How to Get a Job as a CSI Professional

CSI jobs are available all across the country, from rural police departments with less than 50 officers to federal agencies with thousands of employees. Depending on your preference on geographical area, your job prospects are virtually unlimited. Finding the best way to get a job as a CSI professional boils down to your ability to canvas the market. Follow these tips for finding the perfect CSI job.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

For Police Officers

1. Talk with your CO and ask about openings in the CSI department. Many CSIs are sworn officers who want to pursue a different career path. Starting out as a police officer and transferring to CSI is a great way to further your career.

2. Research other police departments in your area if you live in a large metropolitan area. If you work for the city but there are CSI openings in the county department, you might be able to get a better job there as a CSI professional.

3. Take interdepartmental courses in forensic investigation and let your department know that you are considering a job as a CSI. They will usually pay you for the training you take and it's a proactive first step.

4. Ask your CO to write a recommendation letter for you to transfer to CSI.

For Civilians

5. Get a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field (such as Criminal Justice or Chemistry) before you even start looking for CSI jobs.

6. Contact your local police department and ask about the requirements for CSI professionals. Let them know that you are currently looking for a job as a CSI professional.

7. Visit career Web sites (such as Monster and Career Builder) and look for CSI openings in your region.

8. Beef up your resume with certification courses in various CSI specializations, such as computer forensics or DNA analysis.

9. Ask for references from your trade school or university professors. Reference letters are one of the best ways to land top CSI jobs.

For Federal Agencies

10. Scout several different federal agencies for CSI jobs and get job descriptions. Different agencies offer different pay scales and fringe benefits, which should aid in your decision.

11. Ascertain the requirements for special training when it comes to CSI jobs with federal agencies. You might need to get specific certifications prior to being offered a job.

12. Visit different Web sites to check out job opportunities and application procedures for various federal agencies.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid applying for jobs until you know the specific job requirements. CSI professionals have different job titles, such as Forensic Technician or Crime Tech, so make sure you know what you are applying for.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

[ch3rry]

on 5/10/2009 One website i use for good law enforcement job opportunities is http://www.LawEnforcementCrossing.com. They only list jobs in law enforcement so your chances of success are almost guaranteed plus they dont have any annoying banner ads.

[jsanchez619]

on 10/5/2008 This is great..thanks.. I'm going to major in Criminal Justice with a minor in psycholigy.

[hungarianred]

on 5/23/2008 I have recently started a blog for people interested in beginning a job in forensics, or people who just are fascinated with crime scene work. Ill try to give you as much detailed information as I can. My blog is http://hungarianred.blogspot.com/. Thanks!