Types of Forensic Experts

Anthropologist – Forensic anthropologists work to identify human remains using standard techniques from physical anthropology. They are often able to provide information about the age, sex, occupation and unique features of the victim. They can also detect disease and inflicted trauma.

Artist – A forensic artist works with the descriptions of victims or witnesses to produce detailed sketch of the offender. Traditionally, the artist drew the sketch by hand, but more and more artists are using computer software to create the sketch.

Ballistics Expert – Ballistics experts are interested in the the functioning of firearms and their ammunition. They study the trajectory path and other characteristics of ammunition and can match bullets with particular weapons.

Chemist – Forensic chemists examine a crime scene on a molecular level. They offer a variety of services including fiber analysis, chemical analysis, and particle analysis. These experts most often work on matching or identifying evidence.

Computer Scientist – Professionals working in the forensic field with computers are interested in any evidence having to do with computers. This includes user files, system files, deleted files as well as emails and other contact information stored on a computer.

Cytologist – The cytologist is a relatively new professional in the field of forensics. These scientists examine the tissue left on a bullet in order to determine which part of the body the bullet passed through.

Entomologist – Arthropods and insects are the focus of forensic entomology. Experts in this field apply their knowledge of insects to legal issues in one of three areas: Medicolegal, urban, and stored products pests. Professionals working in the medicolegal area examine arthropods found on human remains to determine rate of decay, time of death and if a body was moved. Professionals working in the urban and stored pests area are interested in the damage insects cause in urban areas and their role in food contamination.

Fingerprint Expert – Dactyloscopy is the practice of using fingerprint analysis for identification purposes. Fingerprint experts employ dactyloscopy techniques to match prints from any of a variety of surfaces at a crime scene with the prints of a victim or a suspect.

Geologist - Forensic geologists analyze soil samples that are found on humans or other pieces of evidence (for example automobiles or shoes) and compares them to other, location-specific samples. Through their analysis they can determine where the individual or piece of evidence has been.

Linguist – The focus of a forensic linguist is the spoken or written word. Their analysis on linguistic evidence can provide information regarding the individual’s intent, education, culture and health. They can often determine if two separate pieces of evidence were left by the same individual.

Odontologist – A forensic odontologist is a dentist who specializes in teeth and bitemark evidence in order to help identify missing persons, victims of mass disaster, victims of homicide, suspects and offenders and to answer other legal questions.

Pathologist – Forensic pathologists are individuals who have specialized in a subfield of pathology (the study of disease and injury through autopsy) which centers on the medicolegal issues involved in the investigation of sudden or unexpected death. After an autopsy and examination of the body, they are able to determine the cause and time of death.

Photographer – The forensic photographer is given the responsibility of taking comprehensive and clear photographic evidence from a crime scene. They reconstruct the crime scene by taking photos from every angle, using several different types of cameras and flash bulbs.

Psychiatrist – A forensic psychiatrist is a medical doctor who deals with mental health issues (diagnosis and treatment) in the legal system. These professionals provide consultations with the courts, attorneys, and other parties involved in the litigation process. They also provide clinical services to victims and offenders.

Psychologist – Forensic psychologists work to apply psychological knowledge to the legal setting. They offer consultation regarding the mental health of victims and offenders to attorneys, court officials and law enforcement officials. They also provide clinical services to victims and offenders.

Sculptor – A sculptor working in a forensic setting creates a three-dimensional likeness of a victim or an offender. This likeness is frequently a clay or computer-generated reconstruction of the individual based on skull or other bone fragments.

Serologist – A forensic serologist examines body fluids, most commonly blood, to provide information for the identification of a victim, suspect or offender. This investigation will often include DNA fingerprinting or the identification of an individual from their DNA.

Toxicologist – Forensic toxicology is a specialized field in chemistry. Professionals in this field are interested in the study of substances that are harmful or poisonous to the human body. They are trained to identify these toxins and they sometimes treat the conditions that result.

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