A crime scene investigator is responsible for working with other law enforcement officers to maintain the integrity of the crime scene. It is vitally important to maintain the integrity of the scene so that the samples collected yield the most accurate data possible.
They are also responsible for interpreting the data yielded by the tests performed on the evidence they collected at the crime scene, even if they do not conduct the tests themselves. A crime scene investigator should have a wide array of skills. They should have a strong temperament and ability to deal with difficult situations as they may regularly be confronted with the results of violent activities.
They should have the ability to work well with others and be good communicators, as they must work closely with law enforcement and laboratory technicians. They must have a background in science, especially natural science, so that they can interpret the data given to them by the laboratory technicians.
Having a background in science will also help them when learning proper collection procedures for crime scene evidence. Finally, they should have some training in law enforcement. Many places that hire CSIs prefer that they have been through the police academy. Anyone hoping to become a crime scene investigator should pursue a degree either in criminal justice or in science.
Biology or another natural science is often a good choice. Which ever you choose, however, you should also take classes, or even a dual major, in the other. Studying law enforcement may offer classes in things like criminal psychology and law, which can help in things like determining motive when interpreting data. Studying science might help the CSI to better understand what to look for and how to handle material evidence when investigating a crime scene.
Aside from a four-year degree, most places also want CSIs that have been through the police academy as they are considered a part of the law enforcement team and should know how to handle themselves if confronted with possible suspects. A crime scene investigator may have a more specific title than CSI. Having a bachelor's of science degree in any of these fields will qualify you to either obtain a job or further your education in this field right after graduation.
Real-life work experience will provide you with the intricate know-how employers are looking for when hiring for jobs. Obtaining an internship or a job within the crime scene investigator field or similar will add to your educational background in this area and make you a more desirable candidate.
Most employers are looking for 6 months - 2 years of experience in the field, and some may even provide you with this experience when you begin. Collecting evidence, then subsequently processing and analyzing the evidence are all key skills you will gain during this time. Depending on the state, there are different requirements for state licensure as a crime scene investigator. Through the International Association for Identification IAI , you can complete various certifications to further your career depending on the crime scene investigator specialty you'd like to master.
Some certifications include bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic art, latent print, and forensic photography certifications. Be aware that this is not the only route to take to become a CSI, just the most common. Lowest Recorded Salary. Highest Recorded Salary. It is important to note that salaries for a crime scene investigator vary greatly based on location and prior experience. In a metropolitan, high-crime area, an experienced and successful CSI may be able to break into a six-figure salary.
Here are the median salaries for similar occupations based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:. Forensic Technician. Biological Technician. Police and Detectives. In regard to career growth, crime scene investigator is a very interesting occupation. A CSI who is a member of law enforcement can be promoted in the traditional way, through the police ranks Captain, Lieutenant, etc.
That promotional route results in higher salary, higher rank, and it usually allows the employee to continue working with their original team. With enough experience and success someone working for local law enforcement, an investigator could pivot into working for a government agency like the FBI.
That kind of employment would generally garner a raise in salary. Another unique thing about career opportunities for a Crime Scene Investigator is that many of them have already completed Police Academy training.
This gives them the ability to transfer into different departments within the police force. If a CSI decided their skills would be more helpful somewhere else, they could transfer fairly easily between departments because of their completed Police Academy experience. Here at Gwynedd Mercy University, we offer a variety of programs that will help kickstart your journey with a crime scene investigator education.
Through our three Bachelor of Science Degree programs, you will become highly trained by professors with experience in the CSI field. Although there are varied paths to becoming a crime scene investigator, they typically involve a mix of rigorous coursework and empirical i. Here is one common path to joining this exciting career on the rise:. Step 1: Graduate from high school four years. Both police-trained and civilian CSI candidates typically possess a high school diploma.
Aspiring CSIs at this stage may find it useful to explore various volunteer programs in criminal investigations across the country. For example, Point Park University in Pittsburgh offers a CSI summer camp to secondary school students involving valuable laboratory and criminal justice training.
CSI Arizona hosts a forensic science competition for interested high school and middle school students, as well as CSI training in crime scene analysis, gathering evidence, and presenting findings. Interested young adults are encouraged to check with their local police departments, civic organizations, and colleges to see what opportunities are available.
Step 2: Enroll in a law enforcement academy or pursue a college degree in CSI two to four years. At this phase, there are two typical paths for aspiring CSIs. First, they can choose to enroll in a law enforcement academy and receive specialized CSI training in the field. Alternatively, aspiring CSIs can choose to enroll in a two- to four-year college program in criminal justice, forensics, biology, chemistry, natural sciences, or a related field.
This two-year, associate of applied science AAS program in law enforcement includes training in criminal law, investigations, computer-related crimes, laboratory techniques, first aid, and more.
Another notable program is at the University of Baltimore which provides a one-year certificate in CSI. Palm Beach State College of Lake Worth, FL provides a credit associate of science AS degree or certificate in crime scene technology with coursework in criminology, the administration of criminal justice, forensic science, latent fingerprint development, and general education.
This program provides both law enforcement and civilian tracks. Nashville State Community College has a two-year associate of applied science AAS degree in police science with two distinct concentrations: police administration and crime scene investigation.
The CSI track has classes such as investigative photography, bloodstain evidence, and criminal investigation. Finally, for ambitious students seeking a four-year degree, Liberty University has a convenient online bachelor of science BS program in criminal justice with a focus in CSI. At this stage, some students may even explore internships to hone their CSI skills.
For more information on college CSI programs, check out the online forensics programs and crime scene investigations colleges pages.
Step 3: Obtain professional certification and join associations timeline varies. Once an aspiring CSI has some formal academic and on-the-job training, they may consider pursuing a professional certification that can enhance his or her employment prospects.
Please note that qualifications for becoming a CSI will also vary by state and law enforcement entity. Overall, in the majority of states, there is no legal licensing or educational requirement to work as a crime scene investigator. The one notable exception to this fact is the state of Indiana. Even in states where certification is not required, many CSIs do choose to pursue certifications through various agencies for professional advancement.
For example, the International Association for Identification IAI provides four main certifications in CSI: crime scene investigator, crime scene analyst, senior crime scene analyst, and crime scene reconstructionist. These are offered to individuals with between 48 and hours of formal instruction in the field depending on the certification level. Candidates must pass a question exam and submit examples of crime scene photography as proof of experience.
For example, National University NU offers a graduate certificate program in forensic crime scene investigation FCSI involving coursework in forensic pathology, fingerprint analysis, and advanced criminalistics. George Washington University offers a master of science MS in crime scene investigation to working investigators, leaders in law enforcement, and lawyers. Classes include medicolegal death investigation, the science of fingerprints, and the examination of questioned documents.
Overall, qualifications will vary based on region, employing organization, and other factors.
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