How to Become A Crime Scene Investigator In South Africa

A Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) is in charge of extracting every possible piece of evidence from a particular crime scene.

What is the role of a crime scene investigator?

As a crime scene investigator, you’ll be involved in securing and protecting crime scenes, and collecting evidence from crime scenes, post-mortems and other incidents, such as fires and suspicious deaths.

Who does a crime scene investigator work for?

Crime scene investigators (CSIs) go by many names, including evidence technician, crime scene technician, forensic investigator, crime scene analyst, criminalistics officer and more. In the past, most CSIs were trained police officers. In fact, most still work out of police stations today.

Are crime scene investigators detectives?

What’s the difference between a detective and a crime scene investigator? In order to become a detective, you must first become a police officer. However, crime scene investigators do not have to be police officers prior to becoming crime scene investigators. Detectives gather evidence from the scene of the crime.

Below are steps to Become A Crime Scene Investigator South Africa

What steps can you take to become a Crime Scene Investigator or Forensic Scientist? We have outlined the four steps you should take to get one of these fascinating careers: Learn, Prepare, Apply and Test.

Step #1: Learn about the job.

One of the best things you can do is to contact agencies in the geographical area you wish to work and find out what their Crime Scene Investigators do on the job, what their minimum requirements for applying are, and how often the have job openings.

Step #2: Prepare for the job.

Some positions require you have a 4 year degree in science while others only require a GED or High School graduation.

Generally, if you want to work in a crime laboratory as a Criminalist you will need at least a 4 year degree in science (such as Biology, Chemistry or Forensic Science).

If you want to be a Crime Scene Technician you usually need less formal education. Some agencies require you be a sworn police officer before becoming a Crime Scene Investigator—most do not.

Step #3: Apply for the job.

Have a good resume. Even if the agency does not require a resume, attach one to the application. It can make the difference in getting an interview and even the job.

Check for job openings on the employment page. To be notified of job openings as they are posted, follow us on Twitter or sign up for daily email notifications. To sign up for the Crime Scene Investigator Newsletter and receive monthly notifications, go to the subscribe to the newsletter page.

Step #4: Testing and interview.

Many agencies will require you to pass a written examination followed by an interview. Find out what testing may be required by the agency with which you are applying.

Some agencies have resources available, including study guides, you can review before the examination.

An example is the Crime Scene Analyst Study Guide Booklet provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for their entry level Crime Scene Analyst position.

Qualifications

You’ll usually need at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) including maths, English and science, as well as an A-level in a laboratory-based science subject.

It isn’t mandatory to have a degree to be a crime scene investigator, but most recent applicants are graduates and this is more commonly becoming a deciding factor for employers during selection. A degree in one of the following subjects could be advantageous:

forensic science

biological science

chemistry

criminology

psychology.

You can complete specific qualifications to be a crime scene investigator, such as those offered by the College of Policing. These can be undertaken at the police force you work for.

A qualification in digital media such as photography could also be helpful, as you’ll need to gather photographic evidence and film at incidents you attend.

Skills

You’ll need to have:

a careful and methodical approach to your work and be able to prioritise and take appropriate action

good attention to detail and keen observational skills for finding and recording evidence

strong analytical skills and an inquisitive approach

the ability to work in a team and to coordinate with other professionals

the patience to be able to correctly catalogue and store evidence

good written communication in order to write up reports accurately, for being presented in court if necessary

good verbal communication skills, as you’ll need to communicate with victims, witnesses and investigators in criminal investigations

technical ability to use digital and scientific equipment

the capacity to stay calm under pressure and to cope with sometimes distressing situations

motivation and be able to work on your own initiative, as well as by following instruction

the ability to follow set procedures and processes when submitting evidence for consideration

Responsibilities

As a crime scene investigator, you’ll need to:

respond to calls from the police to attend crime scenes

preserve a crime scene so that evidence is accurate and doesn’t become contaminated

work closely with the police – including the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the British Transport Police, forensic scientists and other organisations such as the National Crime Agency

take a lead in finding evidence that may support a later criminal case

photograph and video the incident you’re attending

use scientific methods to gather biological evidence

carefully record and catalogue evidence found at the crime scene such as samples of blood, hair or fibres from clothing

examine crime scenes for latent finger impressions

take imprints of evidence, such as footprints or tyre prints

write reports

attend court to give evidence as part of a trial process.

What qualifications do I need to be a crime scene investigator In South Africa?

You can do a degree in forensic science, or in a scientific subject like biological science or chemistry. Some courses are accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Who do crime scene investigators work for In South Africa?

A crime scene investigator is most often employed by a local, state or federal law enforcement agency. These professionals may be employed by a town’s sheriff’s office, by the FBI, or by a state police department.

Are crime scene investigators detectives In South Africa?

For the most part, homicide detectives and crime scene investigators are two different professions, from two different departments.

In order to become a detective, you must first be a police officer and pass the detective exam. To become a CSI, you don’t necessarily have to be a police officer.

What is the difference between a crime scene investigator and a criminal investigator?

A crime scene investigator is usually given charge of extracting all the evidence available from the crime scene. Criminal investigators usually play an important role in law enforcement and criminal justice. Criminal investigators collect evidence and gather facts to solve a particular crime.

What’s the difference between CSI and a detective In South Africa?

What’s the difference between a detective and a crime scene investigator? In order to become a detective, you must first become a police officer. However, crime scene investigators do not have to be police officers prior to becoming crime scene investigators. Detectives gather evidence from the scene of the crime.

Can you be a CSI without being a cop In South Africa?

Some agencies require you be a sworn police officer before becoming a Crime Scene Investigator most do not. If the position you want requires formal training then check your local colleges and universities. Many community colleges have Criminal Justice classes that include crime scene investigations

What is the difference between detective and crime scene investigator?

The principal difference between these two careers is simply the type of cases they investigate. Detectives usually handle homicide and missing persons cases, while investigators might conduct an investigation on anything from fraud to terrorism.

Is crime scene Investigation a good career?

After initial training on the job, crime scene investigators continue learning on the job. Those with skill and experience are highly regarded by police. For example, every opening for this type of job in Austin, Texas typically attracts 100 applicants. Experience is advantageous in lateral or upward career moves.