By: Mike Paul
KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 – Forensic science is increasingly being recognised not just for solving crimes after they occur, but for preventing them before they happen, according to Norashikin Othman, Lecturer and Law Enforcement Programme Coordinator at Enforcement, Leadership and Management University (ELMU).
In a radio interview with DJ Anil on TRAXXfm’s Face to Face, Norashikin highlighted the transformative role of forensic science in shaping safer communities and supporting the justice system.
“Public knowledge of forensic science is not just beneficial. It plays a critical role in reducing crime,” she said.
“Forensic professionals need to step up and engage with the public. That’s how we unlock the full potential of forensic science,” she added.
Norashikin explained that when the public understands forensic processes, it leads to better collaboration with law enforcement, improved evidence handling, and stronger support for fair trials and policy-making.
She underscored the importance of forensic evidence in establishing facts in a way that eyewitness testimony—often flawed or biased—cannot. From DNA testing that exonerates the innocent to blood spatter analysis and injury interpretation, forensic tools are essential for uncovering the truth.
“Forensic science is key to this mission. Unlike eyewitness accounts, forensic evidence is rooted in physical facts,” said Norashikin.
On the role of testimonial evidence, she acknowledged its usefulness despite limitations:
“It provides context and can guide investigations, but it is subjective and may be affected by memory errors or bias.”
To ensure accuracy, forensic professionals now apply structured techniques like the Cognitive Interview Method and corroborate statements using digital data, surveillance footage, and physical evidence.
“By combining careful interviewing with physical evidence, we can build a more accurate and complete picture of what happened,” Norashikin concluded.
- TNS News