Employment of Forensic Science Examinations within the U.S. Military - Dissertation Example

?Running head: FORENSICS AND THE MILITARY Employment of Forensic Science Examinations within the U.S. Military (school) Employment of Forensic Science Examinations within the U.S. Military Literature Review The studies below shall be reviewed based on their relevance to the current subject matter. In an article by Thomasson (2010), the author discussed the importance of forensic examinations in zeroing in on actual culprits and criminal perpetrators. The article described how DNA and forensic examinations provide irrefutable proof which helps investigators establish clear evidence of wrongdoing. The article also narrates the case of a man who spent about 6000 days in jail and was later exonerated by DNA evidence. DNA testing also helped establish the guilt of a man who raped a woman in Virginia, five years after the act. A project known as Innocence Project was successful in freeing about 265 prisoners, a good number of those exonerated spent years in jail and 17 of them were actually on death row. Although the ‘CSI’ effect has also impacted negatively on the criminal justice system, the actual application of DNA evidence is a crucial addition to the system. The Department of Defense has the resources to establish better and cheaper testing and this is being applied in Fort Gillem. Their function is to process evidence on crimes within the US military and establish various techniques for forensics. The team at the Fort also assists in the training of soldiers for forensics because Special Operations soldiers often have to function as forensic personnel in the retrieval of evidence in the field. In the process, these soldiers are assisting in the liberation of good guys and the apprehension of criminal perpetrators. The author of this article formulated an issue, although the process of formulation is not clear. Its scope and severity is however clearly established. The problem could have been approached clearly from the perspective of an academic study, presenting evidence, and less unverifiable data. The author approached this article from an interpretative stance, assessing data as he saw them. The advantages of the article are that it helps establish situations whereby forensic examinations have brought forth benefits for the criminal justice system within and outside the military. It is also very light and easy reading and does not make use of technical terms to express its important elements and details. The disadvantages of this article are that firstly, it is not an academic paper hence its sources are not cited and supported. Secondly, most of its data do not come from primary evidence as most of them come from second-hand data secured from other authors and other studies. Nevertheless, this study establishes a clear picture of the value and importance of DNA and forensic evidence in the criminal justice system within and outside the military system. In a paper by the Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community (2009), the committee carried out a study on the strengthening of forensic science in the United States. The study discussed the different recommendations of a Senate Report on assessment of forensic science needs of state, and local authorities; on the maximal use of the resources for forensic sciences; identification of potential forensic advancements; on the recommendations of programs to increase qualified forensic sciences; and on the assessment of the role of the forensic community in homeland security. This study also identified issues on limited resources in the application and the use of forensic science. These issues also include the transition of forensic science into the process of litigation which may sometimes translate to gaps in its application. The study makes different recommendations which include the increase of funding and allocation in forensic science, the use of standard terminology in the reporting of forensic examinations, research on validity and reliability of forensic science, studies on the improvement of the scientific basis of forensic examinations, and the establishment of ways to attract students to enroll in forensic science courses and pursue it as a career (Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community, 2009). This study is advantageous because it specifies the different issues which forensic science is facing, and these issues are well-supported by evidence. Proper sources are provided by the committee and are used as basis for the review and assessment of the forensic science and its applications in the actual practice. The issues are also clearly defined by the committee and the causes as well as the possible recommended solutions to each issue are also clearly presented by the committee. Recommendations in relation to homeland security are also established by the committee, and this is based on the specifications of the Senate report. This report is also an academic and scholarly paper because the details it includes and discusses are well supported by verifiable and reliable evidence. Although it is a report supported by the government, there is no sign of bias or falsehood in its content. This report is disadvantageous in the sense that it does not provide sufficient data and support on the current applications of forensic science in the military. Although it provides a discussion on forensic science in terms of the Department of Homeland Security, it does not provide a picture of how forensic science can be applied in the military in their criminal investigations. There is a need therefore for future studies of this committee to consider the actual applications of forensic science in the military and to review how well they blend in into the system and how well they assist personnel in the application of the criminal justice system. In one of the chapters of the above study by the Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community (2009), the application of forensics in Homeland Security was discussed. In this report the Congress raised the issue of what role forensic science has in homeland security. In the assessment of this issue, the committee was prompted to evaluate how the Department of Homeland Security related to the forensic science community and to law enforcement. The committee’s evaluation helped to establish the role that the forensic science played in the investigation of the different terrorist attacks on US soil during the 1980s, the 1980s, and until that fateful day in September 11, 2011. The study also pointed out the crucial role which forensic studies play in fingerprint identification and in the evaluation of threats which biological weapons pose. This chapter also demonstrates the overlap between forensic science and the needs of homeland security and how forensic science and homeland security must find better integration in order to establish good communication. It also discusses that favorable forensic science and medical examiner practices have a value within the perspective of homeland security because of their potentials in bringing criminals to justice. All in all forensic science helps enable investigations of crime scenes, including the collection of digital evidence and the prevention of crimes. The chapter also establishes that in order to support homeland security, there is a need to establish a strong forensic science application. In order to gain success, there is a need to establish good working relationships among the federal, state, and local jurisdictions, to create strong security policies, to develop training for forensic scientists, and to establish contingency plans which would support team efforts on demand (Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community, 2009). There are different pros and cons of the above chapter. On the plus side, it clearly discusses the link between forensic science and homeland security. It presents clear guidelines on forensic science in relation to homeland security and enumerates the different issues which forensics and homeland security are faced with in the occurrence of any threats to national security. This chapter is however disadvantageous in the sense that although it recognizes the fact that forensics and homeland security must be more integrated in terms of better communication, the committee could not make recommendations in this regard because in its previous discussions, it recognized the fact that forensic science needs a major overhaul and until these issues are resolved, efforts to expand must be delayed. Moreover, this article also could not make other recommendations on improvements because these would go beyond the functions of the committee writing it. The National Forensic Science Technology Center website (2011) reported on a training session on forensic science provided for ROTC cadets. This training was carried out for 12 ROTC cadets during a two-week time period. The article discussed how it was the third year it was already offering the training and its goal was to help the reserves understand the US military applications of forensic science in the gathering of intelligence. The course focuses on the primary forensic science topics which include crime scene investigation and photography, biological screening, post blast investigation, digital exploitation, fingerprinting, chemistry, and firearms (NFSTC, 2011). Since the functions of soldiers are changing, these soldiers also need to utilize forensic sciences which were not a prerequisite in the past. This program was started in 2009 and gained much popularity among cadets and the recent participants have come from various parts of the US. The responses of students have been favorable and many other cadets have expressed their desire to be part of the program in the future. The students have been able to apply what they have learned in their deployment and they feel that all students of forensics and criminology must have a chance to experience the course. The importance of studying what is actually being practiced was also emphasized by the students who underwent training. The article also pointed out that the ROTC provides basic training for future soldiers and military, arming them with the skills and knowledge as war fighter. This article is advantageous in the sense that it provides information on the activities of the forensic sciences in relation to the advancement of military knowledge on forensics. It also provides a picture of the current solutions being undertaken in order to assist the military in gaining the knowledge they can use as soldiers carrying out future forensic investigations. This article also provides an idea of the benefits which forensic training has already given to the future soldiers and the military. This article is disadvantageous in the sense that it is purely an informational piece. It makes assumptions on the value of forensic examinations in the military, without providing clear statistical and analytical assessments of the information provided. This does not make it an academic or scholarly study, therefore, less reliable and valid as a source of support for research. It does not appear to be peer-reviewed and it only contributes to the current topic in the sense that it helps highlight the efforts already being taken in order to integrate forensics into the military. Lawson (2011) discusses how forensics science has been used in order to catch criminal perpetrators. Lawson (2011) narrates how Army Maj. Michael Berkland explains to trainees how important forensic science is and that in crime solving things may not always be what they seem. Shows like CSI and Law and Order portray a glamorous picture of forensic science. But TV is very much different from reality. Forensics utilizes law enforcement to solve crimes and the most popular job within forensics is crime scene investigation which includes jobs like technician, forensic investigator, and crime scene analyst. The CSIs identify and collect evidence at crime scenes. What is seen on TV is a combination of different jobs. Hollywood usually shows the investigators doing the jobs of the criminalists and entomologists. Criminalistics work in the lab and this is the field of forensic science. This work calls for a background in forensics and training in firearms and toolmarks, trace evidence, toxicology, and DNA analysis. Education requirements include a high school diploma or GED certificate in some CSI positions and other positions in forensics include bachelors’ and master’s degrees. There are about 18,000 law enforcement agencies and some are small, some large, so job requirements will be very different. Online degrees are also available for interested individuals; however, the experts usually include hands-on trainings. For those seeking forensic degrees, lab work is a requirement. In finding work as a forensic investigator, the competition is fierce. Funds are limited so there are few available posts as well. In the military, there are CSIs and criminalists who are highly sought for in the civilian sector. For those with military experience not including forensics, there are different ways to enter the field. Education is the main key in entering the field. Volunteering would also help give experience to the interested individuals. Salaries depend on the job and the area worked in. This article is advantageous in terms of the information it provides on forensic science and requirements for entry into the practice. It provides specific details on the practice and the different jobs and technical workers who are involved in forensics. It also specifies the educational requisites for entry into forensics, as well as the options which interested individuals can take while seeking entry into forensics. It also exemplifies the difficulties which the military is faced with in applying forensics in its criminal concerns. It is however disadvantageous in the sense that the details it includes are not based on strong evidence; it is also not a peer-reviewed article. In this case, it is not a reliable, nor is it a valid article which can be used as basis for further research. Information included in this article is based on second-hand information, not on primary evidence. It is purely an article which seeks to provide data, and it does not provide an analytical evaluation of the data – such an analysis would have assisted in the assessment of the current topic. Enotes (2011) discusses the world of forensic science. First and foremost, it discusses that forensic science is not the sole province of civilian law enforcement authorities. Different branches of the military also carry out investigations on deaths and accidents and they need to use the same forensic skills which are used by civilian authorities. Military officers are also concerned with crimes which require forensic analysis, but their investigation is usually more specialized than that of the civilians. The US military police are considered law enforcement authorities in their law enforcement units. The army has its Military Police Corps, the Navy its Shore Patrol, the Air Force its Air Force Security Police, and the Marine, its Military Police. These forces have staff which are mostly military and they do almost all of the functions which civilians carry out in their investigations. The Military police staff is involved in law enforcement activities which include protection of school crossings, writing parking tickets, investigating murders, and uncovering undercover sting operations. They also provide temporary confinement of serve members liable for violations of the UCMJ. In instances when a soldier is found guilty as charged by the military courts, they are usually sent to a federal facility like that of Fort Leavenworth. Special undercover contingents are also available for military police, including the Army Central Investigation Division. This article is advantageous because it provides a relationship between the military and forensic science. It provides a clear and simple explanation of forensic science, and how its practice applies to the military based on the divisions involved. It also specifies how the forensics functions within the military system and how they help provide assistance to the military police. It is disadvantageous in the sense that it does not provide or discuss an issue in contention. It is not a peer-reviewed article, nor is it a scholarly and academic article which could provide a clear and well-evidenced study for use in this paper. Reference Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community (2009). Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward. NCJRS. Retrieved 18 October 2011 from https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/228091.pdf eNotes (2011). World of Forensic Science. Retrieved 18 October 2011 from http://www.enotes.com/forensic-science/military-police-united-states Lawson, J. (2011). Forensics specialists use science to catch the bad guys. Army Times. Retrieved 18 October 2011 from http://www.armytimes.com/careers/second_careers/military_forensics_070924/ National Forensic Science Training Center (2011). NFSTC provides ROTC cadets with forensic science internship. NFSTC. Retrieved 17 October 2011 from http://www.nfstc.org/nfstc-provides-rotc-cadets-with-forensic-science-internship/ Thomasson, M. (2011). Forensic science is helping US military zero in on the enemy. The Newnan Times-Herald. Retrieved 18 October 2011 from http://www.times-herald.com/local/Forensic-science-is-helping-US-military-zero-in-on-the-enemy-1464254 Read More