Duties and Responsibilities of a CSI
An individual who uses forensic science in order to investigate a murder scene or other type of a crime is called a CSI (crime scene investigator). As of July of 2010, this profession generates between $20,000 to $50,000 per year depending on the state the investigator works in, according to data collected by Payscale. Specific duties of a crime scene investigator include collecting physical evidence at a crime scene as well as testifying in criminal court proceedings.
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Processes a Crime Scene
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The primary responsibility of a CSI is to process a crime scene by collecting, identifying and classifying the physical evidence found at the crime scene. This entails using various types of forensics tools to collect blood samples, DNA samples, hair samples and other physical evidence in order to analyze these samples further. The CSI must wear gloves when handling these types of evidence and must put these samples into plastic bags without damaging the samples at all.
Analyzes Samples
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After enough physical evidence has been collected from a crime scene, the CSI will use sophisticated laboratory equipment in order to run a series of tests on these samples. The CSI will examine substances such as blood samples, human tissues, hair samples and other forms of physical evidence with the help of microscopes and other analyzing tools at the CSI's disposal. After performing these extensive tests, the CSI will turn in the evidence report to the CSI's supervisor so that the test results can be used in the ongoing criminal investigation.
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Testifies as Expert Witness
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When it is necessary for a CSI to attend a court proceeding in order to confirm the type of physical evidence found at a crime scene, the CSI will take time out of his or her day to arrange for this event. For example, a CSI may need to go to court to examine a defendant's handwriting techniques to evaluate whether the defendant's signature has been forged and may also testify as to how evidence was collected.
Prepares Reports
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The CSI is responsible for preparing in-depth reports on the crime scene. He or she creates and develops these reports while sorting through photographs of crime scene samples, fingerprint cards and other forms of evidence found at the crime scene. The CSI will also maintain photographic equipment to make sure that all of the photographs he or she takes do not suffer from any photographic malfunctions.
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References
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