4 answers
hailey
Student
Kerrville, Texas
6
Questions
Updated
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What is a typical day like for you at CSI?
do you always clean scenes? #CSI #forensics #criminal-investigation #criminal-justice
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4 answers
Andy Kessler CAI, BS
Law Enforcement/Corrections/Security
28
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Andy’s Answer
A typical day for our deputies assigned to our Identification Division (AKA CSI) normally consists of processing any evidence that was turned in the night before and make sure that it is stored properly until it is submitted to court for use or the lab for testing. In between doing all of that they are called upon to process scenes of various crimes and nature.
Ramesh Nyberg
FL
18
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Ramesh’s Answer
Not sure that there is a "typical" day. Crime scene techs (not homicide investigators) usually are assigned to a particular shift. It depends on whether it is a slow or busy workday. If it is a slow day you will likely catch up on reports you need to write and submit, or organize your van to make sure you are well stocked with your necessary equipment. Or you may be involved in some training on a new technique. It's up to your supervisor
Michelle Flahive-LeFebvre
Latent Print Examiner
63
Answers
El Paso, Texas
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello Hailey,
As a Crime Scene Investigator our typical day is working on case work, this means writing reports, inventorying evidence collected from the scene, additional photography of evidence and processing. Packaging evidence does take a while and turning into the Evidence Room can have it's challenges, as you have to document everything you get. We do have some extra duties, for instance, I make sure our supply of equipment and collection items (bags, swabs, envelopes) are in stock. I will request quotes from vendors for items we need and then send the requests with the quotes up the chain for approval.
We usually have scheduled training, but we are always looking for more and if we find webinars or other training online, we will do that. We maintain the various units (trucks, vans, and our Command Unit) to make sure they are ready to go - stocking them up or inventorying them. And we will also clean up our processing labs and bay area and stocking those up.
We provide a lot of training to our Deputies, Detention Officers, and other agency Officers - so we prepare power points and get equipment needed for those trainings. We also go to schools and talk to elementary, middle, junior high and high school students for career days - so we do a lot of that at the beginning of the school year and towards the end of the school year. I have also gone to our local university and community college and talked to students about careers and educational needs for this career field, which also includes the crime labs, corrections and going into the legal systems (courts, lawyers, etc.).
So, as you can see, a typical day may have a crime scene call out or two, but sometimes we don't have any call outs. It depends on the area you live. If you live in a big city, most likely if you are on call you would go to several scenes a day. However, once off your on call status, you will need to work on case evidence and reports.
As far as cleaning up the scenes, we don't do that. There are special companies that do that specifically. Several that I know of are : Bio-One, Spaulding and Aftermath - just to name a few. They are the ones who go out and clean up after deaths (homicides, suicides and unattended deaths at home or other locations). That is a much harder and difficult job (as you have to deal with chemicals used to clean up with). It is very time consuming and messy.
I hope I was able to answer your question. Have a great day.
As a Crime Scene Investigator our typical day is working on case work, this means writing reports, inventorying evidence collected from the scene, additional photography of evidence and processing. Packaging evidence does take a while and turning into the Evidence Room can have it's challenges, as you have to document everything you get. We do have some extra duties, for instance, I make sure our supply of equipment and collection items (bags, swabs, envelopes) are in stock. I will request quotes from vendors for items we need and then send the requests with the quotes up the chain for approval.
We usually have scheduled training, but we are always looking for more and if we find webinars or other training online, we will do that. We maintain the various units (trucks, vans, and our Command Unit) to make sure they are ready to go - stocking them up or inventorying them. And we will also clean up our processing labs and bay area and stocking those up.
We provide a lot of training to our Deputies, Detention Officers, and other agency Officers - so we prepare power points and get equipment needed for those trainings. We also go to schools and talk to elementary, middle, junior high and high school students for career days - so we do a lot of that at the beginning of the school year and towards the end of the school year. I have also gone to our local university and community college and talked to students about careers and educational needs for this career field, which also includes the crime labs, corrections and going into the legal systems (courts, lawyers, etc.).
So, as you can see, a typical day may have a crime scene call out or two, but sometimes we don't have any call outs. It depends on the area you live. If you live in a big city, most likely if you are on call you would go to several scenes a day. However, once off your on call status, you will need to work on case evidence and reports.
As far as cleaning up the scenes, we don't do that. There are special companies that do that specifically. Several that I know of are : Bio-One, Spaulding and Aftermath - just to name a few. They are the ones who go out and clean up after deaths (homicides, suicides and unattended deaths at home or other locations). That is a much harder and difficult job (as you have to deal with chemicals used to clean up with). It is very time consuming and messy.
I hope I was able to answer your question. Have a great day.
Alexis Chase
Retired Warden - Female and Male Prisons
38
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
I am not a CSI but I was employed in the Criminal Justice field. CSIs are the first professionals at the scene of a crime. Their role involves gathering and preserving evidence and interviewing civilians to gather more information about the crime. Then, they must perform certain administrative duties to present this evidence to other law enforcement officers. In general, a CSI's working day lasts eight hours. However, due to the nature of this job, a CSI may be called to work at any given time. It is sometimes necessary to work short notice or late into the night, as events warrant. Case types can include crimes of varying natures such as murder, burglary and rape. However, CSIs may also investigate computer crimes or money laundering activities. Some CSIs choose to specialize, while others are generalists. CSIs must collaborate with many other police professionals and civilians during the course of a typical day. These include forensic scientists , who CSIs may summon as needed, mortuary staff, since CSIs are often present at post-mortem examinations; and other police officers, perhaps part of the wider investigation. If required to give evidence at trial, the CSI will also deal with lawyers and court officials and interview civilian witnesses to gather further evidence.