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

Am I right or wrong a detective is a sworn law enforcement officer and a investigator is usually a non sworn civilian that does similar work but can't make arrests, write warrants, etc

Asked by Jason about 5 years ago

A detective is definitely a sworn officer. A CSI or forensic tech or whatever their title is, may be a sworn officer at some agencies but commonly is a civilian person who handles the forensic aspects of criminal investigation. Unlike television, we don't interview suspects or canvas neighbors. I might ask a witness or victim if they moved something or if the door was locked when they arrived, but that's all. Our focus of work is much more narrow. We may work to find a source of some clue like a brand of paint or a type of shoe that left a print, but mostly it's the detective that's going to do all the legwork to follow up witness statements and other clues. Hope that helps!

What kinds of detectives are there>?

Asked by Baileigh over 5 years ago

‘Detective’ is just a position, like sergeant or school resource officer, so what the detectives investigate depends on what department they’re in—white collar, ‘property’ (which would be burglary, theft, vandalism), ‘persons’ (assault, murder, sex assault), vice/narcotics, etc.

Do you consider yourself a hero?

Asked by Connie about 5 years ago

No. The action is all over by the time I get there, which is just fine with me.

Why do some people still think Jeffery Epstein killed him self?

Asked by Jim about 5 years ago

I have no idea and don't know anything about the case.

Would you be able to look over my resume and tell me if its ok or if you can give me some tips on how to improve it for the forensics field?

Asked by Sosi over 5 years ago

Sure, I'll be happy to help. Email it to: lisa-black@live.com

What do they ask on the polygraph in relation to past drug use and what is the reference period?

Asked by Red about 5 years ago

I don't think there's a standard set of questions. The hiring agency can ask anything they want, I suppose. When I had one for my job they asked about past drug use but I don't remember if it was 'ever' or 'within the past x years..' Sorry I can't help.

How did Shane delete his question?

Asked by Donald about 5 years ago

He didn’t. I did.