Are you interested in a career as a forensic scientist or crime scene investigator? For a deep dive into the fascinating world of forensic science, visit AAFS. Here you can learn more about the various forensic science disciplines, investigate career opportunities, view accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and peruse the websites of many forensic organizations.

Forensic science is not only important for the prosecution of criminal cases but also to defend the rights of those who have been erroneously charged with crimes or who have been wrongfully convicted. The Innocence Project and a network of similar organizations review cases where claims of innocence have been made and where DNA evidence exists to provide scientific evidence in support of those individuals. The Innocence Project has been instrumental in identifying certain forensic applications that are no longer considered reliable.

Historically, John Dillinger has often been associated with fingerprinting science. Dillinger was a notorious American bank robber and gangster during the 1930's. To evade identification, Dillinger altered his fingerprints with acid to obscure the unique ridge pattern. However, the process wasn't fully effective. It caused scars and changed the look of his fingerprints on the pads of his fingers, but examination of the ridge patterns away from the pads still allowed for identification. Dillinger was eventually tracked down by the FBI and killed outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago in 1934. His story became legendary, illustrating the extreme tactics criminals were willing to use to evade law enforcement and the authorities' persistence to capture high-profile criminals.