Crime Scene Investigator
Crime Scene Investigator
Job Description
This is a very popular criminal justice career right now most likely due to the amount of television shows currently on the air that are about life as a CSI (CSI, CSI Miami, CSI New York, etc.). These television shows are bringing a new level of awareness to how science is being applied in crime labs across the country. Of course, don’t necessarily expect all of the sensational things to occur as you become a crime scene investigator, but you can definitely expect some interesting work in the field of science.
As you might expect this field is particularly demanding from a mental standpoint. It takes a good love of math and science in order to excel as a crime scene investigator. If you do not like either of these subjects, this is probably not a great career choice for you.
The tasks that are requested of a crime scene investigator vary pretty wildly depending on the department or agency that you are working for but in general it will involve things like:
- Processing the Crime Scene – an organized approach to conducting a search.
- Crime Scene Recognition – come up with a plan for processing the scene.
- Scene Documentation – prepare written notes, sketches, and take photographs.
- Evidence Collection – this is really all about the proper handling of evidence.
This job is an incredibly important part of our criminal justice system. If it is done correctly we can make sure that we bring the right people to justice and enable the smooth completion of the legal process. If it is not done correctly it can lead to wrongful incarcerations and all kinds of legal battles.
Requirements
In most areas of the country, becoming a crime scene investigator comes with several educational and professional requirements. It is generally true that you will need a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a special focus on forensic science. This is not a hard and fast requirement but is generally preferred. A bachelor’s degree in any field of study will generally be mandatory. In addition, each agency or department will have a set of tests for you to pass which could range from the standard physical and civil exams to more detailed scientific exams.
Job Outlook
This field is growing in popularity, but like most careers in criminal justice the demand is also growing for CSI professionals. The U.S. Department of Labor (Bureau of Statistics) has listed forensic science as one of the fastest growing occupations. There really hasn’t been a better time to consider a career in forensic science.
University of Phoenix - The University of Phoenix is the best known online education resource in the world. They offer numerous options for students looking to further a career in criminal justice: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice Administration, B.S. in Organizational Security Management, & Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Saint Leo University offers Criminal Justice degrees at all levels in order to accommodate first time undergrads, or working professionals seeking to advance in their careers. Individuals with a Criminal Justice degree could work in several areas including law enforcement, crime scene investigation, legal studies, and more.
Post University Online - Bachelor's Degree. At Post University Online, students could earn their degrees completely online, with no interference in their current careers. They offer a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree that will provide students with an understanding of the way the criminal justice and juvenile justice system works, the legal framework in which the system operates, and other concepts and skills needed for a number of criminal justice careers.
Rasmussen College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Rasmussen College is a well-respected online college that offers an intense curriculum designed to meet the growing need of professionals in the criminal justice field. Degree offerings include: A.A.S. in Criminal Justice, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Corrections, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Evidence, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement, B.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Client Services & Corrections, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Criminal Offenders, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security, and B.S. in Criminal Justice - Investigations/Law Enforcement.
American Intercontinental University - With a top notch criminal justice financial aid program and military degree program, American Intercontinental University online is a top rated criminal justice college. Degree options include: B.S. in Criminal Justice: Forensic Science, B.S. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, B.S. in Criminal Justice: Special Populations. Students graduating from American Intercontinental University leave the chance to impact their profession immediately with a number of career opportunities.
Boston University - Master's Degrees. Opening windows of opportunity for their diverse student population, Boston University offers a Master's degree in Criminal Justice that will prepare students to work in a variety of settings including courtrooms, correctional facilities, and many others.
LA College - Associate's Degrees. Helping students each step of the way towards their career in Criminal Justice, LA College offers an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice that will help students get their foot in the door for jobs in the law and justice field.
Herzing University - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. With an increase in demand for those in the criminal justice field, Herzing University has provided exemplary programs that will provide students with the knowledge and skills to obtain respected positions in their communities. They offer an Associate's and Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice for students seeking entry to mid-level positions in the criminal justice field.
Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Virginia College offers three different degree levels in Criminal Justice for those interested in pursing a degree in the criminal justice or legal studies field. Their courses are ideal for students of any age, from those who are first-time undergrads to those who have been working in the field for years.
Everest University Online - With a career-oriented focus, Everest University Online is one of the best criminal justice programs for those looking for practical job skills that employers know and respect. Everest offers a B.S. in Criminal Justice, & M.S. in Criminal Justice.
Colorado Technical University - Colorado Technical University online is the best criminal justice college for those seeking the ability to learn from anywhere, as it is one of the top online universities in the country. Graduates will leave with an A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice, or a M.S. in Criminal Justice.
Liberty University - Because of top placement after graduation, Liberty University is an education center that prepares you for success. It offers a Associate's of Arts (A.S.) in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice.
