CSI: Crime scene investigator
Education and training
Education
- Beyond a degree from an accredited college or university, many CSI positions in state and local law enforcement require CSIs to earn state licensure and/or professional certification, usually within 18 months of being hired.
- Forensic science and crime scene investigations degrees at the baccalaureate level prepare graduates for careers in criminal investigations, crime scene investigations, crime scene analysis.
- Coursework within a typical forensic science bachelor’s degree includes: advanced math, chemistry, biology, psychology, evidence collection, sociology, and courtroom presentation.
- Many law enforcement agencies have strict training periods for new hires that involve working under a senior crime scene investigator for a period of time, which often lasts between 6 months and 2 years
- Training programs such as Alternate Light Source Training, Footwear and Tire Tread, Forensic Odontology, Forensic Anthropology, Clandestine Lab Training, Arson Investigations, Courtroom Testimony, Blood Pattern Analysis, Latent Print, Detection/Comparison, Crime Scene Investigations, Crime Scene Documentation, Death Investigations, Evidence Photograph, The National Forensic Academy, The National Forensic Science Technology Center, and The National Institute of Justice.
salary
- Salaries differ throughout the states.
- Most CSI range between $65,000-$75,000 per year.
responsibilities
- A crime scene investigator is, more often than not, a member of law enforcement who is responsible for identifying, collecting, preserving, and packaging physical evidence at the scene of a crime.
- A select few crime scene investigators may also perform laboratory forensic work, although the majority of crime scene investigators perform their work at a crime scene, where they collect everything from firearms and fingerprints to DNA samples and photographic evidence.
- Working with law enforcement to secure the scene as to prevent the contamination of evidence
- Identifying and marking the areas of the crime scene
- Collecting, preserving, and packaging the physical evidence
- Maintaining detailed reports, logs and other tracking data
- Using scientific equipment to collect and analyze evidence
- Maintaining and repairing scientific equipment
- Testifying in court with regard to collected evidence
- Transporting physical evidence to the forensic laboratory
How did this career relate to Anna’s case?
- This career relates to Anna's case because the CSIs explored the crime scene where she died and reported everything they saw. They also collected the physical evidence from the scene to take back to a lab for further investigations.
sources
- What is a CSI - Crime Scene Investigator? (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2017, from http://www.crimesceneinvestigatoredu.org/what-is-a-csi/
personal reflection
- I personally am interested in this career. Shows like CSI and Criminal Minds really pushed me to take an interest in this career. Although I know it won't be like the shows, I still want to pursue looking into this job.