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.
‘Detective’ is just a position, like sergeant or school resource officer, so what the detectives investigate depends on what department they’re in—white collar, ‘property’ (which would be burglary, theft, vandalism), ‘persons’ (assault, murder, sex assault), vice/narcotics, etc.
There was a really bad case of elder abuse that I think I blocked out of my mind for the most part, because I can picture only a brief image of it while I remember everything else about the call. Other than that, no.
It’s whatever the particular agency’s Standard Operating Procedures require. Each police agency can make their own requirements.
No. The action is all over by the time I get there, which is just fine with me.
Debate Coach
Are presidential debates actually "debates", by the traditional definition?Poet
Does being a professional poet pay the bills?Magician
What's the most amazing magic trick you've ever seen?Sure, I'll be happy to help. Email it to: lisa-black@live.com
Honestly, I have no idea. I don't believe we've had any cases in my town yet, or perhaps I don't know because the police department wasn't involved.
Also, only the coroner's or medical examiner's office can declare a cause of death, or the attending doctor if they're under a doctor's care at the time. It's not up to the police department or any other government agency.
I am an expert in some areas of forensic science. I am not an expert in law, public safety policy or our political system.
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