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Forensic Profiles
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WISENET members at the CIT Centre for Forensic Science, Canberra. From left: Simone Reynolds, Kirsten Adelstein and Melissa Wakefield. Melissa is also a student and concurrently completing her Honours year at University of Canberra. |
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Public awareness of forensic science has increased recently, particularly since the introduction of popular TV shows such as CSI and Law and Order, but this perception is skewed toward a
“Hollywood”-style portrayal of the profession. In reality, forensics is not all that (and a packet of chips) – nor is it the blood, gore, horror that is so frequently portrayed in the media. It is, however, an interesting and varied profession. Forensic science not only encompasses aspects of a number of scientific fields including biology, chemistry, psychology, and physics, but is at the cutting edge of applied technology in these areas. As a result, roles within forensics are becoming more and more specialised and technical in nature, with a focus shifting toward the scientific validity of the techniques used.
Canberra has a uniquely high concentration of forensic scientists. As the location of the Australian Federal Police headquarters, the city houses this nation’s premier forensics laboratory. As well, there are two educational institutes offering forensic programs; The University of Canberra and the Canberra Institute of Technology, the leading Australian facility for crime scene investigation training. CIT offers several diplomas in public safety to current practitioners, and two academic programmes, a graduate diploma and a baccalaureate degree in forensic investigation. Currently teaching at CIT are WISENET members Simone Reynolds, Kirsten Adelstein, and Melissa Wakefield.
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