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Forensic evidence collection

Crime Scene Investigator

Nothing like television, and considerably more paperwork.

Typical pay

$45k-$85k

How you get in

Forensic or natural science degree; some agencies require police academy

Outlook

Competitive; applicants far outnumber positions

CSIs document and collect physical evidence at crime scenes. Real casework is methodical documentation and chain of custody, results take weeks rather than minutes, and many agencies require you to be a sworn officer first.

A day in the life

  1. 7:00aInventory the response vehicle and equipment
  2. 8:30aRespond to a burglary — photograph, sketch, print
  3. 11:30aCollect and package evidence with chain of custody
  4. 1:00pLunch
  5. 2:00pProcess evidence in the lab and enter it into the system
  6. 4:00pWrite the report; testify in court on prior cases

How to get in

Forensic science degree, civilian role

Duration

4 years

Cost

$40,000-$150,000

Credential

BS in forensic science, chemistry or biology

  1. Complete a degree with a strong natural science core, not just criminal justice
  2. Intern with a crime lab or agency during school
  3. Apply to civilian CSI or evidence technician positions
  4. Larger metropolitan agencies are more likely to hire civilians

Sworn officer into forensics

Duration

3-7 years

Cost

$0-$8,000

Credential

Police certification plus forensic training

  1. Complete the police academy and work patrol
  2. Many agencies only fill CSI roles from sworn ranks
  3. Request assignment to the forensic or evidence unit
  4. Add IAI certification in your specialty area

Lab specialist track

Duration

4-6 years

Cost

$40,000-$180,000

Credential

BS or MS in chemistry, biology or forensic science

  1. Focus on the laboratory side rather than scene response
  2. Specialize in DNA, toxicology, firearms or digital forensics
  3. DNA analyst roles have specific coursework requirements set by federal standards
  4. Better pay and more openings than scene work

What people love

  • · Genuinely detailed, methodical work
  • · Direct contribution to case outcomes
  • · Civilian positions exist at many agencies
  • · Specializations in latent prints, DNA and digital forensics

What wears people down

  • · Death and violent scenes are routine
  • · On call at all hours
  • · Very competitive — the television effect flooded the field
  • · Many agencies require sworn officer status first

From people doing it

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