Known also as an evidence technician, crime scene technician, forensic investigator, criminalist officer, and crime scene analyst, a crime scene investigator has quite a busy life. The importance of this job sits high at the top of the list, giving each individual the greatest responsibility possible. There is little room for error when it comes to the critical tasks that a crime scene investigator encounters on a day-to-day basis.
From securing and sketching the crime scene to taking photographs and packaging evidence, the duties involved in this exciting career are never-ending. Keeping in mind the qualifications resulting from great education and hands on training, the respect for a crime scene investigator comes directly and indirectly from the difficulty and seriousness of the job itself. Becoming a crime scene investigator takes much training and education. Some positions require a four-year degree while others only require a GED or high school diploma (“Becoming a crime,” 2012).
It really just depends on what particular position and what setting you would like to work in. Crime scene technicians usually don’t require a lot of formal education. Most training for a crime scene investigator comes while on the job and working next to others in the field. This means a person looking to obtain the same skills would have to be a quick learner and know how to handle and follow directions with ease. Some agencies require that you be a sworn police officer but most of them do not. Spending some time as a sworn officer allows you to get some training on the crime scene and in the field.
Crime Scene Investigators research paper
Crime Scene Investigators work with police to individuals or groups of people suspected of a committing a criminal act. They do their job by collecting evidence and data from the crime scene. They take these items and identify, classify, and analyze them. Sometimes called forensic science technicians, these investigators are extremely important during trials. They testify based on their findings ...
It will be very important to get as much training as possible when striving to become a crime scene investigator. Many online schools offer programs which can generally be completed in less time than a traditional school (“Becoming a crime,” 2012).
Some of these programs include: Crime Scene Investigation, Forensics, Forensic Science, and Forensic Science Administration. Other areas of related study are: Criminal Justice, Criminology, Criminal Investigations, Forensic Psychology, and Computer Forensics. Each of these programs will lead you into the area to become a Crime Scene Investigator.
With completion of these programs, the expected salary of a crime scene investigator is between $27,683 and $52,471 with between 2 and 6 years of schooling and the job outlook is outstanding (Houck, 2008).
In the past, many Crime Scene Investigators were trained police officers, and today most still work out of police stations (Houck, 2008).
CSIs spend majority of their time on the crime scene handling matters such as securing the crime scene, collecting physical evidence, taking photographs, writing reports and taking detailed measurements, and even packaging evidence in preparation to be sent to the lab (Houck, 2008).
Some of the physical evidence collected includes: fingerprints and footprints, trace materials, and hair fibers found at the crime scene or on the victim’s body (Crime Scene Investigation, 2009).
Other than the crime scene, crime scene investigators also have to appear in court to report their findings as well as being in attendance while autopsies are conducted. Crime scene investigators often work long hours, are on call and their jobs consist of messy, smelly crime scenes. They have to work with different types of bodily fluids so it is important to be as careful as possible when dealing with these situations.
The job of a CSI is considered very serious and very important. Crime scene investigators should have certain skills and characteristics to perform well on the job. Reading, writing, and problem solving skills are critical, as well as active listening and good communication skills. These are important because CSIs do lots of work with others so good communication skills are key when striving to be successful. Also, when it’s time to take in any important information, every detail counts. Being an active listener pays off when minor details become part of the solution in a case.
The Essay on Forensics as a Crime Scene Investigator
Thesis Statement Forensic is a field of that deals with psychology and the law. Forensic is defined as the intersection of psychology and the law. Forensics is the application of science to questions which are of interest to the legal system. For example, forensic pathology is the study of the human body to determine cause and manner of death. Introductory Paragraph Forensics will be my area of ...
Getting Investigators also have to be dependable and able to work independently and with others to solve problems (Becoming a Crime, 2012).
Teamwork is critical so an investigator should totally be a team player. Because the job is time consuming and tedious, a crime scene investigator must also have lots of patience (Crime Scene Investigation, 2009).
All of these qualities and characteristics make a CSI perform well and be successful with each case. Being a crime scene investigator can be a very tough job which requires lots of critical thinking.
Obtaining the right education to perform well on the job is very important to receive the highest salary possible. The tedious duties involved in this career make it an exciting one. It is exciting enough for one to work long, hard ours as well as be on call whenever needed. There is no doubt that there are a number of skills needed to excel in the career of Crime Scene Investigation. In the end, when each case nears a closing point, all of the hard work will have paid off and the great Crime Scene Investigator can go one more day proud that he has the necessary skills to perform is his career.
