What is Crime Scene Investigation?
The popularity of television crime dramas has made CSI, or crime scene investigation, a household term. Crime scene investigation involves collecting, preserving, and analyzing evidence and other data found at crime scenes. Forensics experts who participate in these processes play vital roles in the legal system.
Field Overview
<p>The term 'crime scene investigation' has become largely recognizable, thanks to pop culture and television media. Crime scene investigation often referred to as CSI, involves collecting, preserving, documenting, and analyzing evidence found at crime scenes. Forensics, the application of science in the legal realm, plays a big role in crime scene investigation and a number of forensic professionals are involved in the process.
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<p>While the TV drama version of crime scene investigation involves expensive, high-end equipment, real-life investigators generally work with limited budgets and must rely on their creativity to get the job done. On-screen depictions of crime scene investigation also occasionally skew the reality of working in the field by misrepresenting the career profiles of real-life professionals.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutTheCrimeSceneInvestigationField">Important Facts About the Crime Scene Investigation Field</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Median Pay (2021)</td><td>$50,700 (<i>for forensic science technicians</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Required Education</td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td>On-the-job Training</td><td> Moderate-term on-the-job training, usually under the guidance of an experienced investigator</td></tr>
<tr><td>Work Environment</td><td> Police departments, morgue, crime laboratory; also spend a majority of time at the crime scene</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3>
<p>Forensics experts are responsible for two main tasks: retrieving and processing evidence found at crime scenes and acting as expert witnesses. The first of these tasks involves studying physical evidence, analyzing clues recovered from crime scenes, and drawing conclusions based on evidence and one's expertise. The second part of a forensic expert's job requires communicating his or her complex findings to judges and juries in understandable terms.
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<h3 id="section---CareerOutlookInformation">Career Outlook Information</h3>
<p>According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, <i>www.bls.gov</i>), the employment of forensic science technicians was expected to increase by 11% from 2021-2031, which is significantly faster than average.</p>