Ask a Forensic Scientist anything

989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

What is the cost to a criminal defendant to have a print run through the FBI's AFIS system? Has that cost remained the same from 1999 through the present?

Asked by MsM about 5 years ago

I'm sorry but I have absolutely no idea. I didn't know there was a cost. I would have guessed that their attorney could request a court order to do so from the judge and the police agency that has the print would take care of it, but I really don't know. Sorry I can't be more help.

426 Votes

What are the top 10 most fun/ interesting facts about your job?

Asked by Miki23 over 5 years ago

Wow, that’s a tough question! I’m not sure I could come up with ten.

425 Votes

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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.

425 Votes

Hi what job can i do in forensics that does not require pure math

Asked by Lamecia over 5 years ago

I don’t know what you mean by pure math. Most crime scene work, fingerprints, tool marks, serology, might need regular adding and subtracting, but I don’t know of any field that uses calculus or algebra. DNA analysis uses a lot of statistics and ballistics and traffic accident investigation might use physics and geometry. But those are the only examples I can think of.

Best of luck!

424 Votes

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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.

423 Votes

Have you ever done a autopsy on a animaln

Asked by Ryan over 5 years ago

I haven’t ever done an autopsy at all, since I’m not a pathologist. They can be done on animals, usually it’s called a necropsy and may be done by a veterinarian.

423 Votes