Ask a Forensic Scientist anything

989 Questions

Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Since, you are in the forensics field. Do you know anything about forensic toxicologists? If so can you elaborate on what you know about this field?

Asked by GunKillerOdin over 4 years ago

Unfortunately, no, I cannot. I've never worked in toxicology. Sorry I couldn't help.

428 Votes

How to identify if s nose was broken from a fall or from a punch

Asked by Doug over 5 years ago

I”m sorry but I have no idea—you’d need a pathologist for that one.

427 Votes

So you wanna be a Forensic Scientist?

Check our Jobstr's career page for salary information, educational requirements, suggested reading and more!

Do witnesses often test positive for GSR residue on their hands? How close would they need to be when the firearm is discharged?

Asked by Cat twigg almost 5 years ago

I couldn't tell you--I haven't personally done any studies of bystanders at a shooting. GSR analysis is usually testing for primer residue, which can escape from the gun when fired. So someone could have GSR on their hands if they handled a gun, if they touched a surface near to where a gun was fired, if they handled the gun after it was fired, etc. This is why, though they've stated this on television every day for fifty years, having gunshot residue on your hands doesn't prove you fired a gun. Not having gunshot residue on your hands doesn't prove you have not fired a gun. The particles are very tiny and easily dislodged. These are some of the reasons why most agencies don't do gunshot residue analysis any more. Hope that helps!

427 Votes

Hello what do different colors flags mean? You know those little flags that stick in the ground? What does pink, yellow, green, multicolored, white, etc mean?

Asked by Barney about 5 years ago

I have no idea--are you referring to utility companies marking gas lines, etc? My agency has some flags but we haven't used them recently. I suspect if an agency uses different colored flags it might be some internal coding that they use. Sorry I can't be more help.

426 Votes

Also on Jobstr...

Magician

How do you feel about magicians on TV who reveal how tricks are done?

Casino Dealer

Do you find casinos to be depressing places to work?

Special Education Teacher

How come it often takes years to figure out that a kid is dyslexic?

Is there anyone special you worked with?

Asked by Jason over 4 years ago

Could you clarify that question? I'm not sure what mean.

426 Votes

What are some advancements from a forensic scientist?

Asked by GunKillerOdin over 4 years ago

I’m not sure what you mean. Do you mean how does a forensic scientist advance in their career, or what scientific advancements have been made by forensic scientists?

426 Votes

Is that possible with in 25 day. I mean decay process.

Asked by Kalyan reddy about 5 years ago

I’m not a pathologist, so I really wouldn’t know for sure, but I know decomposition can vary wildly depending on circumstances—whether the body is exposed or contained or wrapped; temperature and humidity are majorly important; and predators, insects, water, shade vs sun, all can affect matters. My best guess is yes, it’s possible.

426 Votes