Being a Crime Scene Investigator
Being a Crime Scene Investigator
Zelda M. Kier
Everest Online University
Being a Crime Scene Investigator Known also as an evidence technician, crime scene technician, forensic investigator, criminalist officer, and crime scene analyst, a crime scene investigator has quite a busy life. The importance of this job sits high at the top of the list, giving each individual the greatest responsibility possible. There is little room for error when it comes to the critical tasks that a crime scene investigator encounters on a day-to-day basis. From securing and sketching the crime scene to taking photographs and packaging evidence, the duties involved in this exciting career are never-ending. Keeping in mind the qualifications resulting from great education and hands on training, the respect for a crime scene investigator comes directly and indirectly from the difficulty and seriousness of the job itself. Becoming a crime scene investigator takes much training and education. Some positions require a four-year degree while others only require a GED or high school diploma (“Becoming a crime,” 2012). It really just depends on what particular position and what setting you would like to work in. Crime scene technicians usually don’t require a lot of formal education. Most training for a crime scene investigator comes while on the job and working next to others in the field. This means a person looking to obtain the same skills would have to be a quick learner and know how to handle and follow directions with ease. Some agencies require that you be a sworn police officer but most of them do not. Spending some time as a sworn officer allows you to get some training on the crime scene and in the field. It will be very important to get as much training as possible when striving to become a crime scene investigator. Many online schools offer programs which can generally be completed in less time than a traditional school (“Becoming a crime,” 2012). Some of
Zelda M. Kier
Everest Online University
Being a Crime Scene Investigator Known also as an evidence technician, crime scene technician, forensic investigator, criminalist officer, and crime scene analyst, a crime scene investigator has quite a busy life. The importance of this job sits high at the top of the list, giving each individual the greatest responsibility possible. There is little room for error when it comes to the critical tasks that a crime scene investigator encounters on a day-to-day basis. From securing and sketching the crime scene to taking photographs and packaging evidence, the duties involved in this exciting career are never-ending. Keeping in mind the qualifications resulting from great education and hands on training, the respect for a crime scene investigator comes directly and indirectly from the difficulty and seriousness of the job itself. Becoming a crime scene investigator takes much training and education. Some positions require a four-year degree while others only require a GED or high school diploma (“Becoming a crime,” 2012). It really just depends on what particular position and what setting you would like to work in. Crime scene technicians usually don’t require a lot of formal education. Most training for a crime scene investigator comes while on the job and working next to others in the field. This means a person looking to obtain the same skills would have to be a quick learner and know how to handle and follow directions with ease. Some agencies require that you be a sworn police officer but most of them do not. Spending some time as a sworn officer allows you to get some training on the crime scene and in the field. It will be very important to get as much training as possible when striving to become a crime scene investigator. Many online schools offer programs which can generally be completed in less time than a traditional school (“Becoming a crime,” 2012). Some of
References: Max Houck, M.A.. (May 14, 2008). Crime Scene Investigator (CSI). In Explore Health Careers.org. Retrieved February 28, 2013, from http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/124/Crime_Scene_Investigator_CSI Becoming a Crime Scene Investigator. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/becomeone.html Crime Scene Investigation: Guides for Law Enforcement. (2009, July 21). Retrieved from http://www.nij.gov/topics/law-enforcement/investigations/crime-scene/guides/general-scenes/welcome.htm