This unwavering quality defines the static role. In the following paragraphs, I will consider, more explicitly, the dynamic and static roles and the implications they have for a forensic scientist entering the new millennium. By definition, technology is dynamic, and in many ways technology dictates advances in forensic science. There exist many highly publicized benefits of new scientific developments that have been recently applied to the field of forensics, DNA being a prime example. The response of forensic scientists, both junior and senior, to these developments will establish the future of the field.
New technology requires established forensic scientists to remain abreast of current information.
The simplicity of running an instrument versus the complexity of understanding the theory of an instrument discourages forensic scientists from understanding new instruments as well as they understood older techniques. This results in instruments being treated as black boxes, poor conclusions being drawn and unnecessary limitations being placed on techniques. New instruments are only more powerful than old techniques if they are understood as they are being used. With the influx of new techniques, traditional techniques are commonly dismissed as time intensive, less accurate or outmoded. There are however, many important reasons to remain aware of established methods.