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

If I am wearing thin, latex gloves, is it possible for me to deposit my fingerprint through the glove and onto the surface I am touching?

Thanks.

Asked by Richard Gray over 4 years ago

Apparently experimentation has shown it is possible. It gets more likely the longer the gloves are worn.

What do you think about the BLM?

Asked by Kaylee over 4 years ago

I think I am an expert in some areas of forensic science. I am not an expert in law, public safety policy or our political system.

As someone wanting to become a forensic scientist, do you recommend majoring in an actual forensic science program or is it okay to take biology or chemistry?

Asked by Josie over 4 years ago

My guess is it depends on what you want to do. If you want to work in a lab, then biology for DNA or trace evidence or chemistry for toxicology would be the way to go. If you want to work in the field, mostly at the crime scene, then you might want the more general forensic science. Go on the websites of agencies and professional organizations, look at their vacancy postings, and see what they ask for. Best of luck!

I mean a sworn police officer sorry for not being specific

Asked by Terry about 4 years ago

As far as the job is concerned, I would think the odds of getting the job would be the same, but there are other considerations. The pay and benefits are different (at least at my agency) between sworn and civilian because they’re different unions. A sworn officer would be taking less pay and benefits to be non-sworn so the hiring party might wonder why, or worry that they would get tired of it and want to leave.

If shot from close range. Would a civil war era rifle bullet to the eye go all the way through someones head? I'm doing research for a film I'm helping with.

Asked by Shannon over 4 years ago

With all bullets a great deal depends on how much gunpowder is used--the charges can be underpowered or highly powered. But I asked my boss, a history major, and he says absolutely that one at close range entering the eye could go all the way through the head. Hope that helps!

Is blood soaked evidence washed after testing? For example a leather glove. Would it just be dried out and kept like that or do they clean the blood off.

Asked by bailey over 4 years ago

No, nothing is cleaned. It’s just dried and then kept as is. For one thing you might want to do more testing in the future so you’d never want to wash your evidence away.

Why when someone is dying do first responders try to make them talk and keep talking

Asked by Justin over 4 years ago

I have no idea as I’ve never worked as a first responder. I would suspect that’s largely a plot device for film or books, but I don’t actually know.