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Syntonomy617410 karma

I like this question(s). First of all, thank you for what you do. Of course, we only respond when you...aren't successful (lol jk, sorry)

What are the most common types of murder you encounter?

Most common homicide wise, definitely gunshot wounds

What should I be looking for as far as foul play goes that isn’t very obvious?

This can be difficult. Asides from the obvious (forced entry, signs of a struggle etc), strangulations and suffocations are often difficult to tell right away. Unless of course you have a huge ligature furrow around the neck. Might have to come back to this when I think of a better answer.

What should I do to preserve the scene if we are working it or not?

First of all, don't worry about preserving the scene if there's a possibility of saving the individual. I mean, don't purposefully step in blood and track footprints, or turn over couches when it's unnecessary. The paramedics that I've dealt with so far have been pretty good at that. When they do move things, they do notify PD and/or OME. As for removing a firearm on scene, please do if it's for scene safety. However, please remember the location and position that it was removed from. That can be very important in determining if it's a suicide, or if someone else was involved.

One of the things that I often find myself asking PD/FD are the small "background" things (lights on or off? TV on or off? Blinds drawn? Glass of water within reach from table? TV remote or cell phone within reach?). Those aren't necessarily make or break in a homicide suspicious case, but it helps me and the FP determine a possible time frame of death. When paramedics respond, even to an obvious death and just to attach EKG leads, they don't remember if the TV was on, or if something was moved.

Syntonomy617361 karma

I have a Bachelor's in Biochemistry and a Masters in Forensic Sciences.

MDI requirements vary based on the office and location. Years ago, the requirements were very minimal. It used to be previous law enforcement, paramedics, EMTs, funeral directors etc. Depending on the office and whether they are NAME certified (such as my office), are requiring Bachelor's degrees in a Science (biology, chemistry, etc). However, because of high interest in the job, a Bachelor's may not be enough. The recent hires at my office has Masters, or a lot of previous experience in other smaller offices.

Syntonomy617353 karma

Haha well farts....is definitely a thing. It's always a little bit of a "whoa" shocker, even though I know to expect it. Moans do happen occasionally, but it's more of just gases being expelled. Spasms and movements, not so much. But then that's also because I generally respond hours after the actual death.

Syntonomy617218 karma

Unfortunately, we do get a ton of pressure. When I respond to motor vehicle deaths, often highway patrol has to close the highway to all traffic. Once highway patrol is done with their own investigation (which, sometimes doesn't seem like they rush themselves), they expect us to get there, do a "body pick up" and leave so that they can open the highway. Unfortunately, we have to do our own investigation, our own photographs, our own examination, and it takes a while. While I understand that this is causing a big hold up, it's still part of my job.

Syntonomy617203 karma

Nope, it's not "required". But it is definitely offered. Another type of "counselling" is just hanging out with coworkers, who get it, and occasionally have "morgue humor"