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.
The report also points out: "In addition to job openings created by growth, many openings should arise from the need to replace technicians who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Read the Bureau of Labor Statistics report. This website posts job openings. There are usually about openings posted at all times.
You can read through the job openings on the employment page to see what types of jobs are available, and what the requirements are for the different positions. Some positions require you have a 4 year degree in science while others only require a GED or High School graduation.
Generally, if you want to work in a crime laboratory as a Criminalist you will need at least a 4 year degree in science such as Biology, Chemistry or Forensic Science. If you want to be a Crime Scene Technician you usually need less formal education. Some agencies require you be a sworn police officer before becoming a Crime Scene Investigator—most do not. If the position you want requires formal training then check your local colleges and universities.
Many community colleges have Criminal Justice classes that include crime scene investigations. You can also make yourself more marketable by earning a certificate or a degree in Crime Scene Investigations or Forensic Science online from a college with a respected program. Many online programs can be completed in less time than traditional campus based programs.
The availability of each program is dependant on your zip code. Not all programs are available in every location. Other related areas of study include click on the topic to see lists of online colleges and universities offering these programs :. Regardless of what the education and experience are for the job you are seeking, there are some things you can do to prepare for the job and the interview. Again, reading over the material on this website will give you some information.
Although education is an important component for achieving a career as a crime scene investigator, on-the-job training is, perhaps, just as important, as it provides individuals with real scenarios and settings.
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. Further, ongoing training programs and classes are an important part of a CSI career, and most law enforcement agencies require the completion of specific training programs throughout the year for their CSIs. Although some states have their own state certification programs that reflect state standards and minimum requirements for training and experience, many states defer to ICSIA or IAI standards for crime scene investigator certification.
Their data collection is not done in a laboratory; it is done primarily out in the field. They must travel to a crime scene to conduct their research. Crime Scene Investigators are basically highly trained forensic scientists on call. To convert a crime scene into practical evidence that law enforcement can use, a crime scene investigator must first preserve the scene, sealing it off to make sure it is not contaminated or tampered with.
If the crime scene is contaminated by a civilian or a law enforcement officer, all of the collected evidence could be considered null and void by a judge during the trial. Then, a crime scene investigator will make precise measurements and take exhaustive photographs of any possible piece of evidence for a detailed diagram of the scene. Scales are always included photographs so that the exact size of every piece of evidence is known, no matter how minuscule or seemingly unimportant.
Labels are also included in photographs to easily refer to each piece of evidence. This is all imperative for crime scene recreation and diagram drawing, which may also fall under the responsibilities of a CSI or their close counterpart, the Forensic Technician. When everything is thoroughly documented, a crime scene investigator is tasked with packaging and preserving all pieces of physical evidence.
Investigators must take extraordinary care in all facets of the job, but it may be most important here. Extremely careful collection of evidence with completely sterile equipment is imperative when it comes to the bigger picture.
If these pieces of physical evidence are not packaged and documented correctly, they could be removed from consideration during the trial. If the pieces of evidence themselves are removed from consideration, the forensic analysis of them may be removed, as well. Every CSI must be able to testify in court about the evidence collected at a crime scene. While on the stand, they have to ensure that the evidence found has not been contaminated or tampered with and they must ensure that the evidence was collected and documented correctly.
It is also important for a CSI to be able to convey complicated findings clearly and succinctly in the courtroom so that all participants understand the meaning of each piece of evidence.
If they are not able to do this, an important piece of evidence may be misunderstood by the judge or jury. One of the most important pieces of this occupation is that a CSI must look at a crime scene objectively and analytically, without allowing the disturbing environment distract him or her from collecting helpful evidence.
The gore that an investigator will almost definitely come across cannot keep them from thoroughly carrying out their duties.
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