EXAM INFORMATION | |
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Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
Question Format | Multiple Choice |
Questions Per Exam | 100 |
Attempts Allowed Per Exam | 3* |
A CSI is a thorough crime scene examiner that can turn a chaotic crime scene into hard evidence. Their findings will point law enforcement officers in the right direction, and eventually, help solidify the state prosecutor’s case in court.
A Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) is in charge of extracting every possible piece of evidence from a particular crime scene. More often than not, they are employed by state or federal law enforcement, but civilians with a background in science may also be qualified for this position.
Some certifications include bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic art, latent print, and forensic photography certifications.
To convert a crime scene into practical evidence that law enforcement can use, a crime scene investigator must first preserve the scene, sealing it off to make sure it is not contaminated or tampered with. If the crime scene is contaminated by a civilian or a law enforcement officer, all of the collected evidence could be considered null ...
If the crime scene is contaminated by a civilian or a law enforcement officer, all of the collected evidence could be considered null and void by a judge during the trial. Then, a crime scene investigator will make precise measurements and take exhaustive photographs of any possible piece of evidence for a detailed diagram of the scene.
Secure crime scenes to ensure that the evidence is not tampered with or contaminated. Take careful measurements of each scene they come across. Photograph all pieces of physical evidence, making sure to include a scale to know the exact size of the object being photographed. Document and preserve all pieces of physical evidence.
Every CSI must be able to testify in court about the evidence collected at a crime scene. While on the stand, they have to ensure that the evidence found has not been contaminated or tampered with and they must ensure that the evidence was collected and documented correctly. It is also important for a CSI to be able to convey complicated findings clearly and succinctly in the courtroom so that all participants understand the meaning of each piece of evidence. If they are not able to do this, an important piece of evidence may be misunderstood by the judge or jury.
A generic version is as follows; The CSI is a support person for the investigator in charge of the case . The CSI is responsible for the thorough documentation of the scene (s) and the identification, processing and collection of physical evidence. They need to have an expertise in photography, sketching, processing for latent and patent evidence, which includes but not limited to; fingerprints, footwear impressions, trace, hair & fibers, biological fluid , including DNA potential and blood spatter pattern analysis. Other specialties may be required. The CSI needs to follow the protocol for the packaging, securing and chain of custody for the evidence collected from the scene. The CSI will attend autopsies and assist the pathologist with collection of physical evidence from the body. The CSI needs to take thorough notes to later complete a comprehensive written report. The CSI not only needs above average written communication skills they must also have good verbal skills to work as a liaison between the investigators, pathologists and prosecuting attorneys. They are required to give accurate and comprehensive testimony in a court of law. The CSI is required to work long hours, be agile and heavy lifting is required. The must be able to maintain their equipment, keep updated on all techniques and methodology, use deductive and inductive reasoning and perform a systematic search of the crime scene.
There is a difference between education and training. Training is usually offered by the law enforcement agency employing you, education is what you receive from an Academic institute. Once you have been hired by the agency they will generally provide the training required for a CSI position.
CSI stands for Crime Scene Investigator . There are several names that may apply to the same job description. These include CSI, ET (evidence technician), CST (crime scene technician), FI (forensic investigator), SOCO (scenes of crime officer), CSA (crime scene analyst), CO (criminalistics officer) and there are more not listed here. The main job of a CSI is to document, identify and collect physical evidence at a crime scene.
There are degrees and certificate programs available in CSI. There are also Criminal Justice Degrees, Forensic Science Degrees and these are both in BS and MS. Check with your local community colleges and universities with academic courses in forensic science or criminal justice. The following is a link to a web site that lists schools that offer master degree programs, listed on the American Academy of Forensic Science or here for CSI training and degrees, Crime Scene Investigator Network.
The salary range for a CSI here in the USA ranges from about $20,000 to over $50,000. The difference in the salary range is mainly geographical but also is based on education, training and experience level.
The CSI is required to work long hours, be agile and heavy lifting is required. The must be able to maintain their equipment, keep updated on all techniques and methodology, use deductive and inductive reasoning and perform a systematic search of the crime scene.
To become a CSI you need to be hired by a police agency . The hard part is finding what their requirements are for that position.
The Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Certificate program is a combined curriculum consisting of (80) hours of crime scene investigation training modules. This training will provide both the skills and knowledge of crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, and utilizes a “hands-on” application of crime scene investigative techniques both in the classroom and in mock simulations. This program is designed to give the student an overview of crime scene investigations and upon completion of this course will assist students in meeting the minimum requirements for this profession.
A Crime Scene Investigator is responsible for the collection and documentation of evidence at crime scenes.
If you have questions, please contact the Center for Criminal Justice Research and Training at 562-985-4940 or chhs-ccj@csulb.edu.
Registration is open to anyone, however if you are already employed by a law enforcement agency you are eligible to attend our POST-certified CSI/FET course. You will not earn POST credit for this certificate course, only for the POST-certified course. You must have approval from your department to register for the POST course.
Not necessarily. Each job posting will have slightly varied requirements, however this course will provide experience that interviewers are looking for in a candidate.
Earning a crime scene investigation ( CSI) certificate helps students to learn about the fundamentals of crime scenes, including that ever-important component that should be always on the mind: detail, detail, detail. Students in CSI certification programs can learn how to handle and preserve evidence as well as write reports ...
As well, a CSI takes photographs and detailed notes of blood spatter patterns, fingerprints, and the types of weapons involved.
Applicants must have successfully completed at least 50 hours of crime scene processing courses. Many of the courses listed here would qualify for this prerequisite. The certification test consists of:
Typically, students gain knowledge about the broad scope of crime scene investigation in a program, including how to document findings, take photographs, and present evidence in court. Below are sample courses that can be found through CSI training at the undergraduate level, but the scope of learning will depend on the requirements for the certification and the focus of the program.
The 18-credit certificate requires 12 credits in the area of concentration, which in this case would be CSI, although other concentrations are offered. Courses include basic crime analysis, forensic photography, and medicolegal death investigation and pathology.
Applicants must have successfully completed at least 50 hours of crime scene processing courses. Many of the courses listed here would qualify for this prerequisite. The certification test consists of: A comprehensive written examination of 100 questions. A written test of a paper mock crime scene.
Crime Scene Management: Crime scene investigation is about more than just collecting evidence, it also requires a deep understanding of the processes necessary to preserve materials and a crime scene site. Students learn about legal issues, management, and theories of physical evidence in this course.
The CSI track has classes such as investigative photography, bloodstain evidence, and criminal investigation. Finally, for ambitious students seeking a four-year degree, Liberty University has a convenient online bachelor of science (BS) program in criminal justice with a focus on CSI.
The International Crime Scene Investigators Association (ICSIA) provides a CSI certification to professionals with at least two years of experience and 50 hours of crime scene processing coursework. Candidates must pass a 100-question exam and submit examples of crime scene photography as proof of experience.
CSI Arizona hosts a forensic science competition for interested high school and middle school students, as well as CSI training in crime scene analysis, gathering evidence, and presenting findings. Interested young adults are encouraged to check with their local police departments, civic organizations, and colleges to see what opportunities are available.
Crime scene technicians serve an invaluable function to society in helping to solve often grisly crimes.
The responsibilities of a crime scene technician can include: 1 Detecting, collecting, and cataloging evidence from crime scenes 2 Analyzing evidence using chemical, biological, or physical tests 3 Consulting with experts in related fields to reconstruct crime scenes 4 Maintaining lab equipment and portable evidence collection kits 5 Evaluating data and presenting findings in a manner that can hold up in court 6 Writing reports on features of crime scenes such as fingerprint detection, blood spatter analysis, and other features
Although there are varied paths to becoming a crime scene investigator, becoming one typically involves a mix of rigorous coursework and empirical (i.e., on-the-job) training either through a law enforcement agency or various internships at companies, laboratories, and other forensic facilities.
Overall, in the majority of states, there is no legal licensing or educational requirement to work as a crime scene investigator. The one notable exception to this fact is the state of Indiana.
CSI will mail you a wall certificate within 4 - 6 weeks of course completion. Frames to display your certificate are available. Please ensure that your First and Last Name on your profile match your First and Last Name on your Government Issued Photo identification - this will ensure you receive an accurate certificate.
The CSC is undergoing an annual update in accordance with the IIROC agreement. In 2020, we incorporated many of IIROC's recommendations based on their audit of the textbook. The primary focus this year is adding new content on Alternative Mutual Funds along with learning improvements as part of the second wave of course improvements.
Columbia College in Missouri provides an online CSI certificate program comprising 18 semester hours of courses such as criminal investigation, crime scene photography, fingerprint evidence, forensic anthropology, and bloodstain evidence. Please note that this certification is offered as part of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree plan and courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. Required courses include introduction to criminal justice administration, criminal investigation, crime scene investigation, and crime scene photography. Elective courses include forensic anthropology, bloodstain evidence, fingerprint evidence, and shooting incidents.
So how does a person typically become a CSI? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2020), CSIs may start out as police officers and receive their empirical training through academies, supervised investigations, and on-the-job mentoring. Others choose to pursue a postsecondary two- to four-year degree in crime scene investigation, forensic science, criminal justice, or a related discipline. Some even choose to get their degrees while working for a police department, forensics lab, or private investigations firm, an option facilitated by the increasing number of convenient online CSI programs.
CSI & Forensic Scientist: What’s the Difference? As is the case with many careers, crime scene investigation (CSI) and forensic science careers have some overlapping responsibilities. In general, CSIs collect and document evidence from a crime scene and draw conclusions to solve one or a series of related crimes.
This 20-unit program typically takes between eight to 12 months, and it’s highly recommended that students have a digital camera—preferably with a good quality lens—to visually document evidence from crime scene case studies.
Typical prerequisites to online degree programs may include submitting official transcripts with a minimum GPA (e.g., >3.0, especially in science courses); letters of recommendation; a personal statement; and test scores (e.g., SAT or GRE). Please note that some programs, especially at the more advanced levels, may include specific coursework or experiential requirements as well.
Some related professions include evidence technicians (ETs), crime scene technicians (CSTs), crime scene analysts (CSAs), forensic investigators (FAs), scenes of crime officers (SOCOs), and criminologists.
According to the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB), there are currently 10 approved individual certification boards in forensics. The certifying groups most closely related to crime scene investigation include:
At CSI, the well-being of our valued learners and staff is our highest priority. Learn more about our response to COVID-19.
The CSC®is a baseline regulatory requirement to perform securities, mutual fund and alternative funds transactions in many financial services positions.
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A bachelor’s degree in crime scene investigation opens the door to a rewarding and in-demand profession. There are many jobs within the CSI career field, from working as a CSI technician to being the director of the criminal investigation department.
East Carolina University’s Criminal Justice, BS is a competitive crime scene investigations degree. Students majoring in criminal justice can choose a minor worth at least 29 credits or take general electives. Students complete 120 credit hours in the school’s degrees in crime scene investigation. General education courses include studies in national government, psychology, sociology, while core courses include an introduction to criminal justice, crime and criminology, correctional systems, police and society, the juvenile justice system and criminal law.
Cedarville University’s Forensic Science, BS allows students to learn the skills needed to become forensic scientists. The school’s degrees in crime scene investigation teach learners everything from the chemical composition of substances to high-tech instruments that analyze DNA. Students study in an interdisciplinary program including lab work and internships at crime labs. The program emphasizes advanced science courses and the connection between science and the Christian faith.
Among the best crime scene investigation degrees, the University of Towson’s Forensic Chemistry, BS gives students the knowledge needed to enter careers as scientists in industry, business and government sectors. Some students go on to pursue advanced degrees. The Forensic Chemistry program incorporates biology, social science, mathematics and chemistry with forensic science coursework to prepare students to investigate crimes. Focused on the development of laboratory skills, this degree prepares learners for a life of crime-busting science.
Penn State University’s Forensic Science, BS teaches students scientific principles related to criminal and civil litigation and justice. This crime scene investigations degree combines courses across academic units to give students a strong foundation in the mathematical, biological and physical sciences. Learners become familiar with topics in forensic chemistry, forensic biology, criminalistics and crime scene investigation. Graduates go on to entry-level positions in forensic science, the collection of scientific evidence, and the presentation of evidence in court.
Ohio State University has a Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies, BA. A crime scene investigations degree is based in criminology, a sociology-related study of the criminal justice system. The study of criminology teaches learners different perspectives of the crime and explains the prevalence of different kinds of crime. This includes agencies set up to control and prevent delinquency. These programs include the courts, police, and probation, as well as correctional institutions. Topics include women and crime, youth and crime and how control agencies fit into the larger society.
Davenport University’s Digital Forensics, BS provides the knowledge and skills needed to process, collect, analyze and preserve digital evidence. This high-tech crime scene investigations degree use techniques to secure and recover information from file systems, networks, operating systems and mobile devices. Degrees in crime scene investigation help graduates find jobs assessing network vulnerabilities and counter-intelligence investigations. Through a solid foundation, this program prepares graduates for a number of professional opportunities in government or business settings.