What is CSI Forensics, and what are their duties ?
Forensic science is the application of science relating to types of crimes. These typically involve crimes like murder, robbery, kidnapping etc…
The primary responsibility of Crime Scene Investigators are to locate, collect, process, and to document useful data that can be present at the scene of the crime. They collect crucial information such as hair samples, any bodily fluids, fingerprints and they may also take photographs of the crime.They can work with an law enforcement to secure the site evidence can be thoroughly examined. CSI’s must be very meticulous on the details of their observation, as well as knowing how to properly gather and collect important evidence. They are required to obey a strict set of regulation as well as protocols likewise in a regular chemistry class. A very important example would be to avoid cross contamination of the evidence as it could end up tampering with proper examination of a crimes evidence
How CSI’s approach crime scenes
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Initial stage - This part of the procedure includes recognizing the data, as well as recognizing the physical evidence that can be acquired . Investigators must also be informed of the size of the crime scene, so that all evidence can be accumulated. This phase also involves recognizing the proper tools and equipment that may be necessary of the collection of data.
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2nd stage - The following step would be to safely store all the evidence that were gathered, an to process and document the data that was discovered present at the scene. This is done by making notes, diagrams, reports, sketches,etc.Processing evidence include bringing DNA samples that were found and bringing them to the forensics lab. The lab helps find out what type of substance was found on the case. This could mean what type of substance was used to poison a victim in a murder case, or whose DNA samples were found that can help law enforcements find out who was present during the time of the scene. Information that is being sent to be processed must be accurate, and factual as it has a high chance of being used in a court law.
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Concluding stage - The final stage would be to recover the remaining physical evidence that was not processed, and documented. The remaining data would be carefully collected through a number of scientific methods and procedures so that the evidence is safely preserved.
Education and Training
Potential candidates would require background knowledge in sciences more specifically Chemistry or Biology. CSI would usually need a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics those with a 4 year degree will a higher advantage.
School Curriculum will be science intensive with classes like anatomy, chemistry,physics, toxicology, and pathology.
Hands- on training will also be included and constant practice whilst being carefully being supervised. Crime Scene Investigators would also require a completion in police academy.
After years of accumulating experience, through rigorous training and practice, the next step would be to get certified, and is valid for 5 years.
Personal Reflection
I found CSi to be an intriguing subject due to the satisfaction of solving a crime, and bringing justice to the victims. This certain career also involves little parts of chemistry which I always enjoy learning about. The process of discovering a certain substance or the DNA sample being tested was something I always found interesting and would often question as a younger version of myself.