What schooling do I need to be a crime scene investigator?

Question

Is it possible for me to go to a tech school for this or do I have to go to a college university? What classes are needed?

Answer 1

Obliviously you need to start with a heavy science program.
CSIs are also called scenes of crime officers (SOCOs).

DeVrey has a Criminal Justice degree program, but it sounds more like it would qualify you for a security job, which is about as far from what you want as you foot is from Japan. In fact security companies prefer less intelligent people because they don't get bored as easily (been there, done that).

A Criminal Justice degree at a major University would be the best thing. I expect a four-year degree with a heavy science schedule would be the best. I expect that you watch CSI and remember how Greg got promoted from lab tech to Investigator. He had to do a lot of on the job training; and apprenticeship program. He is probably only a Level I Tech, I have noticed that he always takes second fiddle to the original main cast.

I don't know how much education he had before coming to work at CSI, but I would expect he was very close, if not in possession, of a four-year degree.

According to this website: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/criminal-justice/crime-scene-investigation-major.htm
This website has a lot of information and I think you should explore it all.

"It is common for investigative professionals to receive certification from the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) or other professional organization as a way to prove accomplishment in the field. The Certified Legal Investigator certificate is awarded by NALI to licensed investigators who specialize in criminal defense and negligence cases. This particular certification is awarded to investigators who have proven eligibility by achieving standards of work experience, education, and training. To be eligible for the certification these investigators must also pass examinations designed and given by NALI.

Ongoing training is a necessity in this field and often workplaces offer employees the opportunity to continue their education. The Las Vegas Police Department, for example, provides entry-level internships such as Crime Scene Investigators I. Crime scene investigators at this level collect evidence at crime scenes and bring it for analysis at laboratories. They are able to ask for assistance from superiors in their department. Those who work at the level of Crime Scene Analyst II have the full responsibility for the surveying of the crime scene and are not expected to rely on the expertise of others to complete his or her work."
Also check out this section: "What Can You Do with a College Degree in Crime Scene?"

"Job Outlook
The job competition in the investigation field is high because the field is an attractive one to many recently graduated students as well as to working professionals. The most employment opportunities will be in entry-level positions or part-time positions with detective agencies, retail stores, or hotels. Most large business chain retail stores hire store detectives on a rather regular basis."

NALI: http://www.nalionline.org/

Look at the resumes of these investigators and see what education the took to become NALI certified: http://www.icinvestigators.com/review-committee.htm

These web site could help:
http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/becomeone.html
http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/csi-training.html
http://www.uphoenixonline.com/index.cfm?key=go_13f&v=google&a=uop%40worldclassstrategy.com&c=UOP+Online&cat=Crime+Scene&mt=Search&ad=273084196&st=crime%20scene%20investigator%20education&est=crime+scene+investigator+education&emt=broad
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile1060/
http://ocpe.gmu.edu/noncredit/cold_case.html
http://www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/jobfamily/securityandarmedforces/crimesceneinvestigatorscenesofcrimeofficer.cfm?fd=1546
http://ce.com/education/Crime-Scene-Investigation-10074939.htm

Answer 2

I believe you can go to community college, regular college or even the police force. Many criminal justice programs offer a concentration in crime scene investigations or something similar. Criminal justice is one of the fastest growing majors so if you do a little research I'm sure you can find a school in your area that offers training.

Good luck and Namaste!

Answer 3

For a four year degree you would have to go to a college/university. I believe as with most jobs these days the preference of employers to to hire someone who has obtained at least a 4year degree in any major of choice. Such as a bachelors degree in Forensic Medicine/ Forensic Science

Answer 4

College is good, but you should have field experience as a front line Cop first. Plus, make sure you qualify as a Police Officer before you spend your college money or get stuck in student loan debt.

Tech school is good for basic field level training.

Answer 5

Oh no---TV strikes again! You probably need a 4-year degree in criminology, as well as lab sciences, and lots of experience. Don't get too excited, the work isn't nearly as glamorous as what you see on TV.

Answer 6

remingtons tech college
you can train on a lap top too