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.
Like any job it has its tedious moments, but yes I like it.
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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.
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I can’t speak to this guy’s course specifically, but deception detection training is often offered to detectives and law enforcement personnel. I sat in on a two day course through my department once, just to use in my writing.
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It means that, like most people, they get tired of people asking them stupid questions.
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Sure, I visited crime labs and the coroner’s office before I got my first forensics job—usually it was just a tour and answering questions though I got to sit in with a police class at the coroner’s and view an autopsy and hear some lectures. Then I would do the same when we had visiting students. Interns are here for a longer period. We usually have them do minor paperwork and tasks and they can observe our work with evidence, fingerprints, scenes, etc so we can explain what we’re doing and why. It’s a great experience. I think you’ll find people in forensics very friendly and helpful. Best of luck to you!
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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.
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That entirely depends on the requirements of the hiring agency. Since they’d probably require advanced schooling so hirees would wind up being older. It also might have to do with liability if the person would need to drive agency vehicles, etc.
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