I am currently an Evidence Specialist for the Cape Coral Police Department in Florida, where I do crime scene investigation, photography, and fingerprints. Prior to that, I spent five years at the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office in Cleveland, Ohio. There I dealt with gunshot residue (both on victim's skin and their clothing), hair and fiber comparisons, paint analysis, DNA analysis, blood typing, and a variety of other less-well-known scientific techniques. We would average two to three homicides a week, with an equal number of suicides, so that, basically, I spent every day up to my waist in dead bodies. I've dealt with bodies ranging from still warm, to quite decomposed, to skeltonized. I was very lucky to have been exposed to that range of tasks--I realize now what a rare situation it was. I'm interested in writing this column because there is a lot more variety to forensic science than people realize; because there is a lot of inaccuracy in TV, books and movies; and because how things really work can be a lot more interesting (and entertaining) than pristine textbook examples. My goal is not to teach people forensic science but to describe it in practical terms, using real life examples, and help them to jump start their creativity.
I am currently working on a mystery novel, and hope to move on to a non-fiction book dealing with a serial murderer in Florida. This is another reason I am interested in writing this column--it will force me to write!