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

What would you suspect the average IQ of a criminal is? What are some of the dumbest and smartest you have dealt with?

Asked by Carlene over 5 years ago

I don’t even know what my IQ is. It’s hard to judge stupidity, since most crimes seem really stupid if you look at the benefits versus the risks. And if the criminals were brilliant, ideally, they could keep anyone from knowing a crime was even committed. Most murders are not premeditated—an argument gets out of control, so suddenly the killer has to figure out what to do, this is a situation they didn’t expect, and they’re highly agitated, so they don’t do a great job of covering up. And then more intentional crimes, burglary, vehicle theft, drug dealing—well, if they were smart, they’d get into more lucrative lines of work.

364 Votes

Sorry I meant badge number 100 as a example because they usually go by badge. Anyways sometimes they will call into base, dispatch, or station and I want to know the difference?

Asked by Nsnsns over 5 years ago

At my agency we’d be calling either Dispatch or, less likely, another person, in which case we’d use their badge number. What people call their dispatch unit, base, station, (we call them the name of the city, the first word in ‘such and such police department) probably depends on the habits of that particular agency. In other words there is no difference. Hope that helps!

363 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

Check our Jobstr's career page for salary information, educational requirements, suggested reading and more!

Is it possible to detect K2 sprayed/soaked on paper with a UV/ Black light flashlight?

Asked by Nick almost 5 years ago

I’m sorry but I’m not familiar with what K2 is.

363 Votes

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Asked by sd over 5 years ago

If you're trying to ask something, you need to be more specific.

362 Votes

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Is this good information for detectives

https://youtu.be/PZxuPthKTcg

Asked by Brett almost 5 years ago

I can't click on links I don't recognize. What's it about?

361 Votes

Hi Lisa, I am studying forensics for a project and I came across a couple images that have me stumped. I think they may be phony, but not sure. They are from a gore site (they are non nude). Can you help me determine some things about these pics?

Asked by HG over 5 years ago

What is it you’re going to want to know about them, because I may or may not be able to help.

360 Votes

I'm looking at going to school to be a forensic scientist; what are the best things to look for in a school?

Asked by Kaelyn over 5 years ago

Take as many science courses as you can. Much depends 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.

359 Votes

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