The Job of a CSI

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Crime scene investigators work at crime scenes. Their primary responsibility is to investigate crimes by carefully collecting and analysing physical evidence. The evidence they are looking for could be hair, tissue, or body fluids from a crime victim. Then, they perform tests on items found at a crime scene and share the results in a written report. A CSI may photograph evidence, create a drawing of the crime scene, and write down detailed information about the crime scene itself. Finally, they analyse all of the evidence to provide accurate information that may help to convict or acquit a person of a crime.

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Candidates interested in becoming a CSI must typically possess a bachelor’s degree in an area of science, such as biology or chemistry. They should be aware that they will be responsible for overseeing disturbing crime scenes so they should be ready to deal with such stressful environments. CSIs must be in good health and physically fit, as they must often kneel, reach, climb, stretch, and carry heavy objects to process a crime scene. CSIs must be meticulous about detail, as well as know how to properly collect and store the evidence they collect. They must be able to prepare forms, reports, and other written documentation about their findings.

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CSIs generally go through on-the-job training once they have been hired. A newly-hired CSI typically works with an experienced CSI. As an assistant, the rookie CSI’s training may include photography, death scene processing, fingerprint processing, and blood spatter analysis.

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Crime scene investigators usually start their career as police officers, detectives or criminal investigators. CSIs must have strong computer skills and communication skills, and they must work well with others.

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The US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) reports that as of 2015, detectives and criminal investigators earn an average annual salary of $77,210. However, salary may vary according to factors such as education, experience, and geographic location.

 

Adapted from criminaljusticedegreeschools.com