How to Become a Real Crime Scene Investigator

Crime scene investigators (CSIs) have been popularized over the years on many different police or CSI shows on television. Have you ever thought that it would be fun and exciting to perform such an integral role in solving a crime? Here are some guidelines on how to become a real crime scene investigator.

Learn About the Career

Before investing your time, energy, and money in pursuing a career in crime scene investigation, you should learn about many facets of a CSI career, as well as what it takes in terms of personal traits and educational commitment. Look at career books and do research on the Internet. Contact a professional in the CSI field for advice and suggestions. Look at job boards and read the job descriptions of CSI jobs. Look at the pro and cons of a career in crime scene investigation and decide if you are up to the challenge.

Education

You can enroll in an accredited CSI degree program at college or university. Once there, you can pursue a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree in crime scene investigation. While there are some entry-level jobs in CSI that you can get with only a high school diploma or GED certificate, getting a CSI degree from a college or university makes you more marketable and better prepares you for a job in the CSI field. Check out CSISchools.org for information on CSI degree programs as well as career advice on the CSI field. While enrolled in a CSI degree program, you will have classroom, field, and laboratory experience. Modules include forensic science, law enforcement, biology, psychology, crime analysis, chemistry, and crime scene investigation.

Practical Experience

After graduating from a CSI degree program, get some “hands-on” experience with an internship at a local police department, law enforcement agency, or forensic lab. This helps you gain practical experience and enables you to network in the CSI field. By working under a professional in the CSI field, you can learn the basics of crime scene investigation, such as working a laboratory and surveying and analyzing a crime scene.

Applying for a CSI Job

Compile a quality resume listing your education and experience, and apply for a CSI job. The best outlet for a CSI job is at a local police department. Other avenues for CSI jobs include governmental agencies or private consulting firms.