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

Why are some people with jobs like yours some people are sworn officers usually working as detectives/investigators and other times not?

Asked by 345 over 5 years ago

It’s whatever the particular agency’s Standard Operating Procedures require. Each police agency can make their own requirements.

Hi question to get away from this whole COVID-19 crap. What do you think your life would be like if your job was just like on TV? Better, worse, the same, how?

Asked by was this 100 years ago or over 5 years ago

Excellent question! I’d have more equipment, more salary and more hair, so that would be better. I would also apparently have no life outside my job, so that would be worse.

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 over 5 years ago

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

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

Asked by Red over 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.

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

How did Shane delete his question?

Asked by Donald over 5 years ago

He didn’t. I did.