5 lakh per annum.
Crime Laboratory Analyst
The Crime Lab Analyst conducts laboratory tests to examine the body of the deceased and the samples collected from the crime scene in order to obtain the necessary evidence. These analysts usually collect, examine, and record evidence that can be used to investigate the crime. Their salary ranges from an average of Rs 7 to 10 lakhs per annum.
Forensic anthropologists
These are people who work with the skeletal remains of humans and animals and try to identify the cause of death, age and gender of the deceased. The average salary of a forensic anthropologist is Rs 4 Lakhs per annum.
Forensic IT Specialist
A forensic IT specialist has to deal with electronic equipment and the use of technology at the scene of the investigation. Recovering data from damaged electronic evidence on either the offender's or the victim’s device like a mobile phone, computer or laptop is his major job. Carefully examining the social media accounts of the recovered electronic evidence and finding out information that might help solve the case, is the responsibility of the IT specialist. Their salary ranges from Rs 4 to 6 Lakhs per annum.
Forensic Optometry
This is a field where the optometrist analyses the eyewear, like spectacles related to or found at the crime scene, which might turn out to be important evidence in the investigation process. This might also help save innocent people from suspicion. After death, the blood cells in the body start to break down. In the eye, corneal clouding starts, most likely two hours after death. By comparing the temperature of the eye to the amount of potassium released from the body, experts can calculate the actual time of death. An Optometry course will help you become a forensic optometrist.
Forensic science salary
In the field of forensic science, specialists receive high salaries. On average, forensic specialists earn between INR 14 - 15 lakhs per year. There are various job categories within the forensic department where individuals can build their careers. Below are some specific jobs that outline the roles, responsibilities, and salary information.
Many colleges and private institutes offer diploma courses in Forensic Sciences, which usually take between 6 months to 1 year to complete. Some branches may also require a prior graduation. Upon completion of a diploma in forensic science, individuals can pursue careers in various settings such as Forensic Labs, Narcotics Departments, Police Departments, Hospitals, Private Detective Agencies and Security Service agencies, Research organisations, and numerous other government and private organizations. Enrolling in good Training Institute would help you earn a diploma in forensic sciences and begin your career journey.
The above-discussed job opportunities open the gate for many youngsters with investigative intelligence and curiosity. It takes courage and love to face challenges at work to shine as a forensic scientist. The diverse domain within the forensic industry closely works with Police, Medical, and judicial departments and gains knowledge and experience through the years. Also, promising careers with great pay are a bonus that no one can deny. Candidates can shape their careers in Forensic science by pursuing diplomas in related fields.