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

Are you able to tell if a person was unconscious just before death after examining the body? For example if someone hit their head and knocked themselves unconscious before they actually died?

Asked by TS over 7 years ago

I don't believe so (in fact I believe I address this question during an autopsy scene in my book Perish) but you'd have to ask a pathologist. Sorry I can't help.

I want to become a forensic scientist but I've heard that you have to go through police academy and become a police officer first. Is that true?

Asked by Emily Jones over 7 years ago

That entirely depends upon what agency you work for. Some police department crime labs may have that requirement. Many, like mine, have civilian employees for forensic support. The only way to know is to call the place you might want to work at and ask. (Or check their website for job postings.)

Is your average criminal usually as dull as the media makes them out to me. Like multiple offenders and low level gangsters.

Asked by 782346 over 7 years ago

I may not be the best to ask since I'm not really on the front lines, I come in after the action is over, but in my opinion, yes. You don't get criminal masterminds in real life.

What does death smell like and why? Do different people smell different?

Asked by asdf over 6 years ago

It all depends on the circumstances of the death (fire victims can have a smoke smell, of course) but mostly the degree of decomposition. That's the only thing that makes a difference, otherwise everyone is the same.

Oh, also how can you tell if someone makes a new account?

Asked by Sam about 6 years ago

I don’t know.

Hello
Please give me details like background, investigation, evidence etc. Of O.J Simpson murder case?

Asked by Hifz Ur Rehman over 6 years ago

Sorry, I wouldn't know anything more about it than anyone else. Try Google. Or watch the excellent miniseries, "American Crime Story: The Run For His Life." It was great.

A Man is found dead near rail track falling from a train. Can a forensic expert say whether he jumped or accidentally fell or pushed by somebody from train?

Asked by Maria Rose over 6 years ago

I see that on TV all the time but I have a hard time believing it. But I don't know personally. Sorry!