Duties

• CSIs are required to respond to calls for crime scene services as quickly as possible. Once at the scene, they might be required to rope off the area. Crimes happen at any time, so investigators might find themselves at a crime scene in the middle of the day or night. Evidence must be collected and packaged correctly for further testing. CSIs should be observant and be able to note surrounding areas while notating all evidence at a crime scene. Written reports of the scene will be required. A CSI might be required to take photographs, make sketches of the scene or testify in court.
  
  

Working Conditions

• CSIs investigate crimes including homicide, sexual assault and armed robbery. Investigations might involve kneeling, standing, stooping, reaching and climbing. Sometimes CSIs need to lift heavy items or engage in physical activity to complete their investigation. CSIs should be physically fit and be able to perform any duty. They carry firearms and should be comfortable handing them. CSIs spend about 70 percent of their time processing crime scenes. This includes handling evidence, observing autopsies and attending conferences with police officers. The other 30 percent is spent testifying in court, preparing reports and taking additional classes for continuing education. When not in the field at a crime scene, CSIs typically work in an office on an eight-hour shift. They are often required to work overtime and must be on call frequently. CSIs must be available to work at any time regardless of their shift.
  
  

Experience

• CSIs are required to complete 720 hours of crime-scene processing. These hours include classes in fingerprinting, blood-splatter analysis, death investigation, photography, arson investigation and forensic pathology. All CSIs must be certified by the Crime Scene Certification Board of the International Association for Identification. Certification must occur at the latest 18 months after becoming a CSI. To become a CSI, one must demonstrate knowledge of police procedures such as investigation and search and seizure. CSIs must also know about chemicals needed to process evidence. They must also have the power to arrest, a valid driver's license and authority to carry a firearm.
  
  

Abilities

• CSIs must meet requirements of physical fitness set by the police department and be able to operate a police car and any other equipment. Radios are used to give instructions, so CSIs must be able to understand and speak clearly. CSIs should be able to lift as much as 100 lbs. and be able to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crawl and climb without difficulty. They should also have the ability to accurately describe locations and details of a crime scene, testify in court, and complete written reports.
  
  

Challenges

• The main challenge of being a CSI is to use expert knowledge in each case and collect and process evidence that leads to prosecution of the perpetrator. Dealing with crimes as a full-time job can lead to emotional distress and burnout.