Ask a Forensic Scientist anything

989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Can a coroner make a arrest? People like to always make the point about a “citizens arrest” but I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.

Asked by Richard almost 6 years ago

I don’t really know, but at the coroner’s office I worked at I was told that our coroner was actually the highest law enforcement officer, technically, in the county. She was the only person who could arrest the sheriff if necessary. That never became necessary though so I don’t know how it would actually work.

430 Votes

Was this election stolen from Trump?

Asked by asdfasdf over 5 years ago

What does that have to do with forensics?

429 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

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What if you set someone up with white powder with kool aid that turns colors with water say its red kool aid will it test positive by dying the thing even if it would other wise work just fine? Asking for a friend ;)

Asked by Darren over 5 years ago

Interesting idea, but again I don't know. I don't know what liquid is used for the tests, so that might affect things.

429 Votes

How has forensic equipment changed and developed over the time of your career?

Asked by Christina Phokou over 5 years ago

Departments have access to larger (county, state, sometimes federal) fingerprint databases, though it's still not like you see on TV. DNA analysts can now obtain a profile from 'touch DNA', someone simply touching an object. And video surveillance systems have become commonplace but also much easier to use with better clarity.

428 Votes

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

Asked by Bobbi sue almost 6 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!

427 Votes

So do you pretty much get to do all the fun stuff without as much paper work?

Asked by Rae about 5 years ago

No, we have lots of paperwork. Lots.

426 Votes

What is the outlook for employment? What is the level of education required? What do you like most about your career? What do you like least? What special skills are required? Are there any special physical demands?

Asked by Jessie over 4 years ago

Job requirements depend on the job. Requirements might range from a HS diploma to a PhD. Check the websites of forensic professional organizations (IAI, AAFS, pathology or other disciplines) for job vacancies. I like the variability of the days.I dislike the hours, which can be unpredictable, and require being ‘on call.’

426 Votes