CRJ 311: Forensics The Work and Training of a CSI
Study of forensic investigation and CSI training requirements.
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Work and Training 1
The Work and Training of a CSI
Sandy Diaz (Echon)
CRJ 311: Forensics
Jennifer Maloon
April 18, 2011
Discuss the history, training, and duties of a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI). In your answer,
describe the evolution of forensic science and the significant contributions made by pioneers in
the field. Also, explain the education and skills required to become a CSI and the challenges they
face in this profession. Reflect on how advancements in forensic science, such as DNA profiling,
have changed the way crime investigations are handled today.
Word Count Requirement: 1000-1200 words.
The Work and Training of a CSI
Sandy Diaz (Echon)
CRJ 311: Forensics
Jennifer Maloon
April 18, 2011
Discuss the history, training, and duties of a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI). In your answer,
describe the evolution of forensic science and the significant contributions made by pioneers in
the field. Also, explain the education and skills required to become a CSI and the challenges they
face in this profession. Reflect on how advancements in forensic science, such as DNA profiling,
have changed the way crime investigations are handled today.
Word Count Requirement: 1000-1200 words.
Work and Training 2
I am going to start by telling you what is a CSI (Crime Scene Investigator) and how it
became a part of our life style in the work force today. Also I am going to inform you what it
takes to be a CSI. A CSI is a professional who is trained to analyze crime scenes, collect
evidence, process that evidence, and return reports which can be used by law enforcement
officials and members of governments (Saferstein, 2010). It takes time such as days, weeks,
months, or years to have all evidence processed, victims and witnesses questioned, interrogate
suspects, carry out search warrants, and testify in court. Each one of these tasks is usually
carried out by specific persons within a team (www.all -about-forensic-science.com).
The word "forensic" is rooted in Latin meaning before the forum; this refers to the
Roman custom of arguing criminal cases before a public forum. Today, forensics similarly
refers to the presentation of supporting evidence in court during criminal trials (Dillman).
Now that I have told you a little about what a CSI is, I want you to know what exactly it
takes to become one. You are not just working in a lab but you are also working out in the field.
It can become very physical and very demanding. “The crime scene investigator oversees
complex crime scene investigations, including but not limited to homicides, sexual assaults,
armed robberies, home invasions, and property crimes such as burglaries. Approximately 70% of
the incumbent's time is spent processing crime scenes, packaging and transporting evidence,
attending and photographing autopsies and attending briefings and conferences with the police
agencies requesting assistance. The remaining time is spent preparing investigative reports,
testifying in court, receiving continuing education, instructing classes and maintaining equipment
in a state of readiness” (Lotter, 2009).
I am going to start by telling you what is a CSI (Crime Scene Investigator) and how it
became a part of our life style in the work force today. Also I am going to inform you what it
takes to be a CSI. A CSI is a professional who is trained to analyze crime scenes, collect
evidence, process that evidence, and return reports which can be used by law enforcement
officials and members of governments (Saferstein, 2010). It takes time such as days, weeks,
months, or years to have all evidence processed, victims and witnesses questioned, interrogate
suspects, carry out search warrants, and testify in court. Each one of these tasks is usually
carried out by specific persons within a team (www.all -about-forensic-science.com).
The word "forensic" is rooted in Latin meaning before the forum; this refers to the
Roman custom of arguing criminal cases before a public forum. Today, forensics similarly
refers to the presentation of supporting evidence in court during criminal trials (Dillman).
Now that I have told you a little about what a CSI is, I want you to know what exactly it
takes to become one. You are not just working in a lab but you are also working out in the field.
It can become very physical and very demanding. “The crime scene investigator oversees
complex crime scene investigations, including but not limited to homicides, sexual assaults,
armed robberies, home invasions, and property crimes such as burglaries. Approximately 70% of
the incumbent's time is spent processing crime scenes, packaging and transporting evidence,
attending and photographing autopsies and attending briefings and conferences with the police
agencies requesting assistance. The remaining time is spent preparing investigative reports,
testifying in court, receiving continuing education, instructing classes and maintaining equipment
in a state of readiness” (Lotter, 2009).
Work and Training 3
The CSI works at the office of his or her job assignment Monday through Friday, which
is normally an 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and must accept scheduled after-hours standby duty every
other week. When on call, the crime scene investigator must be readily available by pager or
phone at all times to respond to requests for service. In addition to the standby duty, the officer is
expected to respond to emergency calls whenever necessary 24 hours a day (www.Feinc.net/CSI-
desc.htm).
Crime scene searches are often performed by extensive kneeling, stooping, reaching and
climbing. The CSI will handle objects of varying weight and shape and must, therefore, be in
good physical condition. The patrolman is also required to carry firearms and may use assigned
firearms and other weapons in performance of his or her police enforcement responsibilities.
“Also, the police enforcement responsibilities may include occasional physical labor and
endurance and be hazardous with regard to the physical and mental well-being of the incumbent”
(www.Feinc.net/CSI-desc.htm).
However, with this in mind, the officer must keep safety in mind, use good judgment, and
arrive at the scene as quickly as possible. She/he also has to keep any issued equipment clean and
in ready-to-use at all times. The CSI has authority to determine the extent and nature of the
services needed at the crime scene. This includes what technical procedures to follow and what
specialized equipment, lighting, auxiliary power, etc. to use. One of the greatest challenges in
this line of work is to apply the expertise in crime scene evidence identification and processing
with the ultimate goal of successful prosecution of the offender in a court of law.
Once I have read about what a crime scene investigator is and what type of work was
involved I wanted to dig a little deeper to see how it all began. As I was doing my research I had
The CSI works at the office of his or her job assignment Monday through Friday, which
is normally an 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and must accept scheduled after-hours standby duty every
other week. When on call, the crime scene investigator must be readily available by pager or
phone at all times to respond to requests for service. In addition to the standby duty, the officer is
expected to respond to emergency calls whenever necessary 24 hours a day (www.Feinc.net/CSI-
desc.htm).
Crime scene searches are often performed by extensive kneeling, stooping, reaching and
climbing. The CSI will handle objects of varying weight and shape and must, therefore, be in
good physical condition. The patrolman is also required to carry firearms and may use assigned
firearms and other weapons in performance of his or her police enforcement responsibilities.
“Also, the police enforcement responsibilities may include occasional physical labor and
endurance and be hazardous with regard to the physical and mental well-being of the incumbent”
(www.Feinc.net/CSI-desc.htm).
However, with this in mind, the officer must keep safety in mind, use good judgment, and
arrive at the scene as quickly as possible. She/he also has to keep any issued equipment clean and
in ready-to-use at all times. The CSI has authority to determine the extent and nature of the
services needed at the crime scene. This includes what technical procedures to follow and what
specialized equipment, lighting, auxiliary power, etc. to use. One of the greatest challenges in
this line of work is to apply the expertise in crime scene evidence identification and processing
with the ultimate goal of successful prosecution of the offender in a court of law.
Once I have read about what a crime scene investigator is and what type of work was
involved I wanted to dig a little deeper to see how it all began. As I was doing my research I had
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Document Details
University
Ashford University
Subject
Criminal Justice