Field of Forensic Chemistry Investigation

Forensic chemistry is a branch of chemistry that applies the techniques and concepts of chemistry to provide evidence and testify in court. Some federal agencies such as FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and National Institute of Justice use forensic chemistry experts to investigate the crimes committed against the society, which include environmental pollution, food adulteration, and distribution of unsafe chemical substances. In the United States, cocaine and other illegal drugs can put society at risks. Thus, experts in forensic chemistry uses different processes to perform a laboratory test to identify the presence of substances. A chemical analysis carried out in the laboratory can help to detect illegal drugs, which will assist the police or other law enforcement agents to prosecute offenders in the law courts. (Drug Enforcement Administration 1).

Moreover, the forensic chemistry analyzes non-biological materials to detect a trace of evidence from the crime scenes to found unknown material to be used as evidence. A forensic chemistry focuses on laboratory tests on samples that investigators have collected. Forensic chemistry specialists use a variety of techniques to analyze and identify evidence. They use techniques such as microscopy, X-ray, infrared, UV, optical analysis and other technologies. The specialist is required to document their findings as well as writing a report to support their investigation. Sometimes, forensic chemists may be called upon in the courts to testify.

Thus, a field of forensic chemistry uses the confirmatory tests on suspected or seized materials, and the results of the analysis will be presented in court to prosecute the criminals. Thus, the amount of illegal substance discovered in the substances will be presented in the court which will determine the level of sentencing to be levied for a convicted offender. An individual who completes a field of forensic chemistry will be qualified to work in different modern laboratories at federal, state, regional and local levels. Moreover, a graduate of forensic chemistry will also be able to secure employment in pharmaceutical companies, chemical companies, and different federal agencies such Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration. Despite assisting in a crime investigation, an expert in forensic chemistry does not normally present in the crime scenes, rather, they work in the laboratory to analyze and identify the evidence that can be used in the court.

Since forensic chemists work in a laboratory setting, they often stand or sit for a long period and perform repetitive tasks using laboratory and other technical equipment. Moreover, they follow a strict procedure regarding documentation and handling the evidence. They also use the scientific protocol to enhance reliability and quality of equipment and tests. In a case involving sensitive evidence, forensic chemists may be on pressure by law enforcement personnel to speed up the results, thus, forensic chemists must be able to work under pressure while working efficiently and present accurate results. It is very important to have a strong communication skill to testify in court and be able to remain calm during a cross-examination as well being able to explain the complex scientific process in a way juries can understand.

Education

A high student wishing to pursue a degree program in forensic chemistry should have a strong background in chemistry and biology. Typically, a four-year program in forensic chemistry, chemistry, allied chemistry, clinical chemistry or other related fields in a college or university is required to become a forensic chemist. At present, some universities offer bachelor, master and doctoral degree in forensic chemistry. However, it is recommended that the program is accredited by the FEPAC.

A report presented by National Institute of Justice reveals that a solid educational background in chemistry is required to specialize in forensic chemistry. (iv). Moreover, the person must have extensive laboratory coursework. A professional skill, strong personal attributes, and certification are also strongly recommended. An undergraduate forensic chemistry program consists of credible and strong science foundation that emphasizes on problem-solving and scientific methods. At an undergraduate level, a series of laboratory work is required since most employment required an applicant to have extensive knowledge in a laboratory setting. Some of the course work required for the forensic chemistry at undergraduate levels include:

Organic, general, and analytical chemistry

Biochemistry

Toxicology

Physics

criminal investigation

the judicial process, and Ethics.

Buffalo State SUNY is one of the accredited universities that offers an undergraduate program in a forensic chemistry. The university starts offering the course since 1971 and is committed to offering high-quality curriculum for students. The university mandates students wishing to pursue a forensic chemistry program to have a solid background in chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology. Thus, the university integrates "coursework in chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics with research and hands-on experience, and help students to develop skills in analytical thinking, quantitative methods, problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication." (Buffalo State SUNY 1). An undergraduate students will also undergone series of laboratory science courses in forensic chemistry, physical methods microscopy and lab.

Drug Enforcement Administration is one of the federal agencies that hires graduate specializing in forensic chemistry. Fingerprint investigation is part of the work that a forensic chemist will perform with the agency. Typically, the agency provides a sophisticated technology to assist in crime investigation to deliver evidence in the court of law. Moreover, the agency allows a graduate in forensic chemistry to carry out successful training in analytical procedures, integrity, evidence handling procedures, integrity, court procedures and instrumental techniques. The agency uses the services of forensic chemists to combat the illicit drugs in the United States.

"Forensic Chemists analyze evidence for the presence of controlled substances using state-of-the-art instrumentation, provide expert testimony in courts of law, support DEA Special Agents in their investigations, conduct research involving new methods of drug analysis, develop intelligence data used to determine trends in local and international drug trafficking, and provide training to Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials." (Drug Enforcement Administration, 1).