Months before she graduated with a master’s degree in chemistry from the National University of Singapore, Lim Chin Chin had a glimpse of forensic scientists at work at the then Institute of Science and Forensic Medicine, now known as the Centre for Forensic Science of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Now 10 years into her job, she uncovers the thrills and satisfaction of playing a key role in solving crimes.

Senior Forensic Scientist Lim Chin Chin will never forget the night when she was called to the scene of an explosion in Jurong East.

It was about 2:30 am on 26 November 1998 when she was woken up by a call from the police and immediately rushed to the scene.

“The crime scene was very messy with debris and fragments scattered everywhere, and there were many people there to see what was going on. The minute I got out of the car, the police investigators began asking for my opinion on the type of explosive used,” she recalled.

A rag-and-bone man who was rummaging through a rubbish bin had died on the spot from the blast and a large crowd had gathered at the bus-stop where he was lying. Chin Chin advised the police investigators to collect the relevant physical evidence. By noon that day, 63 packets of exhibits were brought to HSA’s Criminalistics Laboratory for examination.

“After the exhibits came in, the entire team dropped whatever we were doing and began working on the case. The phone kept ringing as anxious investigators inquired every hour about the latest findings of the laboratory analyses,” she said.

“I remember this case so well because everyone worked together under the enormous pressure of getting accurate results quickly. There was great rapport and team spirit and it was a very positive experience.”

The team tested all the exhibits, which included pieces of metal fragments, wrappers, plastic fragments, soil and even rubbish, for explosive material. The crux of the analysis was to determine the chemical composition of the explosive. After working non-stop for 10 hours, the laboratory had its first hit at almost midnight.

And after one week, the analysis was completed. The chemical composition of the explosive, its likely packaging material and the reconstruction of the explosion were determined.

Owing to the sensitivity of the case, the exhibits were later submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a second opinion. The FBI confirmed HSA’s findings.

On call 24/7
Incidents of explosion are just one of the many types of cases that Chin Chin assists the police in investigating.

As physical evidence can be found at practically every crime scene and crimes occur every day, she is kept busy all year round. Besides attending crime scenes and examining the evidence collected, she also has to provide expert testimony in court.

More demands and expectations
Staying abreast of the latest technological developments is critical for those working in this field. To this end, Chin Chin conducts research, writes papers and presents papers at overseas conferences.

As the Centre for Forensic Science is quality accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board, Chin Chin also has to take external proficiency tests yearly to fulfil the requirements of the certification.

To top it off, she is also Deputy Head of the Criminalistics Laboratory, which means her job scope is enlarged. Besides examining physical and chemical evidence, she assists the Laboratory Head in planning and budgeting for the laboratory and building customer relationships. She manages the workflow in the laboratory, and supervises and trains junior officers. She also looks into technical and new service development.

The truth of the matter
Despite the exacting demands of her job, Chin Chin is more than happy at work. In fact, when she was asked what is most enjoyable about her job, her reply was “Everything!”

Eager to take on challenges, Chin Chin appreciates the many opportunities for training, learning and development that HSA readily offers.

Backed by a supportive organisation and driven by a strong passion for her work, she will surely go a long way in ensuring that truth sees the light of day.