The Future for Forensic Scientists

Abstract

Practitioners from the traditional forensic sciences find themselves in an environment where they are facing a wide range of challenges and opportunities. There is understandably a focus on security related issues and counter terrorism. The communication age brings with it exposure to new possibilities and new ways of doing things for both criminals and law enforcement officials. The power of databases and smart technology raises skill set, ethical and privacy questions on an unprecedented scale. All of this has meant that certain specialist units located in health, environment, defence, border protection and intelligence agencies are finding that they too, now have a role to play.