How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator in Florida

Job Description

Crime Scene Investigators, also known as Forensic Science technicians, examine and interpret physical evidence and attempt to reconstruct the sequence of events at a crime scene. Physical evidence may be in the form of a weapon, blood splatter, substances, clothing or other material, as well as fingerprints and footprints. CSIs evaluate this evidence in their attempt to establish a causal chain between the suspect and the victim.  Proper collection procedures must be used to ensure that the evidence does not become tainted. Clothing such as masks, gloves, and boots must be worn when handling evidence to prevent contamination and damage to evidence.

Once the evidence is transferred to a laboratory setting, forensic science laboratory technicians perform different tests depending on the type of evidence collected. CSIs are often called upon to present their findings in court cases.

Typical responsibilities of CSIs include:

• Collect and evaluate physical evidence found at a crime scene
• Consults with laboratory personnel such as medical, chemical and metallurgical experts, fingerprinting and ballistic examiners, graphologists, and document reviewers to interpret collected evidence and linking to suspected persons.
• Reconstructs the scene of the crime in an attempt to establish a relationship among pieces of evidence.
• Collect and transport evidence to the laboratory for further analysis
• Uses laboratory equipment to evaluate tissue specimens, chemical substances, as well as physical and ballistic evidence.
• Participating in meetings and conferences with other members of the investigation team (e.g. fingerprint and DNA experts)
• Prepares reports of investigative methodology, laboratory procedures, and findings.
• May serve as an expert witness regarding evidence during trials and pre-trial hearings.

According to Mike Byrd of the Miami-Dade Police Department, there can be some variation in duties between departments and agencies in different regions of the state. For example, if you reside in a large metropolitan area which consistently ranks in the Top 10 nationally in the frequency of violent crimes, the evidence and collection processes may constitute the bulk of responsibilities. However, a geographic location with a much smaller incidence of crime might call for a broader range of job skills such as lab testing, fingerprint analysis, etc.

Work Environment

CSIs work wherever a crime has been committed, whether indoor or outdoor day or night. Their schedule is erratic with 24/7 on-call duty. The work involves frequent exposure to blood and other physical trauma, with death a frequent outcome of the violence.  You will also be in frequent contact with infectious agents, noxious fumes, and foul odors. Arising from this, CSIs must wear protective clothing such as masks, gloves, and boots when in direct contact with bodily secretions to prevent their spread.  Lab settings are usually well-lit and clean and CSIs usually have a desk and computer on which to work.

Educational Requirements

According to Mr. Byrd, those who wish to work as a CSI or Forensic Technician will need a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED, with an Associate in Science degree preferred. Certificate programs are also available and consist of about 14 courses including the natural sciences, criminal justice, crime scene investigation methods, and forensic anthropology (e.g. bone structure).  Mr. Byrd suggests that any academic coursework in forensics or science be augmented with such course as computers, drafting, and photography.

The Forensic Educational Programs Accreditation Commission (FEBAC) established by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences ensures that both undergraduate and graduate forensic programs adhere to minimum standards regarding academic excellence.  Students interested in pursuing a career in forensic science are encouraged to enroll in an accredited program.

View a list of schools in Florida offering CSI programs.

Additional Requirements

In addition to education, the basic requirements to become a CSI include:

• the ability to pass a thorough background check
• a valid Florida driver’s license
• ability to operate video or camera equipment
• good verbal and written communication skills
• computer proficiency

Frank Shonberger of the Florida Chapter of the International Association for Identification also states that while some agencies and departments will require that you be a Sworn Police Officer before becoming a CSI, most do not. According to Mr. Shonberger, both Sworn Officers and civilians may apply for most vacancies and civilian employees do not need to possess a firearm permit.

Because of the disparity that may exist with regard to CSI job duties, both Mr. Byrd and Mr. Shonberger advise that those interested in becoming a CSI contact the department or agencies where you reside or will be residing to determine their specific requirements and duties.  A good place to start this research would be the regional operations centers of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

This is a career that will involve a significant amount of on-the-job training.  Such on-the-job training will teach crime scene investigation methodology, software programs, lab analysis, and forensic databases related to the type of crime they are investigating.

Certification

The International Association for Identification (IAI) awards voluntary certification for CSIs.

There are three levels of certification offered by the IAI for CSIs. Level I is the Entry Level Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) and requires a minimum of one year experience in the field along with satisfactory completion of 48 hours of crime scene training.

While certification is not a requirement for employment, joining the IAI confers several benefits:

• The IAI hosts an annual educational conference that offers workshops, seminars, and lectures that serve to provide current information and trends regarding investigatory methods, new technologies, and advances in forensic science all of which may be applied toward Level I certification.
• Membership provides you with the opportunity to network with industry professional not only within Florida, but across the country.
• The FDIAI also has an active job board. Dues to become a member of the Florida Division are $35. plus a first year only non-refundable fee of $5.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for forensic technicians is expected to increase by about 20 percent through 2016 which is much faster than the rate for all occupations. Growth in jobs within federal, as well as state and local governments is due to the development of state-of-the-art forensic techniques, such as DNA analysis to evaluate evidence and solve crimes.

The majority of employment opportunities for forensic technicians may be found in the Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach Areas.  Relative to population size, most forensic technician jobs are found in the Lakeland, West Palm Beach, and Cape Coral areas. In contrast, there are relatively fewer jobs in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa areas relative to population size.

Salary Information

As per Salary.com, the metropolitan areas with the highest median salaries for Forensic Technicians are Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa. (Numbers as of 2008).