Basic Crime Scene Investigations

Blood Basics Card w/ Blood Typing Lab – This two-sided handout replaces the worksheets for the first two presentations and blood typing lab. I use this presentation to introduce the topic of impression evidence and then students investigate tire tracks, tool marks, and shoe prints. Fingerprint Guide – This one-page handout includes examples for all of the ridge patterns and characteristics discussed in the fingerprinting lessons. CSI Effect – A good article to start a discussion on real forensic science vs. TV versions.

Many people think that all CSIs are police officers, but many CSIs come from other backgrounds, such as science or criminology. Crime scene investigators use specialized equipment and procedures to visually and physically examine crime scenes, such as traffic accidents, burglaries, and homicides. They may collect evidence and materials to help solve crimes, such as hair, biological fluids, gunshot residue, and footwear impressions. Crime scene investigation students also learn to apply scientific techniques to the examination of evidence. They may be trained in ballistics testing or toxicology screening, in addition to other basic laboratory analysis processes. Leon adds that he also learned a lot about emerging technology in the field of forensic science.

BASIC FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION  40 HRS

Additionally, you’ll need strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare documentation and share key findings with others. Since CSIs are responsible for testifying at trials, they must be able to draw conclusions and render opinions with a strong degree of professionalism. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. State, local and tribal officers requesting training should register online.

Practice being a forensic dentist by making teeth impressions and then trying to identify the individual who took the bite by comparing the impressions with a bite in cheese or chocolate. A method used to bring out visible fingerprints, fingerprints that you can see when left by oily or dirty fingers.

How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

I think the important thing is that it’s auditable with a record of when it was uploaded and that sort of information to prove to the readers that you are showing the data that you claim to be showing and most tools like Google Drive will provide this for you. In terms of collecting larger amounts of information, I also think Google Sheets is a really great tool for collaborating with multiple people, including perhaps members of the public that are contributing information to your data-gathering projects. It tweets quizzes about analyzing social media information or photographs from an open source investigation perspective, so that’s a great way to… build up your skills in working with this sort of data.

Jesus Leon, a former sergeant in the Marines, enrolled in National University’s crime scene investigation classes because of his interest in becoming a special agent at a federal agency such as the FBI or NCIS. He earned a bachelor’s from NU in criminal justice followed by a master’s in forensic sciences immediately following his separation from the military in 2013. Many of the courses in NU’s forensic sciences master’s are the same classes offered through the crime scene technician certificate.

Assessment Methods

“Search for evidence, gather clues, and discover how science can help solve a mystery. From dusting for fingerprints to analyzing handwriting, these easy, fun-filled activities give you a firsthand look at how detectives and forensic scientists use science to solve real-life crimes. The BLS projected that between 2021 and 2031, there will be a 11 percent growth in forensic science technicians, which is more than double the 5 percent projected growth for all occupations. That said, subfields such as digital computer forensics and DNA specialties are expected to become growing forensic science fields in years to come. Overall, in most states, there is no legal licensing or educational requirement to work as a crime scene investigator. Indiana Law Enforcement Agency has certified its CSIs, requiring a minimum standard of training and experience and passing an exam.

• A Crime Scene Investigator is in charge of extracting every possible piece of evidence from a particular crime scene.
• Through this online program, students will study both analytical and scientific aspects of forensics.
• They use chemical and dusting techniques to develop and compare fingerprints and forensic photography to take pictures of victims, suspects, and key documents.
• For people seeking careers that are simultaneously challenging, meaningful, and exciting, it is tough to beat becoming a crime scene technician.

From the composition of blood and blood types to bloodstain pattern analysis, students investigate how blood evidence can be used in a crime investigation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that forensic science technicians may be CSIs. Based on the data available for that profession, the outlook for the CSI career is good, with BLS data showing a 11 percent growth rate nationally from 2021 to 2031. This growth could result in the addition of 2,000 jobs, bringing the total of all forensic science technicians in the country to 19,600. The absolute growth for CSIs specifically will be smaller, since they are only one segment, but there should indeed be career opportunities for new CSIs entering the field.

Undergraduate Certificate in Crime Scene Investigation

It is important to note that salaries for a crime scene investigator vary greatly based on location and prior experience. Forensic Investigator Lessons In a metropolitan, high-crime area, an experienced and successful CSI may be able to break into a six-figure salary.