Crime Scene Investigation Training
If you truly want to become a qualified crime scene investigator, you must be willing to get a formal education and undergo crime scene investigation training combined with formal education. The job of a CSI is highly technical, and you have to keep yourself abreast with the latest techniques in forensics and crime scene examination.
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The television industry has hyped the job of a crime scene investigator, but those who are in the know understand that being a crime scene investigator is not just about brandishing high-tech equipment and chasing after criminals. Crime scene investigation training involves learning how to methodically and effectively gather that will be admissible in court and be prepared for further examination by forensic scientists. When training to become a CSI, you will discover that the tasks assigned to these professionals require a thorough knowledge of crime scene protocol, collection procedures, and a high level of mental alertness. If you are an aspiring crime scene technician and your goals are rooted in using your skills to assist that part of the system that promotes justice; then you are on the right path.
To jumpstart your career, you need to gain a formal education and enroll in crime scene investigation training programs. You can get a degree in criminal justice, an applied science, a specifically tailored CSI degree, or a degree program that is relevant to the job. The most efficient route would be an associate’s degree (a 2-year program); however, it is recommended that you get a highly-targeted education by earning a bachelor’s degree (a 4-year program) if you want to gain the competitive edge. There are several crime scene investigation training programs that will give you the needed expertise in the field of CSI:
- Crime scene photography
- Impression evidence: bite marks, tool marks, tire impression, footwear impression
- Blood and other bodily fluids collection and analysis
- Fingerprints and latent fingerprints
- Analyzing and processing evidence in a laboratory
- Evidence storage management
- CSI communication: writing reports and courtroom testimonies
Even if you have already earned a degree in crime scene investigation, you can update your skill set to advance in your career by either enrolling in continuing education or signing up for advanced courses. Those who wish to take a supervisory or managerial position in a CSI unit should earn a master’s degree in crime scene investigation, criminal justice, or specifically, criminal justice or law enforcement administration. Several crime scene investigation training programs are available to practicing CSI’s; the courses are taken for the purpose of updating one’s methods or to qualify for certifications. Other training modules include the following:
- Forensic Light Source Training
- Arson Examination
- Blood Splatter Analysis
- Reconstruction of a Crime Scene
- Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Archeology
- Forensic Dentistry
- Post Blast Examination
- Sex Crime Analysis
- Traffic Accident Investigations
- Underwater/Subsurface Investigations
There are many campus and online schools that provide CSI training courses, although not all of them can provide you with the best advantages. When searching for a CSI school to enroll in, you must take into consideration the school’s CSI degree curriculum and its capability to produce employable graduates. Take some time to review your education options, request information from a variety of schools, and choose one that meets your specific needs and career goals.