Jiading district pathologists check out a field where a corpse was found. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

They are doctors who are also policemen. These specialist pathologists can trace a person's history with scalpels and lab tests. They are part of the Jiading District Public Security Bureau forensic team.

Pathologists discuss current cases. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

There are six on the team which deals with approximately 400 bodies every year. The leader Song Qing, has worked as a forensic technician for 21 years and has reportedly, in that time, never failed to uncover evidence to help police solve crimes. Even when a corpse is seriously decomposed, Song will often work on the examination without wearing a mask - he doesn't want to miss even the smallest clue.

Pathologists look over a crime scene. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

Some of these forensic pathologists have had problems with their families and life at home because of the nature of their work. Du Meng has worked as a forensic technician for five years and it took a long time for his wife to accept his work. These days Du showers carefully after visiting a crime scene and before he goes home.

Every part of the body is important for these examiners. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

It's not as glamorous as it appears on television. Xu Wenting, 25, wanted to join the team because she enjoyed television crime scene dramas and movies. But she quickly discovered that the work was hard and rigorous and involved a great deal more careful lab work than is shown on screen.

A pathologist collects blood from a body. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

A competent forensic pathologist can examine a body, set the time of death and check for other clues on the body that might point to the cause of death. Xu has never regretted her choice of career but she does fear that it might make it difficult for her to find a husband eventually.

Xu Wenting (right) takes notes during a postmortem. Photo: Yang Hui/GT

Forensic pathologist Wang Xiang said that he is sometimes fearful - but this has nothing to do with corpses or crimes. It is being fearful of making a mistake in an examination and telling investigators the wrong cause of death which could impede their work.

Global Times


Newspaper headline: The security bureau pathologists who help solve the city’s murders