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 Lisa. If you had to test residue on an object, and might suspect if to be sodium hypochlorite/bleach residue, what kind of field test could confirm it. Would it be a simple chlorine strip test?

Asked by Arin over 4 years ago

I’m sorry but I have absolutely no idea. I have never worked in toxicology. Though my coworker did have to research testing for bleach in one of our cases, I will ask her when I get back to work next week.

249 Votes

What is the point in giving a poly graph if it’s not even admissible in court except for in specific circumstances? (Usually if only the defense and prosecutors agree)

Asked by Zarah almost 5 years ago

That's not something I have anything to do with--it's the detectives' and/or attorneys' decision. I supposed they think if they get results that are really surprising it can hint if they're looking at the right people or not.

249 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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I want to be a forensic scientist, but I wanted to know do you need to carry a gun

Asked by Anna almost 5 years ago

Some law enforcement agencies still require their forensic staff to be sworn police officers as well, but most have civilian staff for the forensic support. I have always been a civilian and therefore cannot carry a gun.

248 Votes

Hi,

You recently advised that a simple black powder would reveal glove prints deposited by Nitrile gloves. Would Latent Silk Black Print Powder, manufactured by a company called Sirchie be a good choice?

Thank you.

Asked by Richard Gray almost 5 years ago

Sure--any good quality black powder should have the same effect.

248 Votes

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after a brutal beating , and internal bleeding how long does it take for bruising and and signs of damage in the outside to occur ?? like how many hours could it take if a person is laying there with no help

Asked by kayla almost 5 years ago

That's a good question, that I really can't answer. A pathologist would be much more knowledgeable on that topic. But from personal experience I can say that bruises are funny, and they change over time. It depends how deep the damage is and on the person's chemistry and I think it makes a big difference whether the muscles are tensed or not when hit. Sorry I can't help!

248 Votes

What would you say is the best way to get into forensic science? I’m either thinking of going into a forensic science course or doing a chemistry/ biochemistry Uni degree?

Asked by Katie almost 5 years ago

Either is good. It depends a bit on what you want to do. If you want to work crime scene, then general forensic science is probably good. If you want to go into toxicology, then chemistry, and if DNA, then biology or genetics.

Hope that helps.

248 Votes

Oh you kinda look like her though

Asked by Tim about 5 years ago

Thanks!

247 Votes

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