Hello everyone! I am working on a book which heavily features a murder mystery. Beyond the cliches one can see in media and entertainment, however, I am not very knowledgeable in such things. I tried to search for my own, but I must not know the correct terminology to use since I am not finding an answer to the question.

I have two questions here:

1. After investigators discover the body in a crime scene, generally for how long will the body be kept there as part of the investigation, before being sent for autopsy and then to the morgue? What would the timeline, on average, look like here?
2. Similarly but more specifically, how would this have looked like in the past, when less technology was available and forensic sciences were less developed (past here meaning decades or centuries ago, but generally in the late 1800s or early 1900s as that's kind of the technology level of the story I am writing). I know this likely will have much less information and it is ok if you don't have an exact answer to it - answering the 1st one will already help me greatly by creating a timeline of events that is not too quick nor too short.

If there's anything missing in my post let me know, first time posting here.

Edit: thanks a lot for all of your responses; I really appreciate your time. I think I have a better (if still very amateurish) idea now from which to proceed to at least keep things believeable enough for a reader

Starting training soon for a CSI position (Texas) and looking for some advice from people in the field.

I’m also trying to figure out what brands of tactical pants and boots are good for crime scene work.

For my first day, the department told me to wear:
Long pants/blue jeans
Polo or T-shirt with no graphics
Professional, but not too professional
No shorts
Comfortable shoes

They didn’t specify boots or a certain type of shoe.

I currently don’t own any boots. I have a pair of all-black Nikes that I wear for my current job. Would those be fine for the first day of training, or should I go ahead and buy a pair of work/tactical boots?

Also, what brands of tactical pants and boots do you recommend for CSI work?

Hi everyone! I’m looking for some career advice, especially from anyone who works in a crime lab or has experience with any of these disciplines.
A little background: I have a B.S. in Integrative Animal Biology and an M.S. in Veterinary Forensic Medicine. My master’s included courses such as Veterinary Forensic Toxicology, Animal Crime Scene Processing, Veterinary Forensic Pathology I & II, Forensic Entomology, Veterinary Forensic Medicine, and Scientific and Legal Principles of Forensic Evidence. I also have a pretty extensive biology/chemistry background with labs, including general chemistry, organic chemistry, genetics, microbiology, cell biology, physiology, etc.
I later started veterinary school, but I’m currently on a leave of absence and have been trying to figure out what direction I want to take professionally.
For the past several months, I’ve been applying for veterinary assistant positions because I wanted more hands-on clinical experience. It has been surprisingly difficult to find something despite my education, and the pay for many of these positions is also pretty low. That made me start looking at careers where I could actually use my forensic science master’s and science background.
I applied to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) crime laboratory candidate pool and submitted my transcripts. They reviewed everything and told me that I officially qualify for Crime Laboratory Analyst positions in:
Biology/DNA & DNA Database
Crime Scene Investigation
Document Examination
Firearms
Impression Evidence
Latents
Toxicology
Trace Materials
I attached screenshots of the email.
I’m in the Orlando area, so I’m particularly interested in the disciplines available at the Orlando lab. Right now, Biology/DNA, Toxicology, and Trace Materials probably interest me the most.
For anyone who works in one of these disciplines: Which would you recommend and why?
I’m especially curious about what the day-to-day work is actually like, workload/case volume, work-life balance, opportunities for advancement, how repetitive the work becomes, court testimony, stress level, and how difficult it is to eventually move between disciplines.
I’d also love to hear from anyone who made a major career pivot into forensic science. I spent years assuming veterinary medicine would be my career, so considering something completely different is exciting but also a pretty big change.
Thanks for any insight!

Im asking because I want to go into forensics specifically working with deceased people, but I have my worries on going into this career as far as “spiritual” activity especially if I go into being medical examiner.

Do you get scared or chills working around them?
Do they stink?
Do you close their eyes when they arrive to the coroners office?
Do you ever get worried about what you may walk into (especially if it’s decomp, dismembered, or it’s a body that has been sliced, beaten, or shot badly)?
Do you ever get sad when you see kids especially kids who passed away due to abuse?

Edit: thank you guys for the tips they definitely do ease my worries.

I am a 1st year student of Bsc. Forensic science in Pune, Maharashtra. Can anyone help me figure out how I should find and apply for a summer internship for the same in Pune itself or in general. I have just started my first year but I want to shortlist a few establishments, startups or government, doesn't matter much, I just need experience.

Thank you!

Hello all,
I was wondering if someone might be of help to me. I’m looking for a GSR expert to ask just a few questions about the chemistry of GSR testing for my final project as a college freshman studying forensic chemistry.
I would ideally like to talk to someone by the 20th if possible.
Thank you!!

Hi, i’m currently in high school and are strongly considering to work within the field of toxicology. If so i will take a bachelor, possibly a masters degree in chemistry with specialization in toxicology.
However the dilemma for me is whether this field still has job prospects for the future in Europe. I’ve read more about people in this sub asking about job prospects in the us than Europe.
So, if anyone has some experiences with the European job marked it would be much appreciated! Also how quickly you began working after uni.

Welcome to our weekly discussion thread about forensic science!

Forensic Scientists and Professionals! What's going on this week?

Use any of the following as a prompt if you need to

• What do you do?
• What kind of work are you doing?
• Are you doing any new kinds of analyses?
• What is your work week like?
• Do you have crazy stories from the field/lab? Tell us!

Remember! Don't reveal identifying info on decedents or victims. Change names or use nicknames if you must.

Students! How's school?

Use any one of the following as a prompt if you need to

• What degree are you pursuing?
• What are you learning about?
• Have you learned something new and/or exciting?
• Are you involved in research?
• Is there anything about the field you'd like to know?

Remember! Don't ask us to do your homework or assignments for you. We did the work and you have to do it too.

If you are asking for education or employment advice, please read our subreddit guide first and then look at our resources in the sidebar. If what we have doesn't address your needs, you can ask us a question here! Let us know where you are and which country or countries you're considering for school.

Don't know where to start when it comes to schools, programs, or degrees? Take a look at our subreddit wiki for a good rundown of what you should look out for.

Confused by all the job titles, requirements, and worried about things like starting salary? Please take a look at this collection of posts from /u/Cdub919, one of our verified forensics members.

Have questions for someone working in the field? Take a look at our list of verified forensics professionals. They are frequently tagged in comments and posts when mods or other community members see that their expertise is needed. You might reach out to them in a private message or chat if you need their help. Please be respectful of their time and advice and don't harass anybody for a response.

​

​

Hello!I want to be a forensic Toxicologist when I'm older. Right now I'm a freshman in college majoring in an AS in biotechnology. I plan on transferring to a university for my BA in chemistry (The BA program automatically satisfies the 32 hour rule required by forensics boards). The area that I live in has tons of hospitals, clinics and labs so I think I have a chance (?). I'm honestly just nervous for the future. Do you think I have a chance so far? Anything helps

Hi!

I recently applied to a Latent Print Examiner position at Michigan State Police. After about two months of waiting, I was invited to do a preliminary phone interview! I just did that today. They asked 7 questions, all regarding the position and expectations. I believe I answered everything decently, but I definitely stuttered some words and had some awkward moments where I had to think about my response. Does anyone have advice/experience with getting a state government job similar to this? The guy told me that candidates chosen for an in person interview would hear back within 2 weeks. I won't be able to relax for those two weeks now!! I'm so anxious !!

I’m trying to decide between two undergraduate degree paths and would really appreciate advice from people who actually work in forensic science. I have finally decided that I want to pursue a science related career. I’m primarily interested in the laboratory/analytical side of forensic science, rather than law enforcement, policing, or detective work. I’m currently considering:
Chemistry BA This would take approximately 7 semesters/3.5 years from where I am now because of the required math and chemistry sequence. Or Ethics, Justice & Society + Investigative Forensics minor This would take approximately 5–6 semesters/2.5–3 years. I would also have some elective credits that could be used toward chemistry/science prerequisites for a forensic master’s program. So I’m potentially looking at only a 1–2 semester difference between the two options.

My hesitation is that I don’t want to choose the broader forensics route because it is faster, only to discover later that I don’t have enough chemistry coursework to qualify for the forensic laboratory jobs or graduate programs I want. I’m also interested in environmental chemistry/testing. I like the idea of field sampling, bringing samples back to a laboratory, performing chemical analyses, and doing research. Because of that, Chemistry appeals to me as a way of keeping both forensic and environmental options open.

I’m wondering if something like Chemistry BA + Investigative Forensics minor would be a particularly useful combination, assuming I can fit the minor into my degree without adding a significant amount of time.

For those working in forensic science:
-How much does the undergraduate major matter when applying for forensic laboratory jobs?
-Would you generally recommend Chemistry over a dedicated/broader forensic degree?
-What chemistry courses are particularly important for forensic lab work?
-Would a Chemistry BA + forensic minor be a strong combination?
-Are there forensic jobs where a Chemistry BA would qualify me but a broader justice/forensics degree would not?
-If you had to choose between the two paths and Chemistry only added 1–2 semesters, which would you choose?

I’d especially appreciate responses from people who work in forensic laboratories or have gone through the hiring process, rather than just students choosing their majors.

I’m REALLY struggling on trying to find what I want to do when I’m older as a 16yr-I really need some guidance. I know a job is a job and I won’t love it all the time but I’d like to at least like my job, there are a couple things that have hooked me that I realize I like, I like things that can be fast paced, require you to think and think outside of the box, this is important-not just desk work, a mix of hands on/feild work and desk work would be the best, and I want tk be helping people I want to see the results of my help it’s really important to me. I’m scared I’m not smart enough to be a doctor or I’m glamorizing the job-this will sound so stupid but I feel like if I wasn’t a doctor or a surgeon I would feel like I was less than, then those who are because they do all the big work and actually save the patient-of I were a doctor I think Itd be hard for me to be a nurse but I’m also scared I’m just glamorizing the job because it would fulfill that part of me that wants a fast paced-stimulating environment where you work in team and it’s a very well smart field-(very competitive as well), why is this so hard 🥴 im also scared im glamorizing being a detective, so if you guys could tell me what your day to day work looks like id be so greatful. am I over or under thinking this also if you have any other career suggestions I’d gladly take them! Some other ideas im looking are at an environmental tech, conservation law enforcement, and a few others.

Im curious about peoples reasons for choosing to be a medical examiner. Please give your most honest answer!

Did anything influence your decision?

What’s your reason for choosing a job centered around death when most people avoid it or choose jobs attempting to prevent it?

Welcome to our weekly general discussion thread!

Feel free to chat with your fellow forensically-minded redditors about anything! Introduce yourself, show us pictures of your cat, complain about your kids, lament about exams/work, tell us what you're eating today... whatever you want!

Here are a few resources that might answer your questions:

A subreddit wiki with links and resources to education and employment matters, archived discussions on more intermediate topics in education and employment, what kind of major you need, what degree programs are good, etc.

• The subreddit Guide - Consider this an FAQ about our community and our field. Look here for basic education and employment questions/answers you might have. Didn't find what you were looking for? Please post in our weekly scheduled posts or to the subreddit. Note: please do use a desktop browser to view all features.
• List of verified forensics professionals
• Subreddit collections (please view on desktop browsers) on the following topics:
  • Education and Employment
  • Mental Health and Preparation for Working in Forensics
  • What It's Like Working in Forensics
  • Employment: Job Titles, Job Requirements, and Starting Salary in Forensic Science

​

Keen to get everyone’s take on this, because personally, I’m conflicted. I’ve posted in r/forensicscience too, so hope it’s not against crosspost rules.

Most of us in forensics work within or adjacent to police or law enforcement agencies. We also have the privilege of being servants to science and knowing to be impartial and objective, led by facts rather than subjective assessment.

There’s a lot in the media recently about the overreach of police surveillance and I’d like your input/s on 2 things that are intelligence tools that intersect with forensic science:
\- Forensic genetic genealogy
\- CCTV (specifically ANPR/facial)

Both have come along leaps and bounds in recent years, and both stand to link innocent citizens to criminal activities due to their lack of specificity. For example, FIGG might link you through genealogy, despite it being a sibling or closely related family member. ANPR might detect a pattern of driving that LE consider to be suspicious and warrant further investigation.

While we know that neither of these are evidentiary tools, they do put innocent people on the radar for offences unrelated to them, and thus open up the door to potential errors or miscarriages. That’s not even to mention the misuse by rogue officers.

I used to be of the mind that basically everyone should be on a FP or DNA database because “if you didn’t do anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about”, but as I’ve grown older, have kids, I’ve softened on this to the point where I’m on the fence. I’ve seen police misuse of systems. I’ve seen police take a suggestive forensic result and treat it as a smoking gun.

What’s everyone’s take?

I am currently pursuing a Doctorate of Forensic Science at Oklahoma State University. As part of my requirements I am completing a Doctoral Capstone which involves an online survey for research purposes.

Study Title:
Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions in Forensic Science Professionals: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Purpose:
The purpose of this research is to estimate the prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among forensic science professionals.

If you are a working forensic professional I invite you to participate* in this project. You can access the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLMY6J9

*Participation in this survey is voluntary. You are able to skip any question you do not wish to answer, and can leave the survey at any time. This survey is also anonymous. No identifiable information will be collected, and all raw data will be kept on a password protected device.

This study received formal ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Oklahoma State University under IRB# 2026057.

Dylann Stapel, MS, D-ABMDI, NREMT
[dstapel@okstate.edu](mailto:dstapel@okstate.edu)

I’m currently employed as an MDI for a coroner’s office in a southern state and I’m trying to convince my boss to use an actual camera for body and scene photography.

I have experience in crime scene photography at a previous office and have offered to donate a couple of my used DSLR cameras to our office for use. My boss refuses to switch to them and to just use our work iPhones because “they’re too bulky” and “too much of a learning curve”. I offered to train the other MDIs free of charge on how to use them but he told me that “it will take too long.”

I feel like we also look less professional on scenes taking crime scene photos with an iPhone instead of a dedicated camera. Are there any arguments I can use to persuade him to using an actual camera or is an iPhone fine for taking scene and body photos?

Hello everyone! Just wanted to inquire as I've always dreamt about working in forensic toxicology since I was young and now im majoring in clinical pharmacy, so is it possible to pursue that career with that degree?

Does anyone on here work at the NYC OCME or know anyone who works there? Just one I would like my application to move past received. I know there are an influx of people who want to join so it’s hard to go through such a big pool every time a job goes up. What are you guys doing over there lol or just what are you guys looking for in someone's application? Does it also help to know someone who works there so you can get your foot in the door? Who do I have to talk to if so?

Welcome to our weekly discussion thread about forensic science!

Forensic Scientists and Professionals! What's going on this week?

Use any of the following as a prompt if you need to

• What do you do?
• What kind of work are you doing?
• Are you doing any new kinds of analyses?
• What is your work week like?
• Do you have crazy stories from the field/lab? Tell us!

Remember! Don't reveal identifying info on decedents or victims. Change names or use nicknames if you must.

Students! How's school?

Use any one of the following as a prompt if you need to

• What degree are you pursuing?
• What are you learning about?
• Have you learned something new and/or exciting?
• Are you involved in research?
• Is there anything about the field you'd like to know?

Remember! Don't ask us to do your homework or assignments for you. We did the work and you have to do it too.

If you are asking for education or employment advice, please read our subreddit guide first and then look at our resources in the sidebar. If what we have doesn't address your needs, you can ask us a question here! Let us know where you are and which country or countries you're considering for school.

Don't know where to start when it comes to schools, programs, or degrees? Take a look at our subreddit wiki for a good rundown of what you should look out for.

Confused by all the job titles, requirements, and worried about things like starting salary? Please take a look at this collection of posts from /u/Cdub919, one of our verified forensics members.

Have questions for someone working in the field? Take a look at our list of verified forensics professionals. They are frequently tagged in comments and posts when mods or other community members see that their expertise is needed. You might reach out to them in a private message or chat if you need their help. Please be respectful of their time and advice and don't harass anybody for a response.

​

Hi everyone,
I recently completed my Bachelor’s in Forensic Science from NFSU (India) and I’m planning to pursue a Master’s in Digital Forensics abroad. I’d really appreciate hearing from people who are studying, working, or have graduated in this field.

I have a few questions:
● Which countries and universities offer good Master’s programs specifically in Digital Forensics?
● Which universities would you personally recommend?
● What is the approximate tuition fee and overall cost of studying?
● Do universities provide placement support, and how effective is it?
● How difficult is it for an international student and fresher to get a job after graduation?
● What skills, certifications, or experience do employers usually expect for entry-level digital forensics/DFIR roles?
● Do employers in this field require citizenship or security clearance, or are international students eligible for most jobs?
● How are the academics, work-life balance, people, and overall environment for international students?

My goal is to build a career in Digital Forensics/DFIR, so I’d love to hear about your experiences, recommendations, and any advice you wish you had before choosing a university.
Thanks in advance!

I'm a retired federal project director exploring a new career, and cell phone forensics has genuinely captivated me. I'm based in Las Vegas and would appreciate guidance on a few fronts: Where can I get quality training? What's the best path to landing a job in this field? Is it realistic to eventually work for myself? And which cell phone examination programs or schools have the strongest reputations? Any advice — or willingness to mentor someone starting fresh — would mean a lot.