Archive for the ‘Crime Scene Investigation’ Category

PHA 6935 Crime Scene Investigation – University of Florida

Credits

This is a 3-credit course.

A substantial amount of forensic evidence used in the prosecution of criminal cases is initially established at the crime scene. Recognizing, detecting, recovering, preserving and recording this evidence forms a critical function within forensic science and criminal investigation. This course explores the main aspects of crime scene investigation, including: crime scene processes, recognition of evidence, documentation of crime scenes, evidence detection and enhancement, maintaining evidence integrity and bloodstain pattern analysis. It also covers professional practices associated with evidence handling and case file management.

This course is taught by Western Sydney University as part of a collaborative venture between the University of Florida and Western Sydney University, Australia.

Please review our recommended course order.

Topics

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Techniques of Crime Scene InvestigationFisher BAJ & Fisher DRCRC Press, Taylor and Francis9th edition, 2022ebook. ISBN 9780429272011

Additional helpful textbooks include:

Distance Education and UF Online Students enjoy the same library privileges as on-campus students.To utilize the University of Florida Library System, click here!

Original post:
PHA 6935 Crime Scene Investigation - University of Florida

Crime Scene Investigator: Career Guide – Criminal Justice Degree Schools

If youre trying to decide whether to enroll in a criminal justice program, some of the first questions you should ask yourself are, What can you do with a criminal justice degree? and What jobs can you get with a criminal justice degree? Having these answers will help you decide whether a degree in this field is the right fit for you.

While there are a number of different routes you can take with this type of degree, one of the interesting career paths is to become a crime scene investigator. Criminal justice degree jobs like crime scene investigators (CSIs) -- sometimes referred to as crime scene specialists, forensic science technicians, and crime laboratory analysts -- use critical thinking and analytical skills to collect physical evidence, such as hair, bodily fluids, and footprints, from crime scenes. They are responsible for processing and preserving evidence, as well as sharing written documentation and reports about their collections.

CSIs use their expertise to testify at criminal trials and help shed light onto the events that occurred during criminal activity. They work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups of people. A variety of organizations hire crime scene investigators, including government agencies, police departments, coroner's offices, and crime laboratories.

The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $60,590 as of 2019, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth in this field of about 14% between 2018 and 2028. Detectives and criminal investigators, on the other hand, earn, on average, about $89,300 per year, and the job growth in this field is expected to increase by about 5% from 2018 to 2028.

If youre interested in this degree or career path, this guide covers how you can become a crime scene investigator and gives you an overview of other similar criminal justice jobs.

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Crime scene investigators use specialized equipment and procedures to visually and physically examine crime scenes, such as traffic accidents, burglaries, and homicides. They may collect evidence and materials to help solve crimes, such as hair, biological fluids, gunshot residue, and footwear impressions.

CSIs use various scientific methods and preservation techniques to store and secure collected evidence. They use chemical and dusting techniques to develop and compare fingerprints and forensic photography to take pictures of victims, suspects, and key documents. Some CSIs possess expertise in blood spatter pattern analysis, while others possess specialized training in bullet trajectory paths.

CSIs must be flexible and capable of working in stressful and unpleasant environments, including environments with deceased individuals in various stages of decomposition. Many CSIs work closely with pathologists to collect evidence from cadavers during autopsies and postmortem examinations.

CSIs are responsible for taking thorough notes, completing forms, and preparing written reports to document important evidence and share key findings with others. As forensic evidence experts, CSIs often work closely with attorneys to provide comprehensive testimonies at criminal trials about the evidence collected at crime scenes. The results of their analysis may help solve crimes, prosecute offenders, and release the wrongly accused.

Ever wonder how to become a crime scene investigator? Many people think that all CSIs are police officers, but many CSIs come from other backgrounds, such as science or criminology.

CSI candidates must meet the minimum requirements of the agency to which they are applying. CSIs typically need a bachelors degree in either a natural or forensic science, such as chemistry or biology, or in a field such as criminal justice, crime scene technology, or criminology.

Some CSI positions do not require a baccalaureate degree, instead requiring specific college courses. For instance, some jobs may be a fit if you have completed lab-based chemistry courses from an accredited college or university. Most agencies require at least a high school diploma or GED and a valid drivers license. Some positions require you to be between the ages of 21 and 37 years old.

Depending on the role, CSIs may need one or more years of work experience in a related role, such as law enforcement officer or fingerprint technician.

Crime scene investigators and forensic science technicians typically receive on-the-job training. Many law enforcement agencies require new CSIs to complete extensive training programs before they take on cases independently. Newly hired crime scene investigators may work under experienced investigators for up to one year. Training typically explores proper procedures for collecting and documenting evidence, photography, fingerprint processing, death scene processing, and blood spatter analysis.

Additionally, investigators and technicians must keep up with continuing education throughout their careers to stay on top of the current trends and advancements in science and technology. As scientists continue to invent new methods and equipment for evidence collection, CSIs may need to pass regular proficiency exams to demonstrate their understanding of the latest tools and techniques.

Standards and credentials for investigators vary widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so there are no common licensure requirements to become a CSI. However, professional organizations such as theInternational Association for Identificationand theAmerican Academy of Forensic Sciencesoffer various courses and certifications that can help CSIs advance their careers. These courses may cover topics like bloodstain pattern analysis, firearm identification, and latent fingerprinting.

In addition to a strong background in science and criminal justice, you will need several soft skills, such as attention to detail, which helps them search for and find key evidence at various crime scenes. You will also need critical thinking skills and superior judgment in order to recognize which materials may assist in solving crimes.

Additionally, youll need strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare documentation and share key findings with others. Since CSIs are responsible for testifying at trials, they must be able to draw conclusions and render opinions with a strong degree of professionalism.

As a CSI, you must also be flexible and willing to work variable hours in potentially stressful or unpleasant conditions. As CSIs are often considered on call, they may be expected to have 24-hour availability to respond to crime scenes. They must also possess technical skills and the ability to operate various tools, equipment, and technology, such as computers, telephones, two-way radios, and other electronic devices.

As a physically demanding job, work as a crime scene investigator also requires a degree of visual and muscular dexterity. CSIs must be able to move their hands and arms above their shoulders; bend, stoop, and pick up materials; and distinguish the full range of the color spectrum.

Criminal justice careers can offer a solid, if not lucrative, wage. According to data from the BLS, crime scene investigators and forensic science technicians earn a median yearly salary of $60,590, with the top 10% of earners making more than $100,910. The BLS projects demand for forensic science technicians to grow by 14% between 2019 and 2029, resulting in approximately 2,400 new jobs over the next several years.

There are plenty of other options for careers in criminal justice as well. Detectives and criminal investigators who work for local governments earn an average annual wage of $77,120, while those who work for the federal executive branch of the government earn $111,880 per year, on average.

Salary varies by factors like training, work experience, education, and geography. Salary also depends heavily on a professional's agency. For example, CSIs who are employed by state and local government agencies typically earn higher wages than technicians who work at testing laboratories and medical and diagnostic laboratories.

CSIs with police academy backgrounds often earn higher annual salaries than those without experience as a police officer. Individuals with advanced degrees and certifications often benefit from higher wages than those with fewer credentials. Due to cost of living adjustments, professionals who work in metropolitan cities tend to earn more money than those who work in rural areas.

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Crime scene investigators and technicians typically work full-time 40-hour work weeks plus overtime hours. You may work a variety of shifts, including during daytime, evening, and night shifts on both weekdays and weekends. CSIs may be required to work on holidays and special occasions. As a CSI, you are often expected to be available 24/7 in order to respond to crimes that happen outside of normal business hours.

CSIs play a crucial role in helping police officers and detectives determine the events that took place during a crime. You must be credible and trustworthy. You must possess the ability to draw key conclusions, render strong opinions, and communicate effectively. CSIs must also remain calm and collected in stressful, and otherwise unpleasant, work environments.

CSIs work with diverse people at each stage of a crime scene investigation. Youll have to work with police officers, detectives, and other law enforcement personnel at active crime scenes. Youll work collaboratively with other investigators and technicians at laboratories. You will also work closely with lawyers and other experts during criminal trials. Additionally, you will have to cooperate with medical examiners, pathologists, and coroners during autopsies and postmortem examinations.

According to the BLS, crime scene investigators earn, on average, about $60,590 annually. Those in the top 10% of the earnings range make more than $100,910 annually.

No, you do not need to become a police officer in order to become a crime scene investigator. Many crime scene investigators come from diverse backgrounds. A crime scene investigator typically needs to have a degree in a natural or forensic science field, like chemistry or biology, or a degree related to the study of crime, such as criminology or criminal justice.

In order to become a detective, you must first become a police officer. However, crime scene investigators do not have to be police officers prior to becoming crime scene investigators. Detectives gather evidence from the scene of the crime. This evidence is then processed by crime scene investigators, who analyze it in order to reach a scientific conclusion regarding that piece of evidence.

View original post here:
Crime Scene Investigator: Career Guide - Criminal Justice Degree Schools

Edmonton police detective who missed body at double homicide scene …

Breadcrumb Trail Links

Paul Kelly has been demoted to constable after a disciplinary hearing found he overlooked a body while searching the basement of a rooming house that was the scene of two homicides

Published Feb 12, 2023 5 minute read

An Edmonton police detective who failed to find a body while searching a homicide scene then tried to pin blame on other officers has narrowly avoided being fired.

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Paul Kelly, a one-time detective with the Edmonton Police Service crime scene investigation unit, has been demoted to constable after a disciplinary hearing found he overlooked the body of Blayne Burnstick while searching the basement of a notorious rooming house that was the scene of two homicides.

Sign up to receive the daily top stories from the National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

More significantly, Kelly filed what the hearings presiding officer described as conspiracy-like complaints against two fellow officers who Kelly believed played a role in the investigations failings.

The disciplinary case is interwoven with three homicide trials, as well as explosive allegations brought by another former police detective who claimed senior EPS officers tried to insulate notorious landlord Abdullah Shah from prosecution.

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Burnstick was shot to death in the basement of 11119 94 St., a rooming house owned by an associate of Shah. Also known as CarmenPervez, Shah once owned a large number of rental properties in inner city Edmonton and served jail time for mortgage fraud. He was facing drug trafficking charges when he was shot todeath outside his home last March in a homicide that remains unsolved.

Burnstick, a 25-year-old from Alexander First Nation, was visiting the94 Street house onSept. 12, 2017, with two friends who intended to buy drugs from the tenant, 76-year-old Nexhmi Nuhi.

During the deal, a man allegedly burst into the suite and began beating Burnsticks friends with a pistol. The friends ran off, leaving Burnstick, Nuhi and a woman named Nicole Loewen alone with the attacker, who allegedly shot Burnstick in the head after he commented on the violence.

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

The man accused of firing the shot, Edward Piche, was cleared of charges in 2021 after thetrial against him fell apart over issues with Loewens memory of the shooting.

Burnsticks friends believed they had been set up by Nuhi and plotted revenge. They returned to the rooming house the next day and shot Nuhi through the basement door with a sawed-off shotgun.Jared Bird and Cecil Tompkins later pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the killing and were sentenced tofive-and-a-halfand six years inprison, respectively.

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Kelly and his two-member CSI unit were called to the scene on Sept. 13, 2017, and spent two hours processing the basement. Despite being an experienced officer with 4,500 CSI files under his belt, Kelly failed to find Burnsticks body, which had been duct-taped and stuffed in a trash bag a few feet from where Nuhi fell. The body remained there until Sept. 18, 2017, when the landlord returned to the property.

Chief Dale McFee later charged Kelly with 14 counts of misconduct under the Police Act, including counts of neglect of duty, deceit and discreditable conduct.

During his hearing, Kelly admitted he did not follow standard procedures for the search, but rather tailored his methods based on what he was typically asked about in court. He said he had concerns about violating the terms of the warrant, as well as the privacy of the houses surviving residents.

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Kelly added the suite was filled with garbage bags and asked if he opened one, where would he stop?

Fred Kamins, the retired RCMP officer who presided over the hearing, replied, The answer to his rhetorical question to my mind would be when you were done.

After realizing he had missed Burnsticks body, Kelly tried to pin some of the blame on two members of the homicide team, who he claimed failed to pass along important information. He filed formal complaints against them in 2018.

Kamins said those complaints were unfounded and dangerously close to outright fabrication. He convicted Kelly of 10 of the 14 counts last November. Kelly has since been suspended without pay.

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Prior to the Police Act charges being laid, Kelly worked with then-detective Dan Behiels on a joint EPS/Canada Revenue Agency investigation into Shah. While Shah and several associates were identified as persons of interest, prosecutors ultimately opted not to pursue charges, leading Shahs lawyer to accuse Behiels of conducting a witch hunt.

Behiels later leaked investigative details of the aborted probe to CBC. He admitted his misconduct in a letter to McFee dated Jan. 24, 2021, claiming senior members of the EPS engaged in corrupt acts that effectively insulated Shah from investigation and prosecution.

In the same letter, Behiels speculated about the failure of the EPS/CRA investigation, claiming the process used to lay the Police Act charges against Kelly was unusual and suggesting the probe failed because the Crown did not want to proceed with charges given Kellys disciplinary issues.

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

The Calgary police anti-corruption unit investigated Behiels claims and found no criminality or evidence of corruption by the EPS and its members, an EPS spokesperson said in 2021. Behiels has since been suspended.

Behiels allegations were addressed briefly during Kellys hearing, with EPS lawyer Megan Hankewich dismissing them as having no evidentiary support.

Hankewich urged Kamins to fire Kelly, arguing the deceit convictions restrict his ability to give evidence in court.

She noted a false accusation from a police officer can quickly lead to a wrongful conviction, and noted the difficulty of rehabilitating someone who knew what they were to do but chose not to do it.

Kellys lawyer, Dan Scott, argued for a significant demotion, noting Kelly has shown remorse and intends to apologize to the officers he accused. Since his transfer from CSI, Kelly has become a valued part of an investigative response team, given evidence in court and earned a commendation for his work on a complex sexual assault file, Scott said.

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Scott also submitted more than a dozen letters of support from fellow officers indicating their willingness to work with Kelly.

Kamins agreed demotion was the proper punishment, reducing Kelly from detective to constable and prohibiting him from promotion for five years. Kelly will miss out on about $100,000 in pay during that period, and more if he is not promoted.

Scott declined to comment pending discussions with his client. Edmonton Police Association president Curtis Hoople also declined comment, as did Loretta Burnstick, Blayne Burnsticks mother.

jwakefield@postmedia.com

twitter.com/jonnywakefield

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notificationsyou will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Excerpt from:
Edmonton police detective who missed body at double homicide scene ...

Crime Scene Investigation: 6 Strategies For Successful CSI

Crime Scene Investigation: 6 Strategies For Successful CSI

The investigation is an inquiry done by anyone to reveal the truth. Crime scene investigation (CSI) refers to an inquiry done by the government officers mostly police to reveal the truth and bring justice to the victim. It is done in cases of criminal activity. Police have full authority to question any person so that the truth can be verified and revealed in the court of law.

Crime, clue, and criminals all three meet at one point i.e., at a Crime scene. It is where a criminal demonstration occurs. Consequently, it contains records of past occasions and is a beginning stage for the crime scene investigation, since it will set up and demonstrate what occurred at the hour of the commission of the offence and will assist with distinguishing the criminal by the crucial confirmations found at this spot.

A crime scene investigation is a long and repetitive procedure that includes intentional documentation of the conditions at the scene and the assortment of helpful proof that might light up what occurred and point to who did it. The area of the event cant be restricted to one spot as it were. The number of crime scenes may differ as indicated by the method of crime.

There could be essential, auxiliary, and regularly tertiary crime scenes. For example, a guilty party may kidnap a person from one area (essential crime scene), transport the victim (the vehicle being an optional crime scene) to commit crime at another area, and afterwards, arrange off the body at a fourth crime scene.

During the crime scene examination (CSI), the specialist must follow key standards of examination i.e., Principle of exchange also known as Locards exchange principle. As there is no ideal crime as indicated by Locards conviction, the criminal will leave evidence of his/her presence and like savvy, he will take evidence with him and in this manner, a cross-move of evidence happens.

This can furnish a chance to interface suspect with the crime scene giving appropriate assortments and assessments are made of the scene, casualty, and suspect.

Any place he steps, whatever he contacts, whatever he leaves, even unwittingly, will fill in as a quiet observer against him. His fingerprints or his impressions, however his hair, the strands from his garments, the glass he breaks, the apparatus mark he leaves, the paint he scratches, the blood or semen he stores or gathers etc.

This is proof that remembers. It isnt confounded by the fervour existing apart from everything else. It isnt missing on the grounds that human observers are. It is real proof. Physical evidence cant be right, cant lie and cant be entirely missing. Just human inability to discover, examine and comprehend it can lessen its worth.

A few instances of exchange between Scene, Suspect, and Victim:-

Consequently, for a fruitful examination, a legitimate crime scene search is vital which exceptionally relies upon appropriate treatment of the crime scene and preparing of the evidence. The job of forensic science administrations begins at the crime scene with the recuperation of physical evidence.

It continues with its examination and the assessment of the outcomes in a lab, and the introduction of the discoveries to judges, investigators, legal advisors, etc. needing the genuine data. Therefore forensic science depends on the confirmations recovered from the crime scene.

Physical evidence comprises of any articles that can be valuable to demonstrate or refute a reality under scrutiny or to assess the example of occasions that happened at the hour of the commission of a crime or essentially saying any item that can interface a crime and its casualty or a crime and its culprit.

An agent can adequately utilize the physical confirmations that he appropriately remembers from the crime scene. As it is a pivotal connect to arrive at the lawbreaker so it assumes a basic job in effectively comprehending the case.

In this manner, the methodology of physical evidence should be objective, exhaustive, and mindful. They can recount to a genuine story of the crime scene in the event that they are appropriately overseen and analyzed cautiously. Physical clues of information at first however, unessential may get urgent to fruitful goals of the case.

Evidence can come in any structure. Some run of the mill sorts of proof that an examiner may discover at a wrongdoing scene incorporates:

It is hard to disclose the specific handling that will be utilized at each crime scene. Every crime scene is extraordinary and may require an alternate way to deal with preparing the scene. Anyway, there is a fundamental crime scene convention that ought to be clung to in all crime scenes. These essential advances or assignments are as per the following:

As said above by locards trade standard about the cross-exchange of evidence from or to the scene, casualty, and criminal. Therefore, anybody entering the crime scene can modify the evidence at the scene.

It is, subsequently, the duty of the primary official showing up on the crime scene to find a way to ensure and make sure about the quick region of the crime as well as the zone to the best degree conceivable including conceivable passage and leave focuses, so it is important to close off a region bigger than the underlying extent of the crime scene with a view that the limits can be decreased in size whenever required.

Not exclusively does making sure about the scene protect significant evidence it also helps in distinguishing proof of expected suspects/observers by dispensing with the chance of these individuals leaving/entering before authorities have the scene completely systematic. An investigator should make the accompanying strides while making sure about the wrongdoing scene:-

The reason for this progression is to make a perpetual record of the crime scene in its unique expression that will permit further to reproduce an exact perspective of the crime scene, which can help in the further examination and furthermore whenever required for introduction in official courtrooms. The recording should most ideal be like photography, sketching, and notes.

It is an ideal approach to portray the narrative of the crime scene. Crime scene photography is commonly intended to make a precise, point by point, and honest picture of the scene. Shooting can give productive data just in the event that it is done in an unaltered condition.

Along these lines, photos of each article ought to be taken from every single essential edge before contacting or moving a solitary bit of evidence except, if in any case required in the event of some harmed individual. The point is to record a limit of helpful data that will empower the watcher to get where and how the crime was submitted.

All sections and leave purposes of the crime scene must be captured to give a thought on how one can approach the crime scene. In wrongdoing scene photography there are three general positions or perspectives which are vital:-

Photo of the casualtys body position and area comparative with the whole scene should likewise be taken from different angles. Confirmations like wounds if any on the body and the weapon should be taken close range.

Photos as one strategy for recording ought to likewise be upheld by appropriate sketching of the scene. The objective is to show the general design of the crime scene or to recognize the specific situation of the expired casualty or evidence inside the crime scene.

In this way, a sketch of the wrongdoing scene demonstrating the detail of terrifically significant confirmations with separation and area corresponding to each other can be a decent type of record.

It might demonstrate precision like tallness of the door jamb, good ways from the window to the entryway, separation of the weapon from casualty, and so on. Certain significant focuses to be thought of while making a sketch are:-

They incorporate a detailed portrayal of the scene. Notes should cover the accompanying parts of the wrongdoing scene:

Crime scene examination incorporates taking observer articulations to prove with physical evidence gathered at the crime scene. A specialist should search for a conceivable observer that would help and give more insights to the crime. They ought to be approached to review everything saw during the occurrence and furthermore for the ID of criminal.

Crime scene search is made to distinguish and make sure about the confirmations and furthermore to have some vision about the occasions that happened. Recuperating physical evidence during examination is one the most significant viewpoint so for this, an orderly hunt is profoundly imperative to guarantee that nothing of physical evidence is left.

The decision to search techniques utilized will rely upon the kind of the crime, its area and size, and the number of people present. Most ordinarily utilized pursuit strategies are line or strip, lattice, winding, zone, and wheel techniques.

Line:- Usually used to cover enormous open zones. Searches line up equal normally an arm good ways from one another and continue their hunt along the tracks equal from one side of the scene.

Grid:- Variation of a strip search strategy yet additionally done in inverse ways. It is viable however tedious.

Zone:- Crime scene is isolated into little square zones or zones and each zone is inspected completely.

Spiral:- The inquiry may begin at some external point and move along the way of the winding until they arrive at the focal point of the crime scene.

Wheel:- Scene is set apart as a circle and the inquiry begins from the middle and continues along the radii of the circle.

This is one of the important strides in Crime scene investigation because every physical evidence seen at a crime scene needs to be dealt with by collecting and pacing it cautiously because any change in the evidence could mislead in the investigation.

Henceforth it would be productive if the philosophy for the assortment and pressing of the physical proof is with the end goal that its trustworthiness is kept up so evidence gathered are additionally held in its unique condition.

Every physical evidence collected must be kept intact and named so that no evidence is lost.The distance between the evidence must be maintained to avoid contamination with date, time, area, item, case number printed on it.Sealing is done by the examiner.

Some usually encountered evidence is collected and packed in the following manners:-

After collecting the evidence ought to be appropriately fixed by the examiner and an example of seal impression be additionally sent alongside the displays to the lab by an approved errand person. It ought to be joined by an approved letter of the court mentioning the research facility for the assessment of the shows. Control tests ought to likewise be sent alongside the displays.

The coherence of ownership or chain of guardianship must be set up at whatever point proof is introduced in court. The court will require confirmation that proof gathered during an examination and the proof at last submitted to the court is indeed the very same.

To demonstrate that the uprightness of the physical evidence has been kept up, a chain of custody must be kept up. This chain shows that who had contact with the evidence, at what time, and under what conditions.

Accordingly, the following kinds of data are expected to build up the chain of custody:-

This data serves to demonstrate the chain of guardianship to the court and helps with conceding the things into evidence.

Read the original here:
Crime Scene Investigation: 6 Strategies For Successful CSI

What is Crime Scene Investigation? – Learn.org

The popularity of television crime dramas has made CSI, or crime scene investigation, a household term. Crime scene investigation involves collecting, preserving, and analyzing evidence and other data found at crime scenes. Forensics experts who participate in these processes play vital roles in the legal system.

The term 'crime scene investigation' has become largely recognizable, thanks to pop culture and television media. Crime scene investigation often referred to as CSI, involves collecting, preserving, documenting, and analyzing evidence found at crime scenes. Forensics, the application of science in the legal realm, plays a big role in crime scene investigation and a number of forensic professionals are involved in the process.

While the TV drama version of crime scene investigation involves expensive, high-end equipment, real-life investigators generally work with limited budgets and must rely on their creativity to get the job done. On-screen depictions of crime scene investigation also occasionally skew the reality of working in the field by misrepresenting the career profiles of real-life professionals.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Forensics experts are responsible for two main tasks: retrieving and processing evidence found at crime scenes and acting as expert witnesses. The first of these tasks involves studying physical evidence, analyzing clues recovered from crime scenes, and drawing conclusions based on evidence and one's expertise. The second part of a forensic expert's job requires communicating his or her complex findings to judges and juries in understandable terms.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, http://www.bls.gov), the employment of forensic science technicians was expected to increase by 11% from 2021-2031, which is significantly faster than average.

Visit link:
What is Crime Scene Investigation? - Learn.org