Ask a Forensic Scientist anything

989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

I hear there is a lot of politics in police work is this true and why?

Asked by Bobbi sue over 5 years ago

Before I worked in forensics, I was a personnel secretary, a hotel maid, and an ice cream counter server and a gas station 'full service specialist'. My husband is an elevator field engineer. There is 'politics' in every profession. Every. Single. One.

Best of luck!

394 Votes

What majors and minors do you recommend someone interested in forensics to take? Should I major in forensics or something else? And how can one determine which area of forensics they would like to go into?

Asked by Serena over 5 years ago

Titles and job requirements aren't uniform, so the only way to know is to call the crime labs in your area or whereever you might be interested in working and ask them. At the coroner's office we had to have at least a bachelor's in a natural science (this was before they had forensic science majors). At the police department where I am now, they only require a high school diploma but you get more points in the interviewing process for having a four year degree, so we all have one. You can also go on the websites for professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and check out their job vacancy postings and see what the various positions require. As for determining which area, I would suggest you visit crime labs in the area to see what they do and talk to the people working there. Good luck!

394 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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Have, is, or are there any of your books that are, is, or will be a movie?

Asked by 272 almost 6 years ago

Trace Evidence, my first book, was optioned and I wrote the screenplay for it. But the producers couldn’t sell it and had to give up. I’ve had nibbles on other books but nothing yet. I keep hoping!

394 Votes