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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.

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    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) .

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    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

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