Do You Have What it Takes to Be a CSI?
January 26th, 2012
Television has popularized the industry of crime scene investigation and has rapidly skyrocketed it to become one of the most recognized careers. If you’re a man or woman who hopes to make the perception a reality here are some criminal justice degree careers that you may need to learn about. However, what’s in the media is actually just thrilling and glamorous show business effects.The truth is that crime scene work is intricate and rigorous.Even if you truly want to go after an occupation being a crime scene investigator, you better expect to have a strong stomach.Crime scene investigators are employed in law enforcement and a easy job description would be that the investigator collects evidence from a crime scene.The evidence from a crime scene may well clear up a case if the offender leaves plenty of evidence and the detective is experienced.Things such as DNA and firearms are obtained from the scene and brought to a lab for evaluation, while photos are taken of the rest of the scene for later study. If you desire to ensure that your life will not be boring or you will never, even during hard financial times, be out of work, maybe you should give strong consideration to becoming one of those meticulous men and women called a crime scene investigator.Forensic science technician is another name used to refer to CSIs and may be a blanket term for scientists with all types of unique specialties.There are numerous crime scene technicians that focus on handwriting and photography but still others who work only in the crime labs and not in the field. When it comes to schooling requirements for crime scene investigators, you will need a bachelor’s degree in one of the natural sciences or criminal justice.For anyone who is currently in college or intending to attend, your coursework should include biology, genetics and chemistry.The chemistry degree being most important for a career being a crime scene investigator.Conversely, to become a crime scene technician or forensic science tech, you could most likely skate by with just a high school diploma or perhaps an associates degree, depending on the employer.When you have an awareness of fundamental legal procedures, all the better for your line of work.Often times an investigator will be called to testify in the courtroom if a particular case goes to trial. I realize all of this technical stuff seems mind-boggling and you may be thinking you just do not possess the patience or the schooling funds to make crime scene investigations your final destiny.College grants or loans are available, and even if it requires a few years out of your life to finish your education, with a degree and experience, your annual salary could begin at $100,000 per year.Even newcomers pocket $45,000 to $49,000 every year.This financial security in addition to positive job outlook are certainly well worth the time and money investment.