Becoming a crime scene technician

The forensic science field is an ever changing discipline. With the advent of DNA, new processing techniques for latent prints, portable lasers, and elector-static dust print lifters, the training of evidence technicians has become more important than ever.

This is a field of law that is rapidly expanding, and if you are looking for a career that will allow you to combine your love of science with a passion for rooting out the truth, becoming a CSI might be for you.

Read on to learn more about becoming a crime scene investigator. Such evidence may be in the form of blood, bodily fluids, hairs, fibers, fingerprints, footprints, weapons, and items that may contain the DNA of anyone involved.

He or she will carefully take photographs and notes, documenting the crime scene. All of these things must be properly collected so as not to contaminate the evidence, packaged and preserved according to scientific standards, and documented and transported in a manner that will preserve the chain of evidence, so that it can be counted as fact during a trial.

Finally, members of a CSI team will process the evidence, documenting their findings in a clear and easy-to-understand manner for later use. However, a degree in criminal justice, with a concentration in crime scene investigation or forensics, provides a broad education in the three crucial areas of technology, forensic science, and law enforcement.

Additional Education and Experience Because this is a somewhat complex career, there are a number of steps to take on the road to becoming a crime scene investigator: Earn a degree Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in the area of Criminal Justice — with a focus on forensic science — will give you a strong foundational scientific and legal education.

Such programs involve courses in law, investigation, psychology, research, and ethics. Attend the Police Academy According to the U.

This is not necessarily a requirement in many departments, though many candidates find that law enforcement agencies in many areas hire first from their roll of current employees. Going through, and completing, a police academy program may give prospective CSIs a leg-up in their application process.

This valuable on-the-job type training is invaluable in learning about the collection and processing of evidence, and other tips, from experienced professionals. Even after being hired as a CSI, most new investigators spend time being closely supervised, before working cases independently.

This may lead to advancements in your career. Some states have their own certification process. It is important to look into this prior to applying for a position at a department in that state. Continuing Education As with many professional careers, a crime scene investigator may be required to continually update his or her knowledge.

This is because techniques and standards evolve over time. Continuing education is commonly accomplished through online classes, short-term in-person courses, seminars, and workshops.

Certificates or proof of attendance is issued for these courses, which must generally be provided to the employer. Where Can You Work as a Crime Scene Investigator Although these duties are slowly being given over to civilians with the necessary scientific background, most CSIs are still employed by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Some of the working conditions to expect include: This is a much faster growth rate than for all other occupations.Becoming a Forensic Specialist Learn to perform a wide range of detailed technical work in the collection, identification and classification of physical evidence gathered from crime scenes.

When a crime is committed, a crime scene investigation (CSI) team is called into action. CSI careers can include a variety of critical roles, such as crime scene analyst, crime laboratory analyst, criminalist and forensic scientist.

How To Become A Crime Scene Technician Environmental science and protection technicians typically need an associate’s degree or 2 years of postsecondary education, although some positions may .

We are the oldest and largest forensic association in the world. This professional forensic association represents a diverse, knowledgeable and experienced membership that are assembled to educate, share, critique and publish methods, techniques and research in the physical forensic science disciplines.

Jun 05,  · crime scene technician don't work in the lab, they only be at the crime scene.

How to Become A Crime Scene Technician, Crime Scene Technicians

IF you want to work in the lab and investiigate and analyze evidences.. then you will have to become a Status: Resolved. A crime scene technician is one of just a handful of jobs involved in the recovery of a crime scene.

According to an article published by Wisegeek, “A crime scene technician is a person who works with law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes by evaluating details left on the scene.