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

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 over 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!

I really want to pursue a career in forensics, however I am discouraged in the requirements of mathematics. Where do those studies become practical and a part of the daily grind?

Asked by Jess over 6 years ago

I don't know of any particular mathematics requirements. You'd need enough basic math skills to balance chemical equations, calculate reagents in formulas, and record accurate measurements. Ballistics or accident investigation might need more advanced skills, but I would not know about that. Good luck!

Do you think Jeffrey epstein Killed himself?

Asked by Karma over 6 years ago

I don’t know any more about it than you do.

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

Asked by Hdjdjdj over 6 years ago

I have no idea.

Why do some people still think Jeffery Epstein killed him self?

Asked by Jim over 6 years ago

I have no idea and don't know anything about the case.

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 over 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.

Have you ever had to go to court for a case?

Asked by Jay over 6 years ago

Yes, about 60 times over 25 years. But not nearly as often as you'd think.