What Do I Need to Do to Be a Crime Scene Investigator?
If you want to become a crime scene investigator, the first thing you need to understand is that real-life forensics work bears little resemblance to the action and drama portrayed on television series such as "NCIS," "Bones" and "CSI." Crime scene investigation is a complex, detail-oriented line of work that applies rigorous scientific knowledge to the criminal justice system. Becoming a crime scene investigator requires a scientific education, an inquiring mind and good communication skills.
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Education
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The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) notes that becoming a crime scene investigator, formally known as a forensic scientist, requires a bachelor's degree at the minimum. Some positions may require a graduate-level degree. Regardless of whether you seek an undergraduate or graduate degree, it must be in a scientific field, such as biology or chemistry. According to the AAFS, a bachelor's degree program for a forensic science career should include at least 24 credit hours of biology or chemistry.
College Electives
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College degree programs enable students to select a range of elective courses based on their personal and career interests. Because crime scene investigators work in the criminal justice system, students interested in this career can use some of their elective credits to familiarize themselves with the basics of criminal justice. The American Society of Crime Lab Directors advises aspiring forensic scientists to take elective courses in criminal law, criminal justice or related subjects.
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Communication Skills
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To be an effective crime scene investigator, you must present complex scientific information in a way that police detectives, attorneys, jurors and other non-scientists can understand. Investigators write reports summarizing the results of crime lab tests and offer expert testimony in criminal trials. Therefore, you need excellent verbal and written communication skills. The AAFS recommends polishing your public speaking skills through involvement in Toastmasters or a similar organization. In addition, you should take composition courses to improve your writing abilities.
Additional Training
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Aspiring forensic scientists can expect to undergo up to two years of training on the job, according to the American Society of Crime Lab Directors. The ASCLD advises students who are interested in forensic careers to prepare themselves for the hard work involved in on-the-job training in a crime lab setting. An internship, while in college, is one way for students to get a feel for what it is like to work in a crime lab.
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