Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientist

LIsa Black

Cape Coral, FL

Female, 49

I spent the five happiest years of my life in a morgue. As a forensic scientist in the Cleveland coroner’s office I analyzed gunshot residue on hands and clothing, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, DNA, blood and many other forms of trace evidence, as well as crime scenes. Now I'm a certified latent print examiner and CSI for a police department in Florida. I also write a series of forensic suspense novels, turning the day job into fiction. My books have been translated into six languages.

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Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

Hi, I'm writing a research paper and wanted to ask a question. Is there different types of crime scene investigators?

Asked by Hi almost 6 years ago

I don't know what you mean by that. Different staff might have different specialties, like bloodstain pattern interpretation or digital forensics, but there's pretty standard things that have to be done at every crime scene, like photography and collection of evidence, processing for fingerprints, etc.

I hope that helps.

What things we must have to write when making a report of some case?

Asked by Hifz Ur Rehman almost 6 years ago

The basics: our name, address of crime, date, time we arrived, and who else was there (cops, detectives, ME, etc.). Then what we did there, processed for prints, how many photos we took, chemicals used, if we collected evidence. We might also measure the area and make a sketch.

I'm working on a blog, and one of the topics is DNA. I need to explain how it is extracted in a way an educated teen would understand. Could you please tell me how exactly it is done (including the processes in each stage)?
Thank you for your time!

Asked by Ananya about 6 years ago

I’m sorry, but I can’t. I haven’t done DNA analysis in over 20 years. Sorry I couldn’t help!

Why does the BLM not give a half a shit about the Australian American woman who was shot?

Asked by WE THE PEOPPE over 5 years ago

I am an expert in some areas of forensic science. I am not an expert in law, public safety policy or our political system.

what does it take to become an forensic investigator? I am currently in sixth form and looking for a course in forensic investigation and wish for some extra information on what else would be needed.

Asked by Hannah brown almost 6 years ago

titles and job requirements aren't uniform, so the only way to know is to call the crime labs in your area or whereever you might be interested in working and ask them. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. You can also go on the websites for professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and check out their job vacancy postings and see what the various positions require. Good luck.

What do you think the worst thing you age ever seen in your job so far is?

Asked by Richard almost 6 years ago

Probably a small plane crash. And one terrible case of elder neglect.

Have you ever interviewed a suspect? What is the RIED, PEACE, cognitive, kinesthetic, among other interview and interrogation why is there so many styles???

Asked by Silly Lilly over 5 years ago

I don’t interview suspects—or victims or witnesses.That’s the detective’s job. I’m there to analyze and collect evidence.