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The role of the forensic scientist is twofold: to analyze physical evidence
found on a victim on the scene of a crime and compare it to evidence found on a
suspect and to provide expert testimony in a court of law. Because of the large
variety of scientific knowledge required, the R.C.M.P. has six areas of
expertise:
ALCOHOL - analyze blood and other body fluids for the presence of alcohol
in impaired driving cases and deaths. Train police officers in the use of
the Breathalyzer and the ALERT. Applicable academic courses are organic
chemistry, physiology, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
BIOLOGY - compare body fluids and hair for typing factors. Our
laboratories are in the process of converting from conventional
serotological typing (ABO and enzyme systems) to DNA analysis. Applicable
academic courses are physical chemistry, molecular genetics and statistics.
CHEMISTRY - analyze trace physical evidence especially accelerants
(Arson), paint (Hit and Run), and glass (Break and Enter). Applicable
academic courses are physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and
instrumental analysis.
DOCUMENT - analyze handwriting (Forgery), typewriter identification and
altered documents (Fraud).
FIREARMS - analyze guns, bullets and cartridge cases (Murder and Game
Act), toolmarks (Break and Enter) and serial number restorations (Theft).
TOXICOLOGY - analyze body fluids and tissues for the presence of drugs and
poisons (Impaired Driving, Accidental Poisoning, Overdose, Sudden Death).
Applicable academic courses are organic chemistry, physiology, pharmacology
and pharmacokinetics.
In Canada, there are eight large large Forensic Science Laboratories. The
Province of Quebec has the Laboratoire de Police Scientifique in Montreal;
Ontario has the Centre of Forensic Science in Toronto and the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police have six laboratories located in Vancouver, Edmonton, Regina,
Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Halifax. Most provinces also have local provincial
laboratories or hospitals which do some forensic work.
The minimum educational requirement is a B.Sc. (Hon), but the majority of
new applicants are being hired with a Master's degree. Your university
education will be the basis upon which you will be further trained in one of
the above areas. This additional training takes about one and a half years
and encompasses specific analytical techniques, exhibit handling and court
testimony. Forensic science is a very rewarding career as your evidence is
instrumental in assisting the courts reach a just verdict.
Unfortunately, recent government cutbacks have severely reduced the
number of job opportunities available in Forensic Science Laboratories.
Hopefully the economic outlook will change allowing university graduates to
enter the Forensic Science field in the near future.
Information from: http://www.umanitoba.ca/student/counselling/spotlights/proforensic.html
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