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

Can a dried blood sample found 10-20 years after a crime be used to find a killer?

Asked by Micah almost 6 years ago

Yes, absolutely. As long as the sample is dried thoroughly before it can decompose and kept someplace dry and not overly humid or hot, it would be fine.

Hi, lets say someone committed statutory rape on one person on only one occasion. Could they be charged with rape, inciting a minor, child molestation, and sodomy

Asked by Davi over 6 years ago

I'm sorry but I have no idea. I have no legal training. You'd have to ask a cop or a lawyer.

Are the lock down orders constitutional

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.

Do prostitutes have to register as sex offenders? If not do you think they should?

Asked by Hdjdjdj about 6 years ago

I have no idea.

what is the most important thing to know before becoming a forensic scientist?

Asked by Denisse Parada almost 6 years ago

The most important qualities to have would be patience, persistence, attention to detail and objectivity.

i am wanting to start a carear in forensic do you think i can get any help with what i should look for school wise or what i should do??

Asked by dennis almost 6 years ago

That depends entirely on where you want to work and what you want to do. If you want to do DNA analysis and testify in court about it, you may need a PhD in genetics. If you want to work at crime scenes bagging and tagging evidence, you may need only a high school diploma, with added hireability for advanced degrees. The only way to know is to check job opening notices or call the agencies and ask. I would also suggest that you look for schools that have hands-on lab work with forensic topics such as fingerprints or crime scene work. Best of luck to you.

Am I right or wrong a detective is a sworn law enforcement officer and a investigator is usually a non sworn civilian that does similar work but can't make arrests, write warrants, etc

Asked by Jason almost 6 years ago

A detective is definitely a sworn officer. A CSI or forensic tech or whatever their title is, may be a sworn officer at some agencies but commonly is a civilian person who handles the forensic aspects of criminal investigation. Unlike television, we don't interview suspects or canvas neighbors. I might ask a witness or victim if they moved something or if the door was locked when they arrived, but that's all. Our focus of work is much more narrow. We may work to find a source of some clue like a brand of paint or a type of shoe that left a print, but mostly it's the detective that's going to do all the legwork to follow up witness statements and other clues. Hope that helps!