Ask a Forensic Scientist anything

989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

If a dad commits suicide while his son is in the passenger seat, is the manner of death for the son considered as homicide? or accident?

Asked by Ritchelle about 5 years ago

If the father caused the death of the son, then it's homicide. If he didn't know the son was there, it's accident (or maybe manslaughter, I don't know the precise legalities).

301 Votes

Is it ever weird cutting into and doing pretty nasty things to a dead person?

Asked by Jason over 5 years ago

I do not work at a coroner’s/medical examiner so I don’t cut anyone. At a crime scene I might examine the eyes or test the limbs for rigor or look for injuries but that’ s about it.

301 Votes

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When you started work in forensics did your job train you or were you having to rely on what you learned in college?

Asked by jsk789 almost 5 years ago

They didn’t have forensics degrees when I went to school, so learned all the forensic tasks were on the job or continuing education courses. But the science background helps with understanding lab procedures, preparing reagents, and of course explaining what’s going on during the various processes.

301 Votes

What do you think about Michael Flynn

Asked by Karla over 5 years ago

I am not familiar with the forensic aspects of the case.

301 Votes

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Asked by Tim over 5 years ago

Thanks!

300 Votes

Does it help my chances of employment if I am a certified peace officer? I know your a civilian but if having the added peace officer certification along with everything else does it help, hurt, or make no difference? Plus I get to carry a gun and badge

Asked by Parker over 5 years ago

I would think it would help because it would show some familiarity with law enforcement agency procedures. Even if you work for a completely civilian agency such as a medical examiner’s office, you would still be interacting with law enforcement constantly, so I would think it would help. Though even if you can carry a gun and badge in your everyday life, you probably wouldn’t be able to carry it on the job unless it was all right with your employer.

299 Votes