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Some say that the rapidly advancing technology behind crime scene investigation (CSI) has made the field a victim of its own success; even the briefest contact with an innocent individuals DNAthe genetic fingerprint found in blood, saliva, hair, skin cells, and morecan contaminate a crime scene and confuse investigators. That said, the incredible innovations in the field have been largely positive, helping law enforcement secure the evidence they need to put criminals behind bars through specimen collection, laboratory analysis, and careful documentation.

So what exactly do CSIs do? And what are some of the groundbreaking techniques that allow these professionals to help build legal cases?

According to the International Crime Scene Investigators Association (ICSIA), CSIs have a range of responsibilities such as collecting evidence (e.g., fingerprints, footwear impressions, biological samples, fibers, trace chemicals, firearms, etc.); meticulously documenting (e.g., photographing, sketching) and processing evidence; attending autopsies and investigating causes of death; liaising with law enforcement, criminal investigators, laboratory workers, pathologists, lawyers, and other medical and legal professionals; and keeping abreast of the latest techniques in the field.

While some CSIs work in law enforcement and specialize in the sensitive work of evidence collection and analysis, others are civilians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) adds that forensic science technicians, already noted as a career closely related to crime scene investigation, are detail-oriented, communicative, and flexible with scheduling as the need for delicate evidence retrieval and analyses can occur at any time. Much of the training may occur on-the-job, although some cross-disciplinary CSIs who perform laboratory work may hold advanced training (e.g., bachelors degrees) in biology, chemistry, or other natural sciences.

The International Association for Identification (IAI)the primary certifying organization for CSI professionalsreports that academic credentials vary among agencies.

In addition to obvious tactics such as DNA, fingerprint, and ballistics analysis, CSIs may also use techniques and technologies such as luminol, a fine powder which temporarily glows blue when it comes into contact with hemoglobin, one of the main components of blood. Although luminol is prone to false positives in the presence of certain compounds (e.g., urine, horseradish) and may alter DNA samples, it still can be a useful way to detect blood thats been rigorously washed out of materials, even years later.

Read on to learn more about becoming a CSI, including typical job responsibilities, salary ranges, education, and professional certification.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2017) indicates that forensic science technicians may be CSIs. Based on the data available for that profession, the outlook for the CSI career is good, with BLS data showing a 17 percent growth rate from 2016 to 2026 (BLS 2017). This growth could result in the addition of 2,600 jobs, bringing the total of all forensic science technicians in the country to 18,000. The absolute growth for CSIs specifically will be smaller, since they are only one segment, but there should indeed be career opportunities for new CSIs entering the field.

Of course, the BLS also does not track salary data specifically for CSIs, but it reports that among 15,400 forensic science technicians working in 2017, the average annual salary was $57,850.

According to the most recent salary figures presented by the BLS (2017), forensic science technicians can expect the following salary ranges:

In the majority of states, there is no legal licensing or educational requirement to work as a crime scene investigator. The one noteable exception to this fact is the state of Indiana. Indiana Law Enforcement Agency (ILEA) has certified its CSIs, requiring a minimum standard of training and experience, in addition to passing an exam.

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 144 hours of formal instruction in the field (depending on the certification level). Candidates must be employed full-time in crime scene related activities and the process involves an application and passing an examination.

The International Crime Scene Investigators Association (ICSIA) provides a CSI certification to professionals with at least two years of experience and 50 hours of crime scene processing coursework. Candidates must pass a 100-question exam and submit examples of crime scene photography as proof of experience.

Although there are varied paths to becoming a crime scene investigator, they typically involve a mix of rigorous coursework and empirical (i.e., on-the-job) training either through a law enforcement agency or various internships at companies, laboratories, and other forensic facilities.

Here is one common path to joining this exciting career on the rise:

For example,

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 fields. Some law enforcement training programs may even be offered in conjunction with a local college such as the one at Michigans

Another notable program is at the

Palm Beach State College of Lake Worth, FL provides a 64-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. With rigorous instruction in constitutional criminal procedure, juvenile justice, computer & cyber forensics, and other subjects, students are prepared to apply their newfound knowledge in on-campus intensives in Lynchburg, Virginia.

At this stage, some students may even explore internships to hone their CSI skills. Some of the most rigorous (and competitive) options offering world-class forensic training include the Central Intelligence Agency Internship Program; the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Internship Programs; and the United States Secret Service Internships.

For more information on college CSI programs, check out the online forensics programs and crime scene investigations colleges pages.

Finally, there are various professional associations for specialized CSIs such as the

For example,

Overall, qualifications will vary based on region, employing organization, and other factors. Prospective CSIs are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agencies and forensics laboratories to verify prerequisites to employment.

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CSI Requirements - How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator

In any criminal case, the most important part of asuccessful prosecution is the evidence presented.Witness testimonies are great, well-written reports are a must, and the ability to use investigative skills to piece together the puzzle and solve the crime is vital.

No matter how skilled a detective or investigator is in making the case, though, she's ultimately only as good as the evidence she can collect.If you've got an eye for detail and want to be the difference-maker in criminal cases, you'll want to know how to become a crime scene investigator.

Crime scene investigators collect and gather evidence at crime scenes. They're responsible for preserving the evidence and transporting it to the laboratory for analysis or the evidence locker for safekeeping.

They may also provide laboratory assistance and analysis, depending on their role in theiremploying agency.They work in the field and respond tocrime scenes that may range from mundane to gruesome, and are subject to call out at any time.

Crime scene investigation is a fascinating career, but it is certainly not for the faint of heart.CSI's can expect to deal with all manner of bodily fluids and biological substances, including blood, saliva, feces, and even semen.A strong stomach is a must.

Before you get too excited, realize that working as a crime scene investigator isn't quite like what you see on TV in shows like CSI.It's nowhere near as dramatic or glamorous, and while crimes seem to get solved in an hour on television, the truth is they often take days, weeks or even months to get all of the evidence gathered and analyzed to prepare a warrant for arrest, much less get a conviction.

There is a growing interest in all sorts of careers in forensic science, but the magic of television and movies have led to particularly increased attention and popularity of CSI careers, especially civilian careers in criminal justice and criminology.

What that means for anyone who wants to work as a crime scene tech is that you'll need to do your part to make yourself stand out when you hit the job market.

Most criminal justice agencies use sworn crime scene investigators, meaning that in many cases you'll need to become a police officer before you can work as a CSI.Generally, the minimum qualifications to become a police offer require you to:

Keep in mind that these are the minimum requirements for work as a police officer; just meeting these will not guarantee employment in law enforcement, much less work as a crime scene investigator, but if you don'tat least meet these, you won't have a shot at getting hired.

Civilian crime scene investigators must meet similar qualifications; however, the job market is even tougher, so there will be a greater emphasis on education and experience than there may be for their sworn CSI counterparts.

Landing a job as a crime scene investigator takes training, practice, and experience.As law enforcement specialty positions, candidates will usually need to work the streets as a patrol officer for a year or more before they can be considered for transfer to a special detail or job.

During that time, you'll want to hone the skills you learned in the police academy, particularly those that relate to criminal investigations such as lifting fingerprints, identifying and documenting evidence, and diagraming crime scenes.

For non-sworn positions, you can gain experience through internships and forensicscience and crime scene investigation certificate programs.You'll also very likely spend time apprenticing with an experienced investigator at the start to get valuable on-the-job training.

Crime scene investigators work on the front lines of forensic science to gather and collect evidence from crimes.While a lot of people tend to focus their studies on criminal justice, criminology or a generalized forensic science degree, the truth is that the emphasis in forensic science should be on the science, not the forensics.

While a degree is not necessarily required for CSI careers, you can't underestimate the benefits of a college education.If you're really interested in working as a crime scene investigator, you'll need to have a solid background in the sciences to understand the science behind evidence collection and to have a better understanding of where to find evidence, what to collect and how to analyze it.

A degree in any of the natural sciences, such as physics, biology or chemistry will give you the foundational knowledge you'll need to get started.

With a major in natural science, you'll also want to get a background in the criminal justice process, as well as knowledge of how and why crime is committed and how it is investigated.

Take courses in criminal justice, criminology and forensics, and consider minoring or earning a double major in one of thesefields.By doing so, you'll develop the keen scientific mind and the knack for criminalistics you'llneed for a successful crime scene investigator career.

Crime scene investigators need to be, in a sense, a jack of all trades.You need a range of skills to be an effective CSI, including photography, computer skills, and a detail-oriented mind.

Since you'll be working closely with detectives and investigators, you'll also need strong communication skills and the ability to speak and write clearly.You can also expect to be called to give courtroom testimony, so you'll need to be able to answer questions clearly and concisely and be able to curb your nerves.

Background Investigations for Crime Scene Investigators

Whether or not crime scene investigators are sworn police officers, they will be dealing with sensitive information and working closely with law enforcement officers.Evidence collection and preservation is an incredibly important job that requires a high level of trust.

In light of this fact, a thorough background investigation will be required that will include looking into your previous employmentand any criminal history you may haveand may include a polygraph exam, a psychological evaluation, and a physical fitness assessment.

Depending on the state, jurisdiction or even agency that you want to work for, you may need to attend a crime scene investigation academy or receive specialized training in evidence collection and preservation. Or, you may simply receive on-the-job training as you apprentice with other experienced investigators.

For holding any swornpositions, you'll need to attend a police academy and take and pass a state certification exam.In the academy, you'll learn about various crimes, what sort of evidence to look for and how to properly identify, document and collect it.

With the increased interest in all forensic careers, becoming a crime scene investigator is not an easy prospect.You'll face competition in the job market, and you'll need to be patient as you work toward your goals, especially if you have to become a police officer first.

For those with an analytical mind and a knack for fine detail, working as a crime scene investigator is an excellent opportunity to apply your skills and interests in an interesting and exciting criminology career.

Original post:
How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator

Below you will find a side-by-side comparison of crime scene investigation and forensic science. Those interested in pursuing a degree in either field should use this as a convenient reference when deciding on a course of study.

Also, a student with an undergraduate degree in biology or another natural science may be well qualified to pursue a graduate degree in forensic science.

The education requirements are generally lower for technicians than they are for investigators; indeed, a crime scene technician need only obtain a certificate in the field (instead of an undergraduate degree) before seeking employment.

A crime scene technician will likely have a limited working knowledge of forensics, although he or she will be well versed in collection techniques, criminal procedure and law, and evidence handling and storage.

A student in this field can expect to take courses focusing on criminal procedure and evidence management, as well as some courses in lab-based science.

A graduate may find employment as a crime scene investigator, who works directly with law enforcement to help uncover all relevant information about a crime in the pursuit of justice.

Students of forensic science should expect to take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, pathology, and anthropology, many of which include labs.

Forensic scientists (or forensic science technicians) generally work in a laboratory setting, handling and examining evidence and providing their findings to criminal detectives for further action, or testifying in a court of law.

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Crime Scene Investigation vs. Forensic Science

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Experience performing preliminary investigations (for example, processing crime scenes sufficient to identify, collect, and preserve physical evidence;

Genesee County Public Defender ' s Office

Batavia, NY 14020

The investigator does related work, as required. Assist in investigation of cases to include but not limited to visiting and photographing crime scenes and

$39,616 - $68,044 a year

Secures crime scenes, administers first aid, conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses and makes arrests;

$27.89 - $38.27 an hour

Skill in preparing high quality crime scene diagrams. Skill in operation, calibration and maintenance of crime scene equipment. And to push/pull items 35 lbs.

$38,781 - $60,111 a year

Examines crime scenes for evidence; Performs crime scene photography and sketching; Associate degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science or related

$48,014 - $74,441 a year

However, no substitution is allowed for the required one (1) year of crime scene investigation work experience. JOB REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Conduct and/or case manage claims and policy field investigations that include interviews, recorded statements, and

National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Conduct and/or case manage claims and policy field investigations that include interviews, recorded statements, and

$40,916 a year

Crime Scene Investigator Posting Date: The Crime Scene Investigator performs specialized technical procedures in criminal identification matters.

$22.12 - $25.44 an hour

Crime scene investigation experience preferred. International Association for Identification certification as a Crime Scene Investigator (Level I) preferred.

$47,494 - $65,850 a year

Determine the proper category for submitted forensic evidence items, such as Bomb/Arson,Criminalistics, Crime Scene Services, or Toxicology.

$19.50 - $29.25 an hour

Crime scene investigation principles and practices. Photographs major crime scenes and serious accidents. May provide training in crime scene preservation to

SAIC is seeking candidates as the Crime Scene Investigator Trainer/Mentor for our AFRICAP program in Tanzania. Minimum of 5 years of international experience.

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Crime Scene Investigator Jobs, Employment | Indeed

CSI is more than merely the title of a very popular, long running television show with spinoffs galore; it also happens to be a very viable and very popular career field. Many of those who are interested in crime scene investigation start down the path because of things read in books or seen on television or in the movies. Of course, the actual career of a CSI technician is not exactly the same as those portrayed on television, but it is still a very exciting career that calls to many and is worth exploring for those who are drawn to it.

A crime scene investigator has a number of responsibilities at the crime scene. They will walk through the crime scene, look for evidence, and collect it using a very specific methodology that protects it from contamination. A CSI may also be tasked with taking photos of the scene and making sketches for later recreation and presentation in court. Some of the types of evidence that a CSI is likely to collect at crime scenes include fingerprints, bodily fluids, and weapons. When the investigator collects the evidence, he or she is also going to catalog it when transferring it to the lab. Investigators will also have to present their findings to others on their team, to attorneys, and in trials in many cases. The work schedule of an investigator can vary. Crime never sleeps, so it is common to have to work in the evenings and on holidays.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not distinguish crime scene investigators from forensic science technicians for their data collection purposes. That being said, the BLS projects that the need for forensic science technicians will grow 17 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is more than twice the rate of growth for all occupations combined. This 17 percent growth rate represents 2,600 new jobs. While not all of these jobs will be specific to crime scene investigation, some portion certainly will.

Because of the popularity of the field, it is likely that those who enter it will find stiff competition for jobs. Those who have more education, such as a bachelors degree in forensic science or a similar field such as criminal justice, or those who have experience working with law enforcement in another capacity, may have an advantage when it comes to looking for and finding work.

The ICSIA, International Crime Scene Investigators Association states that there are approximately 450 police agencies in the country that hire full-time civilian CSIs right now, with an additional 450 that have full-time CSIs who are sworn officers. These numbers are approximations, but can be a useful place to start when thinking about the demand for this position. Other, smaller agencies may have a need for specialists, and often officers take care of many of the duties a specialist would in other locales. This means that the competition could be fierce for these jobs, so more education is always a benefit.

One of the things that most have to consider when they are looking for a new career is the salary and the potential to make a good living. According to the BLS, a forensic science technician can expect to earn a median salary of $57,850 (BLS 2017). As with most positions, salaries vary widely based on experience as well as location. The same BLS data indicates that the lowest paid 10 percent of forensic science technicians earns less than $33,880 per year while the highest paid 10 percent earns more than $95,600.

The website Payscale.com tracks salary data specific to CSIs, which is also illuminating to consider. Among the 186 CSIs reporting to the site as of 2018, the annual median salary was $43,860, while the lower 10 percent earned $29,787 and the upper 10 percent earned $72,757.

From the available data, it would appear that a CSI makes somewhat less on average than a forensic science technician. This could be based on the fact that many forensic science technicians are required to have an advanced degree while it is often possible to work as a CSI without advanced training. Of course, this comparison also does not negate the fact that CSIs working in more urban areas, or who have more experience, are likely to make more than their more rural or less experienced counterparts.

As already alluded to, there is no one-size-fits-all path to pursuing a career as a crime scene investigator. In particular, those interested in the career will need to decide whether they wish to seek a position as a law-enforcement officer or try to be hired as a civilian CSI. Below are some of the most common steps followed towards the CSI career.

Overall, the timeline to getting started in this career depends heavily on whether one chooses the law enforcement route. Indeed, because a police academy typically takes less than a year to complete, this could be the more direct route. However, earning a bachelors degree may give new CSIs an advantage in the future, should the choose to pursue other avenues of work.

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences has a number of resources for those who have an interest in the field and who are considering it as a career.

One of the skills that will be helpful to those who pursue a career as a CSI include the ability to stay calm and composed at a crime scene. Often, those who are in the field will find that they are at crime scenes that can be disturbing, and the ability to maintain professionalism is important. Attention to detail, as well as problem solving skills, are vital tools to have as well. Great communications skills written and verbal are important as well for writing reports and for speaking with others on the team, and testifying in court.

While every crime and every crime scene will be different, the reality is it is the rigorous processes put into place by investigators, including CSIs, that ensure every crime is investigated thoroughly and accurately. Some of the regular tasks and responsibilities that crime scene investigators should expect to take on include:

The tasks that a CSI will find themselves doing depends on their level of experience. New CSIs will likely spend more time physically collecting and tagging the mountains of evidence that may be found at a crime scene, or even working in the evidence storage room to ensure things are organized. With time, CSIs will spend more time on recreating crime scenes, working with detectives, and supervising evidence collection.

Law enforcement officers are subject to the own education and training requirements. For civilian CSIs, there is no specific legal requirement for certification or licensure. However, some notable organizations do offer crime scene investigation certifications that may be useful in advancing in the CSI career, including:

Again, certification is not strictly required to earn a job or a promotion in the CSI field, however it can lend credibility to a CSIs expertise and therefore may be worth pursuing after gaining some experience in the field.

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Continue reading here:
Crime Scene Investigator Careers - CSI Salary & Job Outlook