Crime scene investigator

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Abstract
Crime Scene investigator occupation has been brought to the limelight thanks to a variety of TV shows, and this has led to many people developing an interest in this field of specialization. A crime scene investigator (CSI) is professional or member of the law enforcement team whose primary purpose is to identify, collect, package and preserve any physical evidence found at the crime scene. CSIs are more often mistaken to be forensic professionals as most people believe that CSIs undertake tests on the physical evidence collected which is not true. CSIs are more often asked to take the stand and testify at the hearing of the suspect to give their testimony and view on the physical evidence collected at the crime scene. There are various organizations with employment opportunities for CSIs; they include, crime laboratories, coroner’s offices, and police departments. To become a Crime investigator, there are some requirements have to be met as discussed in my paper.

Majority of these professionals have their work done the crime scene although some CSIs may carry on their work in forensic labs. They collect body fluids, hair, or tissue from the crime victim and take it to the laboratory for further analysis. This is done with the primary interest of availing accurate information on the crime which may aid in the conviction or acquaintance of an individual accused of the crime (Orr, 2015). As a CSI, one has to pay attention even to the fine details and also be able to store the collected evidence properly until analyzed.

They should also be able to prepare reports, forms or any other required document about the results obtained from the scene.
Some of the activities and duties partaken by a Crime Scene Investigator include but not limited to;
Collecting, preserving and packaging of the evidence collected
Assisting with police to secure the crime scene to eliminate the probability of evidence contamination.
Marking the crime scene
Testifying in court about the evidence collected.
Transporting the evidence collected from the crime scene to a forensic laboratory.
Given the nature of most crime scenes, a CSI should always be prepared to deal with some of the most gruesome and disturbing sights. One should have the ability to work independently and as a team. As a CSI, one should always be alert and ready to arrive at the scene of the crime when called upon regardless of what time of the day or night it is.
Individuals interested in becoming CSIs must have a bachelor degree in criminal justice or a specialty in science such as chemistry or biology. To successfully become a CSI, one should expect to follow the steps below;
Acquire a bachelor degree or attain experience in the relevant field.
Apply for any open CSIs job.
Have a background check taken together with fingerprints.
Attend an interview.
Get hired if successful.
Get on-the-job training.
The salary of a CSIs more often depends on the experience. It is a common occurrence to find employers looking for CSIs with specific experience. CSIs with at least two years’ experience earn on average $55, 641 annually, seniors with at least three years’ experience earn averagely $58, 406 annually and finally seniors with at least five years’ experience earn averagely $75, 556 annually. At the beginning of the career, CSIs may work as technicians or assistants, however as their career grows, senior CSIs with vast experience may work as crime scene leaders or supervisors of the team (Orr, 2015).Reference
Orr, T. B. (2015). Crime Scene Investigator. Cherry Lake.