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

How do you do a ride along?

Asked by Cale about 5 years ago

Contact your local PD and ask what their procedure is. You will probably have to fill out an application and a waiver. Best of luck!

How often do homeless people intentionally try to get arrested? I heard they do this because the shelters won’t take them if they are on drugs among other things so they commit crimes in front of cops to have a place to sleep

Asked by How often do homeless people intentionally try to get arrested? I heard they do this because the shelters won’t take them if they are on drugs among other things so they commit crimes in front of cops to have a place to sleep almost 5 years ago

I wouldn't be involved with cases like this so I don't know. In my experience with homeless camps the people are usually not too cooperative and don't want to leave, so I haven't seen this happen.

How would you react to this crime scene as well as solve it?

https://youtu.be/o8MEZwcw06A?t=1732

Asked by Seth over 4 years ago

Sorry, I can't click on unknown links. However, in general terms, I don't react to crime scenes, at least as much as possible. I need to treat each one objectively and consistently, so I'd conduct the same relevant duties as I would at any other crime scene--photo, sketch, collect evidence, etc. And I don't really 'solve' crimes--I provide the forensic support to help the detective solve the crime.

Hope that helps!

Hi,

You recently advised that a simple black powder would reveal glove prints deposited by Nitrile gloves. Would Latent Silk Black Print Powder, manufactured by a company called Sirchie be a good choice?

Thank you.

Asked by Richard Gray over 5 years ago

Sure--any good quality black powder should have the same effect.

How can we detect the GHB from urine sample by LCMS?
Is there any simple method?

Asked by Eman about 5 years ago

I’m sorry but I’ve never worked in toxicology. Sorry I couldn’t help!

I'm graduating in may with my forensic science bachelor's degree, and I'm getting emails from employers inviting me to apply Still, I'm hesitant, they'll just tell me they need A person now When did you apply for a job in forensics during your degree

Asked by mike g about 5 years ago

Sorry it took me so long to reply! I applied after I got the degree. THat’s kind of odd that they would tell you to apply—does the position require a degree? It couldn’t hurt to contact them for more information and make it clear you won’t have your degree until May and would need to finish your schooling as well. But jobs aren’t easy to come by, so if they’re that interested. In you , you might as well find out more. Best of luck!

Is there anyone who you have known do this job because it looked good on TV? How did it go for him or her?

Asked by Bart over 5 years ago

Probably everyone gets interested in the field because it looked interesting in a TV show. But by the time you’re sufficiently trained to actually get a job, you’d know that it’s not like TV.