Similarities, Differences & Overlap between Crime Scene Investigators and Forensic Scientists

Those who wish to work on the proverbial front lines of criminal justice, handling and analyzing physical evidence related to criminal actions, might pursue either a degree in crime scene investigation or forensic science.
   
To begin, it is imperative to understand the similarities between these two fields of study. Both degrees will allow graduates to work in the criminal justice field, and both are focused specifically on the aftermath of a crime. Indeed, the ultimate objective of crime scene investigators and of forensic scientists is aligned: to help enact justice by gathering and analyzing evidence, then presenting that evidence in court (either as an expert witness or via attorneys) to uncover the truth.

Outside of this overarching goal, however, the two fields of study begin to diverge. While the education of a crime scene investigator may include some science courses, an aspiring forensic scientist should expect to take a heavy load of science courses, including biology, chemistry, and physics, to prepare for the forensic analysis process.

Furthermore, because forensic scientists largely operate in a lab setting, a significant portion of their education will be in a lab. In contrast, because crime scene investigators spend most of their time in the field, a CSI degree focuses more on investigative procedures and criminal investigation with much less lab time.

A crime scene investigator is often one of the first professionals at a crime scene (after first responders), tasked with examining the location and gathering evidence relevant to the investigation, including photographs and physical evidence. This evidence is sent to a laboratory where a forensic scientist will analyze what has been provided using various scientific methods. Each of these professionals plays an integral role in the flow of an investigation in the criminal justice system.

Finally, it’s important to note that a crime scene investigator and a criminal investigator (or detective) are different. Indeed, the former gathers and analyzes information found at the crime scene, but once all necessary information is collected and analyzed from this specific location, his or her work concludes (unless they are called to testify in court). On the other hand, criminal investigators or detectives are responsible for carrying the full criminal investigation through to completion.

(Source: iStock Photo)

The branches of crime scene investigation include:

• Crime Scene Technicians/Investigators are considered first responders, meaning they arrive to a crime scene as soon as it is reported to preserve the scene and collect uncompromised evidence.
     
• Forensic Pathologist (called a Medical Examiner overseas) - on a separate page within this website. Duties include performing autopsies, determining cause and time of death, and issuing death certificates. At least 7 years of higher education is usually required.
     
• Forensic Engineer. Duties include determining how accidents occurred or how equipment failed.
    
• Forensic Analyst. Duties include testing and analyzing evidence and maintaining the integrity of the investigation by handling all evidence according to established procedures.

 

 

Crime Scene Technicians/Investigators are first responders, meaning they arrive to a crime scene as soon as it is reported to preserve the scene and collect uncompromised evidence. A crime scene technician is a person who works with law enforcement to evaluate evidence left at the scene. A Crime Scene Investigator, or Crime Scene Technician, is responsible for assisting law enforcement officials by collecting evidence from a crime scene for future analysis. Their duties include taking photographs of a crime scene, marking and bagging up potential evidence for forensics professionals and providing insights throughout the investigation and at the trial stage.

Crime Scene Investigators are typically employed by law enforcement agencies or coroner’s offices to help identify and preserve evidence from crime scenes. They take written notes at the crime scene that they can then use in conjunction with photographs and other details to create a written report of what they saw. Their job is to survey the scene to identify any potential evidence like household objects, blood, hair or other bodily fluids. They also take preventative measures by wearing shoe coverings, gloves and sometimes even masks or hazmat suits. This is to make sure that they don’t contaminate the scene in any way.

(Source: Your Free Career Test)

ANZSCO ID: N/A

Alternative names: Criminalist, Evidence Technician, Crime Analyst

Specialisations: Types of Criminalistics

• Firearms and Toolmarks: Firearm and toolmark examiners provide information to investigators about the caliber and type of firearm used in a crime. Individual marks, or striations, are left on bullets by the barrel of a firearm. Once a firearm is recovered, the individual marks on the test-fires are compared to the individual marks on the evidence. This comparison can identify a bullet or cartridge case as being fired by a particular firearm. Similarly, tools used in crimes can leave striations and other marks on surfaces. These marks can be compared to the tool believed to have made them. If the comparison is a positive match, a tool may be identified as having made the mark. A national computer database of marks on cartridge cases and bullets has been developed to link a particular firearm to previously unrelated crimes. Also included Ballistics Experts.

• Trace Evidence: Trace evidence, frequently overlooked because of its microscopic size, applies microanalysis to fibers, hair, soil, paint, glass, pollen, explosives, gunshot residue, food, plastic bags, and virtually anything involved in a crime. No training exists that will prepare the trace evidence analyst for every kind of case that will cross their workbench, as each case is fascinatingly unique. By having a thorough knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of microscopic, spectroscopic, and chromatographic methods, the trace evidence examiner can meet the analytical challenge of each case.

• DNA and Serology: In the mid 1980s, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis techniques began to be applied to forensic cases. Tissue and fluids from the body carrying the genetic code of DNA may be used to compare to a known standard. This can possibly allow blood and other biological material to be associated with an individual. Databases of DNA profiles have been compiled to aid in identifying criminals and have been used to solve cases many years old, where samples were properly preserved and re-analyzed. In some cases, innocent persons have even been released from prison based on the re-analysis of DNA evidence.

• Drugs, Alcohol and Toxicology: The criminalist uses a battery of analytical tools and their knowledge of chemistry to identify controlled substances in powders, pills, liquids, and body fluids. A criminalist may be called to a clandestine laboratory by investigators, where illegal drugs are produced. Criminalists are frequently responsible for maintaining breath alcohol analysis instruments and training laboratory technicians and police officers who run the tests on drivers suspected of DUI. Sometimes, no controlled substance is present and sometimes more than one kind of drug can be detected in a sample.

(Source: Zip Recruiter)

Knowledge, skills and attributes
   
Strong critical thinking and analytical skills are essential. It's also vital to be detail- and paperwork-oriented: every bit of evidence must be handled correctly and accurately recorded. Because you will need to discuss your findings with other officers - and potentially testify about your findings - you need good communications skills, as well.

• Industry Knowledge: Crime Scene Investigation, Evidence Protection, Fingerprinting, DNA, Autopsy
    
• Understanding of the law: Crime Scene Investigators often work with law enforcement agencies and use their knowledge of the law to follow strict protocol.
    
• Photography: While working the crime scene, Crime Scene Investigators document physical evidence through photography. They properly light areas that they photograph and take pictures from different angles.
    
• Attention to detail: Crime Scene Investigators look for physical evidence such as impressions, DNA and chemical evidence that may be barely noticeable or which may need to undergo a chemical test to be visible.
    
• Technical Skills: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Office Suite, WordPress
    
• Soft Skills: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Time Management, Problem Solving, Communication, Leadership - Crime Scene Investigators use their expertise in identifying evidence to help law enforcement determine what happened at the crime scene.

(Source: AFP)

Duties and Tasks
  
The primary responsibilities of a crime scene technician or investigator is to attend crime scenes where they  collect evidence, analyze data, and provide written and oral reports on their findings. Crime scene technicians collect and preserve the physical evidence found at crime scenes, including:

• Collaborate with law enforcement to identify and secure the crime scene
• Look for and identify physical clues at the crime scene to help reconstruct the act of the crime
• Identify and record physical evidence such as impressions, DNA evidence, firearms evidence and chemical evidence
• Follow a strict procedural code to document and preserve physical evidence to send to a forensic lab for analysis
• Collect, process, and analyze fingerprints
• Collect such physical evidence as bodily fluids and weapons
• Create crime scene sketches
• Decide which items should be collected at the crime scene
• List evidence and prepare it for safe transfer to the crime lab
• Take photographs

In smaller law enforcement agencies, Crime Scene Investigator may also be called to:

• Photograph crime scenes and physical evidence

• Engage in evidence-gathering techniques to secure physical evidence

• Identify fingerprints at the crime scene and lift latent fingerprints

• Photograph and fingerprint suspects, victims and witnesses

• Prepare court presentations of physical evidence

(Source: Fuzz Illustrations supplied directly to OTJ)

Working conditions
   
They work out in the field attending crime scenes and may be called to crime scenes at any time of the day or night.

Technicians/Investigators receive specialist training for correctly handling biohazardous materials they may encounter, such as blood and body fluids. This can involve wearing personal protective equipment and following disinfection procedures to ensure an area is free of contamination. The job can be quite demanding: it includes long hours; overtime; emergency calls intruding on your private life; and going to crime scenes in bad weather or that have occurred in filthy indoor areas.

Tools and technologies

Crime scene technicians use a variety of technology to gather and analyze evidence from crime scenes. They need to be proficient in the use of forensic software and databases, as well as in the use of DNA analysis tools and other forensics equipment.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Many law enforcement agencies require candidates to hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a natural science such as biology or chemistry. Those who have earned an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field can learn the fundamentals of crime scene investigation and management by completing a crime scene technician certification program. Crime Scene Investigators who work for a police department may need to complete police academy training and earn a license through their state’s Police Officer Standards and Training program to become a sworn police officer.

Additional Information

Crime Scene Investigators need to be familiar with procedures such as processing evidence and testifying in court. Many positions require previous experience working as a Crime Scene Investigator, though entry-level candidates can gain professional experience in the field by completing an internship with a law enforcement group. Some programs of study require students to complete an internship so that they graduate with applicable experience.

Recent graduates can also gain experience by working in a similar work environment in positions such as a crime scene custodian, police officer or dispatcher. Many Crime Scene Investigator jobs require candidates to obtain a Certified Crime Scene Investigator certificate through the International Association for Identification (IAI), which Crime Scene Investigators can complete after a year working in the profession.

Did You Know? Crime Scene Technicians and Investigators - Different Duties and Roles There are certain personnel duties and responsibilities which are necessary in almost any major search operation. Those enumerated in these guidelines concentrate on the ones which are typically crucial to ensure that search efforts are conducted in an organized and methodical fashion. It is important to note it may not be feasible to have one person assigned to each duty. It is relatively common for one person to accomplish two or more duties. The major assignments, as well as corresponding general duties and responsibilities, are set forth as follows: Team Leader Photographer and Photographic Log Recorder Sketch Preparer Evidence Recorder/Evidence Recovery Personnel Specialists Team Leader Assume control - ensure safety of personnel and security at scene. Ensure personnel use appropriate protective equipment and follow standard recommendations to protect them from any health hazard which might be presented by blood or any other human body fluid. Conduct initial walk-through for purposes of making a preliminary survey, evaluating potential evidence, and preparing a narrative description. Determine search patterns, and make appropriate assignments for team members. Designate command post location and ensure exchange of information between search and investigative personnel. Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and make sure a cooperative spirit is maintained. Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available for personnel. Control access to the scene and designate an individual to log everyone into the scene. Continuously reevaluate efficiency of search during entire course of operation. Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the evidence has been done. Photographer and Photographic Log Recorder    Photograph entire area before it is entered. Photograph victims, crowd, and vehicles. Photograph entire scene with overall, medium and close-up coverage, using measurement scale when appropriate. Photograph major evidence items before they are moved; coordinate this effort with Sketch Preparer, Evidence Recorder, and Evidence Recovery Personnel. Photograph all latent fingerprints and other impression evidence before lifting and casting are accomplished. Prepare photographic log and photographic sketch. (Source: TriTech) Sketch Preparer     Diagram immediate area of scene and orient diagram with sketch. Set forth major items of evidence on sketch. Designate and label areas to be searched and advise team leader and all other search members of nomenclature for designated areas. Obtain appropriate assistance for taking measurements and double check measurements. Ensure necessary administrative information, such as scale disclaimer (not drawn to scale), is recorded on sketch. Evidence Recorder/Custodian    Have significant evidence photographed before collection. Describe evidence and its location on appropriate bag or envelope. Sign and date evidence container/maintain chain of custody. Appropriately collect and package evidence to maximize evidence integrity. Maintain evidence log. Use appropriate protective equipment (gloves) and methods when dealing with potentially infective evidence (blood). Specialists    It is sometimes necessary to bring in expertise from an outside agency. The field of forensic science is so broad today that no agency will have every form of specialty service available from among its ranks. Typically, specialists are brought in from industry, the academic community, private scientific laboratories, and similar concerns. The following list provides examples of specialty assistance to be considered (it is not meant to be completely inclusive): Anthropologist Blood Pattern Analyst Bomb Technician Criminalist Engineer Entomologist Medical Examiner Odontologist Surveyor (Source: Crime Scene Investigator)

Digital forensics is the analysis of computer and electronic equipment to find evidence pertinent to a legal trial or internal investigation. The science of digital forensics helps track hackers, retrieve stolen data, investigate the causes of incidents, and provide digital evidence. Digital forensics examiners (DFEs) are specialists within the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Forensics Command. Often classified as problem solvers who employ analytical, technical and logical thinking, DFEs access, assess, secure, process, exploit, analyse and report on all forms of electronic data that may assist an AFP investigator. Critical to this work is ensuring compliance with the various legislative and legal requirements that govern how we operate whilst remaining flexible, adaptable and responsive to operating in any manner of physical environments and locations in often stressful conditions.

DFEs are also required to assist and/or lead capability (tools, programs, governance, processes, training) development, delivery and evolution to ensure that the AFP is able to operate effectively in a continually evolving technological landscape.
   
Along with the AFP in Australia are private DFEs. The internet is a useful tool for communication, research and leisure – however, it still poses risks to the unwary, with harassment, threats, defamation, identity theft, hacking, scams, fraud and breaches of intellectual property being commonplace these days. If you are a victim of some kind of internet computer crime you may need to identify the offender via his or her IP address or email address, and this will require data forensics. You may alternatively need to conduct a due diligence investigation in regards to someone you met online or you or your company may need to track the source of a hacking attack. There are many circumstances in which a digital forensic investigation is a necessary or prudent step.

(Source: Salvation Data)

ANZSCO ID: N/A

Alternative names: Digital forensics examiner (DFE), Computer Forensic Expert, Cyber Forensics Expert, Digital Forensics Investigator, Private Computer Forensic Investigator, Digital Forensic Science Technician, Information Security Specialist,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Technical Aptitude: a role in a computer forensics job is technology-focused. Having a proper understanding of the working of digital devices, technical concepts, networking, and experience in computer systems are the basic technical skills expected from those working in digital forensics.
  
  Working on various technical platforms, from computers to mobile phones, IoT devices, and so on is exactly what this job entails. Remember, it is only when you possess sound technical knowledge, you can identify and respond to security breaches and network hacks. The technical skills that a digital forensic investigator should learn are as follows:
  
  (a) Digital comprehension
  
  To be a cyber-forensic professional, you must be able to work on various digital devices. When you investigate any cyberattack and gather the information, you may have to interact with various endpoints such as mobile phone, printer, IoT, USB, external hard disk, iPad, notepad, digital camera, and projector. Hence, having a proper knowledge of digital devices and endpoint instruments will help you in accessing them at your own terms.
  
  (b) Networking
  
  As a forensic investigator, the knowledge of computer networking, LAN, and server is extremely important. As an investigator, networking concepts and connectivity knowledge should be of concern as the investigation will not be limited to the individual system, but every system connected in the LAN has to be examined. Hence, you should be competent to access the served and the entire LAN with less dependence on IT professionals. Cloud computing and cloud database are other recent areas that a forensic investigator should explore.
  
  (c) Operating system knowledge
  
  When you are investigating cybercrime, you cannot escape from the operating system of the computer on investigation. Windows, Linux, and Unix are a few operating systems that you should be comfortable working on. Most of the servers or databases are based on Linux operating system, and as a forensic investigator you should know how to access them. Being a forensic investigator, you may also have to conduct investigation on smartphones and other endpoint devices. Android and Windows are the common operating systems in smartphones, whereas other endpoint devices may work on different OS, which you should be able to work upon.
      
•  Analytical Talents: The process of analyzing evidence, observing cybercrime patterns and cyberattacks, and interpreting cyber data to solve the case requires an advanced level of analytical skill to consider a career in digital forensics. A high speed of analytical thinking with precise observation abilities are required to carefully sort, uncover, and examine digital evidence. This sort of high-level analytical thinking is often gained and tested at higher military and cyber intelligence levels.
  
•  Comprehension of Cybersecurity: Digital forensics is all about cybercrime. In order to solve any case, you will need to have a better knowledge of the latest breaches, threats, and vulnerabilities. When training to become a digital forensics investigator, you must ensure that it has strong in-depth components of cybersecurity or information security. Without learning cybersecurity concepts, it is impossible to guard systems and investigate the crime at hand.
      
•  Knowledge of Law and Investigation: Digital forensics deals with cybercrimes and the knowledge of criminal law and investigation will be an added advantage. The job role doesn’t demand a law qualification, but the procedure of crime investigations can be gained through other channels such as online reading and group discussions. A good understanding of white-collar crime, criminal law, and investigation will be an added advantage.
     
•  Communication Skills: in digital forensics are essential as you need to convey technical information concisely to those from different levels of technical comprehension. Digital forensic investigators often work in teams and this is where your communication skills play an important role in delivering the process of action on the forensic case, accurately among the team members. You may also have to explain your findings to others or even present it before the courtroom as part of the case proceedings.
     
•  Willingness to Learn: Cybersecurity is constantly evolving and so is digital forensics. Anyone taking up this profession should constantly upgrade to the latest trends and technologies to assure a better job prospect. Continuous learning and self-education, both on and off the clock, are essential traits of the digital forensic industry.

(Source: Linkedin)

Duties and Tasks

AFP Forensics' role is to:

• Support the frontline and maximise the AFP’s operational impact by delivering a broad range of forensic capability and technical knowledge
• Provide forensic capabilities or strategically maintain and evolve the AFP’s forensics specialisations to meet emerging threats and deliver results
• Computer and Cyber Forensics
• Spyware and hacking detection
• Online crime and harassment investigations
• Hard drive analysis in workplace, domestic and other matters
• Audio and video analysis
• Trace online activity to its source with IP identification
• Dating site scams
• Mobile phone forensics
• Work alongside domestic and international partners, championing collaboration, ideas and diversity of thought.
  

Cybersecurity vs Cyber Forensics: Know the difference
https://youtu.be/DShqfSOhgyw

Working conditions

They often work in laboratories, analyzing computers as well as audio, video and other digital devices to find information that can help in the prosecution of potential criminals. For example, Digital Forensic Examiners might manipulate recorded phone conversations to identify who is talking in the recording and if what they are saying constitutes criminal activity. Some Digital Forensic Examiners work for private firms, but most work for law enforcement agencies at the state or local level. Digital Forensic Examiners usually work irregular hours, and they may be called in to prepare materials for court cases, testify in court and analyze evidence.
     
Tools and technologies
  
Digital forensics is a fast-changing field, with new technologies and best practices constantly emerging, so it’s essential that your degree helps you build a foundational skillset that can help you adapt and grow.
    
Education and training/entrance requirements
   
Depending on your background, a degree in Computer Science or Computer Forensics is a good place to start: it will give you a solid foundation in the principles of computer forensic investigation, in addition to an overview of criminal law, white collar crime, cybersecurity, specific technical skills (such as those relating to computer and operating systems and networking) and more.

Digital Forensic Examiners typically hold bachelor's degrees in computer science, computer engineering or information technology. After obtaining employment, Digital Forensic Examiners usually go through extensive on-the-job training and supervision as they learn to apply their academic background to the field of digital forensics. These workers may be required to pass proficiency exams at the end of their training, after which point they may take on cases independently and be able to testify in court cases.
    
Employment Opportunities
  
As network breaches and digital crimes become more prevalent, the need for experienced computer investigation professionals is rapidly growing.

Digital Forensics Investigations
https://youtu.be/-2n73dcReVk

 

 

While many criminal justice careers involve working directly with those who are suspected or convicted of committing a crime, forensic analysts spend their days working with the evidence they leave behind. A forensic analyst is a scientist who assists law enforcement agents in uncovering criminal acts. Forensic analysts usually work in forensic crime labs examining evidence to identify suspects. Forensic analysts work within the justice system providing key evidence to criminal investigations. The main job of all forensic analysts is to help investigators solve crimes.

ANZSCO ID: N/A
   
Knowledge, skills and attributes

Forensic analysts need to have a strong background in all areas of science and math. Communication skills are also extremely important, as information must be reported
both in writing and in person.

• Degree in genetics, forensic sciences, or related field.
• Good communication and team working skills.
• Impartial and confidential.
• Detail-oriented
• A good critical thinker
• A good problem-solver
• Strong research skills.

 

(Source: St Leo University)

Duties and Tasks
    
Duties include testing and analyzing evidence and maintaining the integrity of the investigation by handling all evidence according to established procedures.

The responsibilities of a forensic analyst include classifying and performing tests on specific pieces of evidence lifted from a crime scene. This evidence may include hair, fibers, tissue, and firearms. Each piece of evidence must be handled and stored with care according to established procedures. Each test that is run on a particular piece of evidence must be carefully recorded. After analyzing the data, a forensic analyst will then prepare a detailed report that documents the work that was performed and the findings of the procedures. The integrity of the investigation must be maintained at all times.

• Assisting crime scene Investigators in examining and analyzing evidence such as blood, hairs, fingerprints, and firearms.
• Collecting evidence or conducting field tests at crime scenes.
• Recording and documenting findings from tests.
• Preparing reports on findings.
• Advising law enforcement and judges based on findings.
• Ensuring that laboratory tools are cleaned and maintained.
• Appearing as a witness in court.

Working conditions
   
Most of the forensic analyst’s time will be spent inside a laboratory conducting tests on key pieces of evidence. However, at times a forensic analyst will also be required to visit crime scenes in order to collect and secure evidence. Handling bodily fluids and firearms are part of the job as well, so safety procedures must be carefully followed in order to avoid injury and infections. The schedule of a forensic analyst will vary depending on the specific needs of criminal investigations that are taking place. During high profile cases, a forensic analyst can expect to put in long hours.

   
Tools and technologies

Forensic analyst provides subject matter expertise, including processes and procedures, for forensic software such as Access Data FTK, eDiscovery tools, and other data acquisition tools and techniques.
  
  
Education and training/entrance requirements

University courses might include Criminology, Theories of Crime, Research Methods, Statistical Analysis, DNA Analysis, Forensic Processing, Victimology, Laboratory Methods, Trace Evidence Evaluation, and other science based classes.

Employment Opportunities
  
Strong career growth is expected due to the increased use of forensic science as a method to solve crimes. One of the largest areas of growth will be in the use of DNA analysis.

The field of forensic engineering can best be described as failure investigation. While engineering is primarily tasked with designing and constructing structures that will be sound and designs that will operate safely, failures can still occur. Even with extensive structural and product testing, the most meticulous designs can still falter during and after construction or in the manufacturing stages.
   
Forensic engineers are engineers responsible for determining how accidents occurred or how a particular device failed. A kind of detective, forensic engineers will often inspect evidence drawn from the site of the failure to piece together the sequence of events that led up to it.
   
When something goes wrong – a building collapses, a bridge falls down, a piece of equipment fails – engineers are called to the scene to discover what happened and why. These kinds of investigative skills are an important part of an engineer’s skills repertoire. Forensic engineers apply their knowledge to uncover the causes of equipment or system failures; in some cases, these failures can lead to injury or death. Forensic engineering work is especially important to changing codes and standards to improve public safety.
  
In Australia, forensic engineers often act as expert witnesses in court and are involved in a wide range of investigations requiring different specialised technical skills. The results of forensic engineering investigations are presented to manufacturers, builders, insurance companies and law firms. If the involved property damage, economic loss, personal injury or death, forensic evidence may be presented before the court of law, at arbitration and other forums, along with the testimony of the investigator.

Investigations are essential for legal decision-making, in the prosecution and defence of civil and criminal claims. Cases involving financial claims rely on forensic engineering for fact-finding.

(Source: Origin & Cause)

ANZSCO ID: 2335
  
Specialisations: May specialize in civil, structural, architectural, and mechanical engineering eg. Automobiles (Cars), Civil Engineering,
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes
  
Due to the high liability of failure investigation, forensic engineers must be technically proficient in their specialty areas and clear and concise communicators. Attention to detail and keen knowledge of the scientific method are necessary to be an effective forensic engineer.

• A Bachelor of Engineering (Civil/Structural)
• Strong written (report writing) and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and technical skills
• Strong people and organisational skills
• Strong computer literacy

(Source: Forensic Investigations)

Duties and Tasks

The duties of forensic engineers can be divided into two parts: investigation and engineering. Investigatory skills are needed soon after a structure, or a manufactured part fails. In the cases of catastrophic structural collapse causing death, injury, and destruction or failed experiments, forensic engineers work with law enforcement or design teams to look for evidence to explain the causes of failure. Examples of these events could be the collapse of a partially completed pedestrian bridge at an outdoor construction site or an automotive crash test in a design laboratory. In both instances, a forensic engineer collects data by observing the wreckage and collecting evidence of the damaged materials to determine the reasons for structural failure.
   
Using engineering principles and practices, a forensic engineer analyzes the collected evidence and makes an official assessment of the causes of structural failure. In cases of catastrophic failure, a report written by a forensic engineer can be used as litigation. Forensic engineers may also be called into legal matters to testify as to why a structure collapsed. In cases of product design failure, a forensic engineer works with design and manufacturing teams to assess the reasons the materials failed and provide guidelines to prevent structural failure from happening again.
   
The tasks of a forensic engineer include figuring out the cause of failure to make improvements or determine the objective facts of an accident for legal proceedings.

• Observing a scene after a structural failure
• Collecting forensic evidence at the site of a structure failure
• Using scientific and engineering knowledge to determine the cause of structural failure
• Managing the repair or replacement of infrastructure
• Writing official reports documenting structural failure
• Testifying in legal proceedings involving structural failure
• Providing risk analysis at construction sites
• Being familiar with the structural properties of a variety of building materials

Did You Know? Here are a number of tasks common to most positions within the Forensic Engineering profession Identify Failure The first task of a forensic engineer summoned to the scene of a failure with be to identify the precise nature of the failure. In some cases, this will be obvious. For instance, in the case of a plane crash, the failure is the plane's crashing. But in other cases, such as a forensic engineer called to inspect a defective building, the damage may be more subtle. Collect Evidence Once the failure has been identified, the forensic engineer must then collect all relevant evidence to determine its precise cause. This can include physical evidence from the scene as well as witness testimony regarding the events leading up to the failure. Develop Hypotheses Once the engineer has collected the physical evidence, he will then use the evidence to form various preliminary hypotheses as to the failure's cause. These guesses will be refined, modified and eliminated as the engineer's research continues. Perform Tests The forensic engineer will often subject much of the physical evidence to a variety of tests to gain a better understanding of the incident. This can include tests to examine the composition of material found at the scene or to examine the mechanical health of a machine. For example, a forensic engineer examining the collapse of a building may test physical evidence for explosive residue or test steel in the building's structure to identify stresses it underwent during the incident. Offer Conclusion Once the forensic engineer has gathered all his evidence and performed all necessary tests, she will then analyze the results and offer a conclusion as to the likely cause of the failure. The conclusion may not always be definite, but will often include the probability of various scenarios. The conclusions will usually be laid out in a report in which the findings are described in both technical and lay terms. Offer Testimony In certain cases, the forensic engineer will also provide testimony in a courtroom as to the likely cause of the failure. This can be particularly important in court cases in which parties disagree over who is responsible for the failure, a determination that generally hinges on the cause of the failure. (Source: Career Trend) Look at the following disaster - The Grenfell Tower fire in the UK in 2017 The Grenfell Tower fire (Disaster Documentary) https://youtu.be/PR4VhqZV9_I To read more go to Wikipedia - Grenfell Tower fire

Working conditions
  
Forensic and civil engineers are employed in various working locations, including indoor office work and outdoor construction sites.

  
Education and training/entrance requirements

A bachelor's degree in civil, structural or mechanical engineering as well as on the job training in the Building Code of Australia and relevant Australian Standards and be registered/able to register with Engineers Australia and be either RPEQ or MEng certified.

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

 

Civil Engineer	Cleaner Crime Scene Cleaner	Coroner	Criminologist Criminal Profiler
Data Analyst	Dentist Forensic Dentist/ Forensic Odontologist	Entomologist Forensic Entomologist	Firefighter Fire Investigator /Arson Investigator
Hazardous Materials Labourer	Intelligence Analyst	Judge	Lawyer
Medical Laboratory Scientist	Medical Laboratory Technician	Pathologist Cytopathologist Forensic Pathologist (Medical Examiner) Forensic Technician	Podiatrist Forensic Podiatrist
Police Officer Detective Criminal Intelligence Analyst	Private Investigator	Psychiatrist	Toxicologist

 

Job Cluster: Forensic Science

Job Cluster: Biomedicine

 

Maaaterials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Forensic Scientist; ]
CareerHQ [Forensic Scientist; ]
Indeed [Crime Scene Investigator; ]
Climb the Ladder [Crime Scene Technician;]
Aftermath [Crime Scene Technician; ]
Chron. [Crime Scene Technician; ]
AFP [Digital Forensics Examiner; ]
Investigators [Digital Forensics; ]
LinkedIn [Digital Forensics; ]
Learning Path [Digital Forensics Careers; ]
Champlain College Online [Computer Forensics; ]
Better Team [Forensic Analyst; ]
Forensic Analyst [Forensic Analyst; ]
St Leo University [Forensic Analyst; ]
Forensic Colleges [Forensic Engineer; ]
Career Trend [Forensic Engineer; ]
FMG Engineering [Forensic Engineer; ]
Your Career Biologist; ]