Does watching television’s #1 CSI Gil Grissom in action make you think, “Hey, I could do that”? The different TV shows featuring crime scene investigators (CSIs) have put the profession in the spotlight—and made it appealing and sexy to viewers. But what does it actually take to become a CSI?
What do CSIs do?
Crime scene investigators, also known as forensic science technicians or forensic investigators, collect, preserve and analyze the evidence found at a crime scene. They do this to help reconstruct the events that led to the crime. CSIs prepare the necessary documentation and reports related to the evidence gathered from crime scene investigations. When necessary, they testify in court as expert witnesses. However, there are variations in crime scene investigator duties and responsibilities. Some CSIs get called to crime scenes, while others work with evidence in the lab.
The qualities of a good crime scene investigator do include keen observational skills. In addition, CSIs need to be methodical, thorough and analytical. If you’re thinking about being a CSI, meticulous documentation is important, as well as the ability to interpret scientific evidence. CSIs who work at crime scenes must be able to handle stress. Serving as an expert witness involves a different kind of stress, and requires good communication skills. Use these tips to learn how to become a crime scene investigator.
Education and Training
Becoming a CSI requires a bachelor’s degree (BA) in forensic science or a related science field such as chemistry or biology. Find a respected university or community college that offers courses in criminology, forensic science, forensic chemistry, computer forensics, forensic psychology or forensic photography. Going on to get a master’s degree (MA) or PhD in forensic science can increase your competitiveness in the job field and qualify you as a specialist. For instance, some CSIs become experts in DNA analysis, blood splatter evidence, firearms and ballistics, or finger printing.
It is important to note that not all CSI jobs require you to complete a four-year program. Some CSIs start as police officers before taking the necessary courses to become full-fledged CSIs. In either case, CSIs typically start work under the supervision of a more experienced forensic technician.
Job Prospects and Salary
Advances in scientific knowledge and computer analysis have already made forensic science an important component of the criminal justice system, and reliance on this science is expected to increase. This means that there should be an increase in the number of jobs for CSIs. Most jobs will be with state government agencies such as crime labs.
If you want to become a crime scene investigator, you should know that as of 2010, the mean annual wage for CSIs was $55,000. Those working for federal government agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF), had a mean annual wage of $96,000; this is a much smaller pool of employees.
A CSI’s job is to uncover the truth by evaluating the evidence collected from the crime scene. CSIs use various tools and techniques to reconstruct events. Depending on the evidence they collect, CSIs have the ability to tell the story of victims of various crimes, uncover mysteries and either put a person in jail or set a person free with their expert testimony. There’s more to becoming a CSI than what you see on television every week. It is not a career for the faint of heart. But if you are up for a challenge, being a crime scene investigator is a personally rewarding job.