Physical evidence is generally much more reliable than testimonial evidence. Case 2.1 illustrates how some convictions are based solely on eyewitness accounts. Note how the defense did indeed challenge the accuracy of the eyewitness accounts, but the court accepted the testimony as fact.

Crime scene investigators (CSIs) go by many names, including evidence technician, crime scene technician, forensic investigator, crime scene analyst, criminalistics officer and more. In the past, most CSIs were trained police officers. In fact, most still work out of police stations today.

Both the show’s characters and real-life CSI’s rely on evidence collection, processing, and evaluation to solve a case. CSI’s can recreate a crime scene with the use of evidence found at the crime scene; and the work is highly valued in the police force and the community; both on TV and in the real world.

DNA Analysis is the Gold Standard Today, the testing and analysis of DNA is considered the most reliable of all of the forensic tools. Unlike many of the others gathered to meet the needs of law enforcement, it faced rigorous scientific experimentation and validation prior to its use in forensic science.

DNA evidence is the only evidence that experts agree is 100% accurate.

Yes, forensic scientist make mistakes, we are all human. For example, a forensic scientist forgot to test a piece of DNA in the Steven Avery case. Mistakes can make negative and positive implications.

The Seven S’s of Crime-Scene Investigation

• Securing The Scene.
• Securing And Collecting Evidence.
• Separating The Witnesses.
• Sketching The Scene.
• Seeing The Scene.
• Scanning The Scene.
• Searching For Evidence.

☛ Scientific analysis consumes lot of time because of which the verdict is delayed. ☛ It requires precise and accurate analysis. Even if a minor error occurs in the analysis, it may result in the wrong figure. ☛ The evidence cannot be accessible at all times.

The forensic scientist will, at some point, have to testify. Testimony is the verbal statement of a witness, under oath, to the judge or jury. Forensic scientists are “expert” witnesses as opposed to ordinary or “fact” witnesses. Sometimes in court, the work or qualifications of the forensic scientist are challenged.

Unlike crime scene investigators, forensic scientists do not visit the crime scene. Instead, they work in a lab environment, examining and analyzing evidence provided by investigators to help law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of justice.

Key skills for forensic scientists

• Logical and independent mind.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Objectivity and sensitivity when dealing with confidential information.
• Ability to work under pressure and to a deadline.
• Concentration and patience.

Forensic experts may be subpoenaed or appointed by the court to assist the judge or jury in a criminal or civil case, to help an indigent criminal defendant, or to provide a third opinion on information and evidence previously reviewed by the prosecution and defense experts.

Forensic Photography Expert Witnesses can create a permanent visual record of accidents or incidents for use as evidence in court. Forensic photographs are used for analysis, as part of forensic reports, scholarly articles, or other research.

Forensic science is a broad field and diverges into six primary areas:

• Forensic anthropology.
• Forensic engineering.
• Forensic odontology.
• Forensic pathology.
• Forensic entomology.
• Toxicology.

Forensic science is a critical element of the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime or absolve an innocent person from suspicion.

Evidence: Definition and Types

• Real evidence;
• Demonstrative evidence;
• Documentary evidence; and.
• Testimonial evidence.

Forensic Science Technicians made a median salary of $59,150 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $77,200 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $45,180.

Although they are not police officers, they do carry firearms to protect themselves and the scene of a crime where the perpetrator could possibly be hiding/returning to destroy evidence.

Do I need to be a police officer before I can be a CSI? The short answer is no, CSI’s are both sworn police officers and civilians. The longer answer is that most CSI’s are sworn officers, but there is a large number of civilians doing the same job.