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.
There was a really bad case of elder abuse that I think I blocked out of my mind for the most part, because I can picture only a brief image of it while I remember everything else about the call. Other than that, no.
Excellent question! I’d have more equipment, more salary and more hair, so that would be better. I would also apparently have no life outside my job, so that would be worse.
‘Detective’ is just a position, like sergeant or school resource officer, so what the detectives investigate depends on what department they’re in—white collar, ‘property’ (which would be burglary, theft, vandalism), ‘persons’ (assault, murder, sex assault), vice/narcotics, etc.
No. The action is all over by the time I get there, which is just fine with me.
Call Center Employee (Retail)
Court Reporter
Cruise Ship Officer
I am an expert in some areas of forensic science. I am not an expert in law, public safety policy or our political system.
Honestly, I have no idea. I don't believe we've had any cases in my town yet, or perhaps I don't know because the police department wasn't involved.
Also, only the coroner's or medical examiner's office can declare a cause of death, or the attending doctor if they're under a doctor's care at the time. It's not up to the police department or any other government agency.
Sure, I'll be happy to help. Email it to: lisa-black@live.com
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