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, lets say someone committed statutory rape on one person on only one occasion. Could they be charged with rape, inciting a minor, child molestation, and sodomy

Asked by Davi almost 7 years ago

I'm sorry but I have no idea. I have no legal training. You'd have to ask a cop or a lawyer.

Have you ever had to go to court for a case?

Asked by Jay about 6 years ago

Yes, about 60 times over 25 years. But not nearly as often as you'd think.

I really want to pursue a career in forensics, however I am discouraged in the requirements of mathematics. Where do those studies become practical and a part of the daily grind?

Asked by Jess over 6 years ago

I don't know of any particular mathematics requirements. You'd need enough basic math skills to balance chemical equations, calculate reagents in formulas, and record accurate measurements. Ballistics or accident investigation might need more advanced skills, but I would not know about that. Good luck!

Am I right or wrong a detective is a sworn law enforcement officer and a investigator is usually a non sworn civilian that does similar work but can't make arrests, write warrants, etc

Asked by Jason about 6 years ago

A detective is definitely a sworn officer. A CSI or forensic tech or whatever their title is, may be a sworn officer at some agencies but commonly is a civilian person who handles the forensic aspects of criminal investigation. Unlike television, we don't interview suspects or canvas neighbors. I might ask a witness or victim if they moved something or if the door was locked when they arrived, but that's all. Our focus of work is much more narrow. We may work to find a source of some clue like a brand of paint or a type of shoe that left a print, but mostly it's the detective that's going to do all the legwork to follow up witness statements and other clues. Hope that helps!

what is the most important thing to know before becoming a forensic scientist?

Asked by Denisse Parada about 6 years ago

The most important qualities to have would be patience, persistence, attention to detail and objectivity.

Hi, have you heard about the Hilary Clinton being subpoenaed for a disposition? The emails among other things. How will they detemine gulit and what do you think?

Asked by JAY about 6 years ago

Not my field.

Hi question to get away from this whole COVID-19 crap. What do you think your life would be like if your job was just like on TV? Better, worse, the same, how?

Asked by was this 100 years ago or about 6 years ago

Excellent question! I’d have more equipment, more salary and more hair, so that would be better. I would also apparently have no life outside my job, so that would be worse.