Crime Scene Investigation (Non-Credit Course)
Issued by
Northeastern State University
After the completion of all four Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) levels, badge earners will obtain a Crime Scene Investigator Certificate from Northeastern State University (NSU) and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). Badge earners can document the crime scenes, take photographs and physical measurements of the scene, identify and collect forensic evidence, and maintain the proper chain of custody of that evidence.
- Type Certification
- Level Intermediate
- Time Weeks
- Cost Paid
Skills
Earning Criteria
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CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR I - 1) Overview and theory of CSI 2) Crime scene management 3) Legal considerations of CSI 4) Crime scene search patterns 5) Collection and packaging of evidence - DICED 6) Crime scene sketching and diagramming 7) Latent print processing.
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CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR II - 1) DNA 2) Body as a crime scene 3) Wound recognition 4) Fire scene investigation 5) Crime scene photography.
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CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR III - 1) Bloodstain pattern analysis 2) Trajectory analysis.
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CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR IV - 1) Process mock crime scene using learned processes 2) Complete crime scene report 3) Moot court.
Standards
They may be called in to court to justify evidence collected. Analytical Skills Crime scene investigators, or CSIs, have elite analytical skills. The analytical skills forensic definitions mean they have an ability to survey a crime scene, formulate theories on how the different pieces of evidence work together and follow-up on key details.
Accurate and complete collection of appropriate evidence toward effective use to deduce crime situations. Learning of obtaining, photographing, and preserving evidence at a crime scene. Encourages an understanding of crime scene investigation, that is crucial for a forensic scientist to further analyze the crime and suspect.
Develop an understanding of the scientific principles of crime scene investigation and reconstruction, including evidence collection and preservation. Demonstrate the capabilities, use, potential and limitations of forensic laboratory theory and techniques in respect to the analysis of evidence.
This helps when working with other officers and the district attorney to formulate the motive and the likely way in which t he crime transpired. Attorneys need to tell stories in court to persuade judges and juries on how to view the evidence. Investigators take notes and prepare formal case reports prosecutors use in court cases.
Poise and Tact A key quality for crime scene investigators is poise under pressure. Problem-Solving Instincts Top crime scene investigators are natural problem-solvers. They combine science aptitude, analytical skills and critical thinking to piece together evidence and testimony.
In some larger communities or in high-profile cases, you may have to stay poised with media and citizens hovering nearby as well. In essence, forensic science careers try to develop stories based on their interpretations of evidence and theories of circumstantial events.
CSIs periodically investigate horrible crime scenes involving brutal murders and lots of blood, according to Crime Scene Investigator Network. You must have a strong stomach to last in this line of work. More importantly, you need to remain calm and focused on evidence-gathering, even while working around a horrific scene.
The CSI usually helps get the crime scene cordoned off to avoid disrupting evidence. You also discuss the evidence with other police offers to piece together the evidence and statements gathered from witnesses. CSIs also occasionally serve as expert witnesses to lay out the crime scene in a court case. Written skills are critical as well.
You need a strong scientific acumen and working knowledge of the various evidence-gathering chemicals and devices for this profession. While the CSI doesn't conduct all of the evidence-gathering, he orders various tests and keeps track of all of the results.
Communication Skills Skills needed to be a forensic investigator include excellent communication skills. When investigating, you often lead a team of lab techs and other law enforcement officers.