The realities of becoming a Crime Scene Investigator

Before the Internet and modern day television, the general public did not have much experience with the idea of Crime Scene Investigation. The odd old movie showed a private detective at the scene of a crime, but cases always appeared to be solved based on quick and readily available facts. Unfortunately, our society has grown sophisticated in light of readily available knowledge online, and as a result the crimes being committed have become more complex. In order to solve a crime now, we need DNA samples, blood tests, fingerprints, foot imprints, and tire analysis.   The position of Crime Scene Investigator is not for everyone, but can be a fulfilling career path.

The Crime Scene Investigator is a completely new breed of examiner that has become prominent at crime scenes. Dealing specifically with the tiniest pieces of evidence, these dedicated professional’s process crime scenes and leave no stone unturned.   In addition to examining evidence, a Crime Scene Investigator will: 

• Secure the crime scene: Using yellow police tape and guards, the Crime Scene Investigator will ensure that no one is able to come into the scene and tamper with the evidence.
• Take photos of the crime scene: No part of a crime scene is left out. Documented with photographs, the evidence will remain untouched until it’s notarized and has had a photo taken of it in it’s proper placement.
• Draw Diagrams: If the crime involved a gun, the ability to predict the trajectory of a gun is vital to discovering where the shooter was and where the victim was prior to being shot. Diagrams are also drawn to show where objects were believed to have been if they were removed from the scene.
• Collecting evidence: Wearing gloves and masks, the investigator will use tiny instruments such as tweezers to gather small evidence such as hair and fibers. Using a tool that projects ultraviolent light, the investigator also scours for fluids and collects them if possible.
• Processes evidence: All evidence is processed in a lab, and the investigator will analyze DNA samples, fingerprints, nail scrapings, hair samples, and blood stains in order to put together a complete picture of the crime. These tests are done in partnership with forensic specialists.
• Speak to suspects – Occasionally a CSI will be called upon to ask pertinent questions of a suspect.
• Attend criminal trials – Due to their expert knowledge of the case, CSI’s will often be called upon to attend trials of the accused.
  

 
Becoming a Crime Scene Investigator begins with obtaining an Undergraduate Degree. The discipline of choice is often Criminal Justice, but a background in Science is very favorable, as you will be dealing in forensics. Police officers often seek out CSI positions as a promotion of their duties. On the job training is required with a field supervisor, and it can take up to a year of training before you are a full-fledged Crime Scene Investigator.

Although this sounds like a glamorous job, there are definite drawbacks to becoming a CSI. The hours are erratic, and you are often on call for 24 hours at a time. You are dealing on a daily basis with death and horrific crime, so you have to have the ability to look beyond the human component in order to solve the crime. Your attention to detail must be top notch, because if you miss a single piece of evidence you can compromise the entire case.

If you become a CSI, you will be taking this job because you want to help people, not make a huge salary. A Junior Crime Scene Investigator’s salary starts in the range of $35,000, with those in Forensics starting at approximately $45,000 per year.   If you gain enough experience and are promoted, you can become a Supervisor with a salary range of $70,000. To obtain more money in this field, you must specialize in forensics or become a medical examiner.

It’s a difficult job, and one that requires a strong will and a desire to help the public. It is a job with many rewards, but the glamour you see on television has little to do with the realities of being a Crime Scene Investigator.

Earn your Crime Scene Investigation Degree Online

Take the first step to a secure, flexible and well-paying career by enrolling in an online Crime Scene Investigation Degree Program. Whether you want to start or accelerate your career in criminal justice, explore the online certificate and degree programs below and request more information today.

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

South University

As a student in this online program, you'll focus on the criminal justice field that most interests you by selecting one of five areas of emphasis. In the Law Enforcement emphasis, you will prepare to protect the public and serve on the front lines of homeland security by learning about law enforcement operations, criminal law and investigation, and terrorism and homeland security.

• B.S. in Criminal Justice/Crime Scene Investigation

Kaplan University

Those interested in exploring a career in crime scene investigation should consider these Kaplan University CSI programs.

• B.S. in Criminal Justice/Crime Scene Investigation
• Crime Scene Technician Certificate

Everest University Online

Everest University Online's Associate of Science in Criminal Investigations program teaches students the fundamentals of crime scene investigation science and theory.

• Associate's in Criminal Investigations

Rasmussen College

The Rasmussen College Criminal Justice Associate's Degree with a specialization in Crime Scene Evidence will prepare you for a career, which will make you an expert once you enter the scene of a crime.

• Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Evidence