The Most Useful Branch in Vietnamese Police Work: A Comparison

In the field of forensic science, there are several branches that play a crucial role in police work. However, when it comes to the most useful branch in Vietnamese police work nowadays, one can argue that ballistics holds a significant position. This article will compare ballistics with toxicology and pathology, and provide examples to support this claim. Ballistics, the science of mechanics that deals with the movement of projectiles, especially bullets, is essential in investigating questions related to murder weapons, firearms, and bullets. In Vietnamese police work, ballistics is used extensively to analyze firearms and bullets found at crime scenes. By examining the trajectory, impact patterns, and other characteristics of bullets, forensic experts can determine the type of weapon used, the distance from which the shot was fired, and even the angle of the shot. This information is crucial in identifying suspects and building a strong case against them. On the other hand, toxicology, the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms, is primarily used in analyzing illegal substances such as drugs and poisons. It is also employed in investigating cases of suspected poisoning or drug overdose. While toxicology is undoubtedly important in police work, its application is more limited compared to ballistics. In Vietnam, the prevalence of drug-related crimes is relatively lower compared to other countries. Therefore, the need for extensive toxicology analysis is not as high as the need for ballistics expertise. Similarly, pathology, the study and diagnosis of disease and how it affects the body tissues, is crucial in determining the cause of death in forensic investigations. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies on dead bodies to gather evidence and determine the cause of death. However, pathology, although essential, is not as directly applicable in Vietnamese police work as ballistics. The majority of criminal cases in Vietnam do not involve complex medical conditions or diseases. Therefore, the need for extensive pathology analysis is relatively lower compared to ballistics. In conclusion, while all branches of forensic science are important in police work, ballistics stands out as the most useful branch in Vietnamese police work nowadays. Its extensive application in analyzing firearms and bullets, and its ability to provide crucial evidence in identifying suspects, make it an indispensable tool for law enforcement. However, it is important to note that the importance of each branch may vary depending on the specific context and nature of crimes in different countries.