Karla Campbell, Contributor
THE MAIN concern on the minds of most Jamaicans and the issue most uttered on everyone's lips is the problem of crime and violence being experienced at this time. Some have gone as far as to refer to Jamaica as the 'murder capital of the world'. There have been several suggested solutions to this problem, some of which include the recruitment of more policemen/women, community policing and the use of science more specifically forensic science. What exactly is forensic science?
WHAT IS FORENSIC SCIENCE?
Forensic science is the use of science in the service of law. Sciences used in forensics include any discipline that can aid in the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence, such as chemistry (for the identification of explosives), engineering (for examination of structural design) or biology (for DNA identification or matching).
WHY IS FORENSIC SCIENCE IMPORTANT?
Analysis of forensic evidence is used in the investigation and prosecution of civil and criminal proceedings. Often, it can help to establish the guilt or innocence of possible suspects.
Forensic evidence is also used to link crimes that are thought to be related. For example, DNA evidence can link or exonerate the accused to several different crimes or crime scenes. Linking crimes helps law enforcement authorities to narrow the range of possible suspects and to establish patterns of crimes, which are useful in identifying and prosecuting suspects and consequently leading to an overall improved justice system.
Forensic scientists also work on developing new techniques and procedures for the collection and analysis of evidence. In this manner, new technology can be used and refined not only to keep forensic scientists on the cutting edge of science, but to maintain the highest standards of quality and accuracy.
In Jamaica, where witness intimidation and fear has driven our citizens silent, the evolution and improvement of our forensic science would serve us well.
Forensic evidence can stand scrutiny, it does not lose its memory nor can it be intimidated. In a system such as ours, it may reduce the dependence on eyewitness testimony and hearsay.
