The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) reports that 10,000 forensics professionals will be needed over the next decade, according to Ismail Sebetan, Ph.D., professor of forensic science in the School of Business and Management's department of professional studies
According to AAFS, The forensic sciences form a vital part of the entire justice and regulatory system. Some of the different divisions, or disciplines, of forensic science have become identified primarily with law enforcement — an image enhanced by television and movies. This is misleading because forensic scientists are involved in all aspects of criminal cases, and the results of their work may serve either the defense or the prosecution.
The forensic scientist's goal is the evenhanded use of all available information to determine the facts and, subsequently, the truth. Currently, says Dr. Sebetan, there are 320 forensic laboratories in the U.S. and Canada, employing more than 5000 AAFS members. Membership is classified as follows: Criminalistics (33 percent); Pathology (18 percent); General (11 percent); Toxicology (11 percent); Odontology (eight percent); Anthropology (five percent); Questioned Documents (five percent); Engineering (three percent); Psychology/Behavioral Science (three percent); Jurisprudence (three percent).
