How to Get a Crime Scene Investigator Job

By Kenneth Echie

Crime Scene Investigation or CSI as you may know it, because of the television show has become one of the most popular programs on network TV in the last few years. The original show also spawned the programs CSI: Miami and CSI: NY.

Those shows are created and produced by Anthony E. Zuiker. This article isn't about how to create a television show, but I wanted to point out the popularity of a career based on the general public's knowledge about it from television.

When the movie Top Gun was released in 1986, it helped the Navy and Air Force boost their recruitment. CSI has no doubt sparked interest in crime scene investigating and forensic science. Everybody wants to be in a field that is demanding, not just because of the allure but because a career that is being sought after has many benefits.

What does it take to become a crime scene investigator?

A college degree is not required but it can help to move you towards the list of people that will be considered for such a career. If you have a formal education, you'll also need to add other skills to your resume. Photography, computer skills and drafting are all essential in crime scene investigation. Just like the television show CSI, the people involved in gathering evidence also are able to process it and that includes a general knowledge of forensic science.

Some on the job training will be provided by the employer and if you want to extend your knowledge of crime scene investigation, it wouldn't hurt to visit a body shop to see how a car door is removed. This way you gain a better understanding of what goes into collecting evidence.

Some applicants will even ride with police officers or emergency medical technicians (EMT) to get a first hand look at crime and science. Those who spend time in a morgue will no doubt become familiar with what may become a regular scene of the human body.

Why become a crime scene investigator?

Do you like science, or do you like gathering evidence to help solve crimes? Does medical curiosity draw you in?

All of those aspects go into crime scene investigation. So you need to ask yourself are you willing to investigate it further. You will be able to learn about other jobs while you are a crime scene investigator. You will work with local law enforcement, hospitals, medical labs and even law offices to present evidence.

Each area listed above uses crime scene investigators. You'll primarily learn to gather evidence and process the crime scene. You will also be working with a team. If you're the type of person who likes working alone, this might not be the best career choice.

Crime scene investigation can really be an exciting career for those that love the type of work described above. If you are interested, I urge you to investigate it further. You can do this by visiting websites that cover CSI in more detail.

Note: You are free to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is that the Resource Box should be included and the links are live links.

Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth is a writer for Criminal Justice Schools and Degrees. Get free scholarship report and learn to become a Crime Scene Investigator by visiting.

RSS Feed

 Follow @Stephen Bucaro

 Choose a Career
 Finding a Job
 Success at Work