As technology advances so does the life of a forensic scientist. It’s an exciting time to have a career in forensics because the technology advances have made it easier for workers to undertake their jobs, no matter what tricky scenario they find themselves in.
Some of the following technologies don’t require degrees to use, but some forensic careers will need you to have a minimum of online masters in criminal justice (Online MSCJ), which was obtained from the University of Cincinnati or equivalent. From tools that can now read the hidden writing on paper documents to high-speed ballistics photography, below are just a few of the many mind-blowing technologies used in the world of forensics.
Video Spectral Comparator 2000
The superb Video Spectral Comparator 2000 is an excellent tool used today by thousands of forensics personnel. The purpose of the tool is to reveal hidden writing on paper documents and the like. Typically, it can work with paper that has been damaged by water or fire and it still has the potential to read what has been written.
3D Forensic Facial Reconstruction
The 3D Forensic Facial Reconstruction tool is probably one of the most advanced technologies out there. Currently, it’s not one of the most reliable tools for several reasons, but as technology advances, it’s only a matter of time before forensics teams rely on it. The tool itself is used to reconstruct a possible 3D face of the remains of a body to help with the identifying process. It’s also used to determine if there was any previous damage to the face before the victim was killed.
DNA Sequencers
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While forensics teams have help from DNA tools for years now, they haven’t been as powerful as DNA Sequencers. Many forensic scientists are often provided with trace evidence such as hair, which is easily traceable using DNA profiling. However, sometimes that evidence is damaged. Therefore, a DNA Sequencer can be used on teeth or bones to generate a unique DNA pattern that can help identify a person.
Link Analysis Software
Link Analysis software is used by forensic accountants who track illicit funds. In the past, the process could take months or even years depending on the complexity of the case. But with the introduction of Link Analysis Software, the process is much easier because, thanks to profiling, it automatically reveals unusual financial transactions, which could have played a part in a specific crime.
High-Speed Ballistics Photography
With the introduction of high-speed photography, it’s now easier for forensics to determine how bullet holes, wounds, and glass breaks are created. Such technology is used in a variety of industries, but it’s much more common for firearms examiners and CSI employees. Photography technology is becoming much more advanced these days, which is helping forensics solve past crimes.
Not only are the above technologies making it easier for forensics to do their jobs more effectively, but it’s also helping the authorities solve much older cases, and more importantly, they are putting criminals behind bars and are releasing wrongly convicted people for crimes they did not commit.
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