CSI stands for Crime Scene Investigator. There are several names that may apply to the same job description. These include CSI, ET (evidence technician), CST (crime scene technician), FI (forensic investigator), SOCO (scenes of crime officer), CSA (crime scene analyst), CO (criminalisticts officer) and there are more not listed here. The main job of a CSI is to document, identify and collect physical evidence at a crime scene.

What is the role or job description for a CSI?

A job description for a CSI varies throughout the world, each agency defines the duties and role a CSI plays in their department. A generic version is as follows; The CSI is a support person for the investigator in charge of the case. The CSI is responsible for the thorough documentation of the scene(s) and the identification, processing and collection of physical evidence. They need to have an expertise in photography, sketching, processing for latent and patent evidence, which includes but not limited to; fingerprints, footwear impressions, trace, hair & fibers, biological fluid , including DNA potential and blood spatter pattern analysis. Other specialties may be required. The CSI needs to follow the protocol for the packaging, securing and chain of custody for the evidence collected from the scene. The CSI will attend autopsies and assist the pathologist with collection of physical evidence from the body. The CSI needs to take thorough notes to later complete a comprehensive written report. The CSI not only needs above average written communication skills they must also have good verbal skills to work as a liaison between the investigators, pathologists and prosecuting attorneys. They are required to give accurate and comprehensive testimony in a court of law. The CSI is required to work long hours, be agile and heavy lifting is required. The must be able to maintain their equipment, keep updated on all techniques and methodology, use deductive and inductive reasoning and perform a systematic search of the crime scene.

i wanted to be a csi too! haha um well when i was looking into that, most of the schools were like the weird tech schools like ITT tech or Devry university. CSUs are supposed to be good for that too. i hear CSU Northridge (CSUN) has the best program for forensics but im not sure. if you decide on a tech school, keep in mind that the credits you earn there, will not transfer to any other unversities. for example, if i went to ITT tech and earned the credits toward forensics, then later i decide i wanna go to CSUN, i would have to start all over again since none of the credits i earned at ITT tech will be good towards any other school other than ITT tech. so if you go to a technical school, expect to stay there!