About Crime Scene Investigators
Crime scene investigators (CSIs) will be in higher demand over the next decade according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Local and state law enforcement agencies are updating their crime labs to use the latest technology in bringing criminals to justice. The BLS states that 13,000 crime scene investigators were working in the United States in 2006. Students interested in law enforcement and forensic science can combine these talents by becoming crime scene investigators. Potential CSIs should understand, however, that the fast-paced vision of the job on TV does not reflect day-to-day realities.
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Features
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A crime scene investigator spends a small part of his day collecting evidence, taking photos and working with police after crimes are committed. Every CSI has to carry a case of bags, gloves, fingerprint dusting kits and other materials that allow for the easy retrieval of evidence. Once evidence is collected, a crime scene investigator analyzes materials like bullets and hair before creating reports used by police detectives. A CSI will spend most of his day filling out reports, storing evidence and running tests to examine scenarios that describe the crime scene. Most CSIs will be asked to testify before a court at some point in their careers to explain evidence and answer questions from test reports.
Education
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Entry-level crime scene investigators should have a bachelors of science in chemistry or biology to complete day-to-day work in crime labs. A well-rounded curriculum of biology, chemistry, law enforcement and forensic science courses can help a graduate land a job out of school. Police departments, state crime labs and federal agencies look for master's degree recipients in criminology, forensic science or an area of natural science when hiring supervisory positions.
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Benefits
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the typical crime scene investigator was paid $21.86 per hour in 2006. These wages will increase as state governments pump more money into crime labs. Local, state and federal investigators are offered great benefits like health insurance, life insurance and pensions given to public employees. The intangible benefit of working as a CSI is the opportunity to bring murderers, rapists and kidnappers to justice.
Misconceptions
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The "CSI" TV franchise on CBS has created a sexy image of crime scene investigators that has drawn many students to forensic science and criminology. These shows may have attracted great interest in the profession but the myth of a CSI on a one-of-a-kind case each day is unrealistic. Most investigators are stuck working at desks and labs all day in order to process evidence taken from crime scenes. Each piece of evidence must be documented, tagged and checked regularly to keep it viable for upcoming court proceedings. The amount of detail work done each day by a CSI may be frustrating for a law-enforcement professional looking for a piece of the action.
Considerations
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The biggest concern for young crime scene investigators is balancing ethical concerns with the desire to bring criminals to justice. CSIs must approach each case objectively and review evidence using the assumption of innocence until the suspect is found guilty. Experienced CSIs can attest to the need to separate personal biases and experiences from the details of a particular case. The best way to maintain scientific objectivity as a crime scene investigator is to restrict research to the minimum information needed to investigate a crime.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by Ian Britton (Flickr)
