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.
Not at all difficult IF the person’s DNA profile is already in CODIS.
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Lividity can be patchy depending on areas of pressure. So you can have reddened areas where the blood flowed in and stayed next to clear areas where the body was pressed against a surface and the blood couldn't pool. You would need to talk to a pathologist for more thorough information. I'm sorry for your loss.
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All of those are good. Take as many science courses as you can. Much depends on where you want to work and what you want to do. If you want to do DNA analysis and testify in court about it, you may need a PhD in genetics. If you want to work at crime scenes bagging and tagging evidence, you may need only a high school diploma, with added hireability for advanced degrees. The only way to know is to check job opening notices or call the agencies and ask. I would also suggest that you look for schools that have hands-on lab work with forensic topics such as fingerprints or crime scene work. Best of luck to you.
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I am an expert in some areas of forensic science. I am not an expert in law, public safety policy or our political system.
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Architectural Project Manager
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I do not work at a coroner’s/medical examiner so I don’t cut anyone. At a crime scene I might examine the eyes or test the limbs for rigor or look for injuries but that’ s about it.
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Quite the contrary, I find myself apologizing to them if I bump into their gurney. They’re dead. How could I not feel sorry for them?Both my department and the various forensic organizations of which I am a member have published codes of ethics to which I have always adhered.
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Well it's worth a try. However, you should be aware that bite marks are not usually accepted as reliable evidence in court any more.
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