Scottish Sunday

Leading academic attacks credibility gap

By Stephen Naysmith, Education Correspondent

A LEADING police scientist has claimed universities are promoting forensic science courses to meet demand from students inspired by TV crime series just to put “bums on seats”.

Jim Fraser swaps police fieldwork for teaching and research this week when he joins the University of Strathclyde as head of their world-leading forensic science unit. He said a public interest in “gore”, fuelled by TV shows such as Silent Witness and CSI, had made forensics courses hip.

More than 53 UK higher education institutions offer over 300 courses with “forensic” in the title. But Fraser, currently head of forensic investigation at Kent Police, said many universities were offering courses which were of little use. One English university is offering a range of bizarre combinations, such as forensic investigations combined with American studies. Others offer courses which lack hard science content, and some are taught by lecturers with no experience of crime scene work or expert witness work in the courtroom, Fraser claimed.

An applied biochemist, Fraser has been with Kent Police since 1996. He has worked in a variety of police forces, including the Metropolitan Police and Lothian and Borders forces, on a series of high-profile cases.

He helped compile the case against child murderer Robert Black, contributed to the investigation into the murder of 58 Chinese asylum seekers found asphyxiated in the back of a lorry in Dover, and worked on the case against Michael Stone, who is appealing his conviction for the murder of Lin and Megan Russell.

Fraser said forensic science was now a fundamental part of the fight against crime, but only a handful of courses – with Strathclyde’s FSU reckoned by many to be at the forefront – had any credibility in the field. “The fact that I’ve taken up this post doesn’t mean I’d have taken equivalent offers elsewhere,” Fraser said.

“There are so many courses and I’m not sure anyone actually knows why. Many are simply courses with the word forensic inserted – forensic science and drama, for instance. The answer lies in the public’s interest in gore and police work and science as well. Forensic science has become quite trendy recently, but some of these courses are set up simply to get students through the door.”

Fraser said there was an ethical question over whether it was right to recruit students when courses were not going to prepare them for careers.

“A lot of students are not going to get jobs. Some courses are taught by people who have never given evidence or never been to a crime scene.” His appointment at Strathclyde university coincides with the establishment next month of the body responsible for standards in the field, the Forensic Science Society, of which Fraser is president.

Most forensic scientists begin by studying a relevant science, such as biology or chemistry, before specializing in forensics. But would-be forensic investigators need other skills, Fraser said. The ability to uncover clues in a blood stain, or uncover near-invisible evidence from hairs and fibers are only the start.

“There seems to be an endless supply of people who profess to be interested, but don’t really know what the job is. After the investigation, you have the men in white coats interacting with the men in white wigs and that is a very different world.

“You need to be able to investigate evidence but also communicate what you have found to judges, magistrates, barristers, and a jury.

“This is not a job for people who like reading books. You’re going to be up in the middle of the night pulling bodies out of ditches. Sometimes the only reason you’re wearing a white coat is because it keeps the blood stains off you.”

Senior figures at Strathclyde university are delighted at securing the services of Fraser, who is expected to bring further credibility to their flagship MSc in forensic science and undergraduate courses in forensic and analytical chemistry and forensic biology. A new course is to be launched in forensic informatics, tackling computer fraud, while Fraser intends to establish a research division to solve evidential problems and establish new forensic techniques.

Professor Dick Pethrick, head of pure and applied chemistry at Strathclyde, said: “The unit has been instrumental in establishing some of the principles of forensic science. Jim has a wealth of practical experience.”

17 October 2004.

Exploring Forensics and the Hospitality Industry

The field of forensic science has recently gained much popularity, thanks to TV crime shows. However, it is important to note that not all forensic science courses offered by universities are reliable or provide the necessary skills for aspiring professionals. In a world where credibility gaps exist among educational programs, it is crucial to delve into other industries where credibility is of utmost importance, such as the hospitality industry.

The Importance of Credibility in the Hospitality Industry

Hotels and resorts are establishments that rely heavily on their reputation and credibility. Customers choose where to stay based on the perceived quality and reliability of the hotel. From cleanliness and customer service to safety and security measures, credibility serves as the foundation upon which the hospitality industry thrives.

Courses in Hospitality Management

Just as forensic science courses vary in quality and credibility, so do courses in hospitality management. Aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry should consider programs that provide a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The best programs often offer internships, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and understand the intricacies of the industry.

Building Trust and Establishing Credibility

In the hospitality industry, trust and credibility go hand in hand. Hotels and resorts strive to build trust through consistent delivery of excellent service, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards, and prioritizing customer satisfaction. By upholding high ethical standards, providing comprehensive training for employees, and continuously adapting to the changing needs of guests, hotels can establish themselves as credible establishments.

The Role of Certification in the Hospitality Industry

Certifications play a significant role in establishing credibility within the hospitality industry. These certifications, such as those related to safety, sustainability, and quality management, provide guests with reassurance that the hotel meets industry standards and prioritizes their well-being. In addition, certifications also help professionals in the industry showcase their expertise and commitment to providing exceptional service.

Conclusion

While the credibility of forensic science courses may be questioned, it is important to recognize the significance of credibility in other industries, such as the hospitality industry. Aspiring professionals in any field should carefully consider the credibility and reputation of the educational programs they choose, as it will greatly impact their career prospects. In the case of the hospitality industry, credibility is everything, and establishments must continue to focus on building trust and maintaining high standards to thrive in the competitive market.