More Than a Magnifying Glass: The Many Faces of Forensic Science

“When a forensic scientist is assisting a police investigation, do they just study fingerprints, or do they also assist with other things, such as hair and shoe impressions? What is your favorite part of studying fingerprints?”

Great questions, Ruth! In the discipline of forensic science, there are many fields of expertise. Fingerprints are just one of the tools in the investigation toolbox. Forensic scientists and investigators typically spend most of their workday focused on their own field of expertise.

A Forensic Scientist’s Training

Though a forensic scientist (or investigator) has an area of focus, they still receive training in other forensic disciplines. You never know when you may be asked to evaluate evidence outside your specialty.

With over 20 fields in forensic science, there’s something to interest almost anyone. And each specialty has knowledgeable personnel who study that type of evidence and testify about that evidence in court. Some of these areas of specialty include:

• Trace evidence: Microscopic evidence that usually needs some form of magnification to reveal the clues. This includes things like hair, fibers from clothing, soil, and pollen.

  Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash

• Impression evidence: A pattern or mark indented into a surface. This includes shoes, tires, and toolmarks.

  Photo by Jacob Campbell on Unsplash

• Weapons evidence: Anything connected to weapons, such as ammunition, guns, and sharp objects like knives.

  Photo by Stephen Andrews on Unsplash

• Digital forensics: Evidence found on computers, cell phones, and video surveillance. This can also include smartwatches, tablets, gaming systems, and more.

  Photo by Rohan on Unsplash

• Biological evidence: Evidence from living things like fluids, DNA, and blood.

  Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Since different crime scenes leave different clues, a variety of experts are needed within an investigative unit.

My Favorite Part of Studying Fingerprints

No two fingerprints are identical! I am always in wonder of our Creator God, the master artist, who designed every human with 20 unique prints (10 fingers and 10 toes) and thousands of minute characteristics uniquely placed in a specific pattern down to every finger and toe. What a testament to Psalm 139:14, “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Being a Christian in Forensic Science

Colossians 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” Christians who work in the discipline of forensic science honor the Lord with their careful, honest work . . . even in the small details like reading a fingerprint. And this specialty offers a unique opportunity to pursue truth and justice. Our God is a God of justice (Isaiah 1:17), and He has provided all the tools we need to bring justice in this broken, sinful world.

Do you have a question about forensics or how forensic scientists pursue God’s desire for justice? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today!