1

Job Reflection

Student Name

Course Name and Number

Professor’s Name

Date
2

Introduction

In this assignment, I will analyze crime scene investigators and forensic investigators to

understand how the two jobs are similar to one another as well as the variations that differentiate

them. Forensic Investigator are responsible for solving crimes. They work hand in hand with law

enforcement and other forensic professionals. They gather evidence such as fingerprints, human

tissue, and body fluids, use photographs to detail the crime scene, as well as analyzing the

evidence collected in the laboratory. Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) are responsible for

gathering evidence and processing evidence from crime scene. The evidence gathered in this

case helps law enforcement prosecute criminals.

Job Posting I: Forensic Investigator

Crime Scene Technicians as well as Crime Scene Investigators will be the focus of this

assignment. Reading the job description and tasks, it appears that these jobs have many

elements

in common. Crime Technicians are professionals who analyze pieces of evidence in a

laboratory

setting. Crime Scene Investigators are professionals “that document the crime scene,

identify and
3

collect forensic evidence” (Crime Scene Examination). In addition to similar duties,

technicians

rely on investigators to locate and collect evidence in accordance with the relevant

protocols,

while investigators rely on technicians to analyze the evidence and speculate about the

crime’s

nature and events. They may require employees to undergo Crime Scene Certification

Board

certification training o

Although there are numerous variations in the duties and responsibilities of crime scene

investigators and forensic investigators, they have more in common. CSI is responsible for

processing significant crime scenes (Crime Scene Resources, Inc, Burlington, 2024). Similarly,

FI is required to visit the crime scene to enable a proper investigation. Once the two

professionals visit the crime scene, they are obligated to take high resolution photographs of the

evidence, including human remains, personal effects, and death scenes. Both the CSI and FI

collect, package, and store evidence collected at the crime scene, such as latent fingerprints, trace

evidence, DNA, palm prints, and other physical evidence (Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,

2024). This physical evidence is then used in the identification of the human remains. The FI and
4

CSI are expected to maintain chain of custody while transporting and storing evidence, human

remains, and personal effects.

Once the human remains and other physical evidence are transported to the lab, FI and

CSI are responsible for entering the evidence into the appropriate database. It is their

responsibility to analyze all evidence gathered from the crime scene, including police reports,

medical records, accident reports, and other documents that can be used to make reliable

conclusions on the cause and manner of death. Other duties for FI listed in this job listing that

distinguish it from CSI include working with other parties, such as media providers, attorneys,

insurers, and general public (Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 2024). Forensic investigators also

assist in ACOME activities such as conducting autopsies. However, it is worth noting the

variations as well. In the case of forensic investigator, the primary responsibility is visiting and

processing the death scenes, unlike the CSI whose responsibility extends to accident scenes.

Both FI and CSI should be able to use computers, cameras and other equipment used in

crime scenes. FI and CSI should be able to use office machines and technologies such as

Microsoft Windows Office Suite, including Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel. This is an

essential part of their job since they are responsible for receiving, processing, and recording

evidence. Since both FI and CSI in most cases deal with dead bodies, they should be able to

work under adverse conditions such as adverse weather conditions, or in regions with unpleasant

odor or sights that are rampant in death scenes investigation. Good communication skills are also

rampant since CSI and FI directly work with colleagues, police officers, members of ACOME,

and citizens, calling the need for courteous and firm communication style (Crime Scene

Resources, Inc, Burlington, 2024). Hence, having good work relationship is paramount in both
5

jobs. The candidates should also be able to complete physical duties such as standing, bending,

walking, driving, and lifting heavy weights of up to 40 or 100 pounds.

The minimum requirements for FI is a Bachelor’s Degree in either of the following

fields, Biology, Criminology, or Medical Technology (Allegheny County Pennsylvania, 2024).

Alternatively, candidates with a minimum of four years experience in related field qualify for the

position. Hence, education or experience are qualifying factors. A combination of education and

experience is also acceptable. Crime Scene Investigators should have a minimum of High School

Diploma or GED Equivalency alongside experience in laboratory work, police work, or similar

field (Crime Scene Resources, Inc, Burlington, 2024). Hence, education and experience are

essential quantifiers for candidates seeking employment in both fields. Although a degree is an

added advantage in FI, individuals with work experience but lacking the latter can still qualify

for the position just like the case of CSI. Hence, the resemblance between these two positions is

remarkable. A valid driving license is paramount in both jobs.

CSI and FI candidates applying for these positions should have sufficient comprehension

of medical terminology and procedures. They should also be able to read medical records. This is

because they work hand in hand with various professionals in the field which might include

medical personnel or medical information. Knowledge in digital photography is also essential as

highlighted earlier. Knowledge of evidence programs including activities and operations is

paramount to ensure effective handling of evidence while observing the chain custody. FI and

CSI should be conversant with the City Code as well as the NC General Statutes (Allegheny

County Pennsylvania, 2024). Knowledge of police rules, procedures, regulations, and policies is

also paramount since FI and CSI work directly with police officers when processing crime

scenes.
6

As a measure of my KSA, the agency might ask me the following questions:

1. When handling evidence in a crime scene, what steps can you follow to preserve the

evidence collected?

2. What are some of the methods you use to collect evidence in a crime scene?

3. How do you ensure chain of custody is observed when collecting, preserving,

transporting, and storing evidence?

I believe I am qualified for both the Forensic investigator and Crime Scene Investigator

positions. This is because the requirements for both jobs are similar. At the same time, I also

meet most of the KSA highlighted such as knowledge in computer and digital photography. I

also worked under the supervision of a forensic scientist, something that equipped me with

sufficient knowledge and skills in collection and handling of evidence. I also understand the

protocol followed in the crime scene, during transportation of body or evidence, as well as

analysis of the evidence for possible cues. This experience together with my High School

Diploma make me a suitable candidate for both positions more so the Forensic Investigator

position.
7

References

Crime Scene Resources, Inc, Burlington, NC. (2024, March). Crime Scene Investigator at Crime

Scene Resources, Inc… Google. [Link]

q=crime+scene+investigator+jobs+in+US&client=ms-android-oppo-

rvo3&sca_esv=412c17568268fde8&sca_upv=1&sxsrf=ACQVn0_-

pjkD8bknw7_QhGd4E8MonEaeHg

%3A1711273652682&ei=tPb_ZaSWKZSBxc8Pw_iWiA8&udm=&oq=crime+scene+inv

estigator+jobs+in+US&gs_lp=EhNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwIiNjcmltZSBzY2VuZ

SBpbnZlc3RpZ2F0b3Igam9icyBpbiBVUzIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBY

YHjILEAAYgAQYigUYhgMyCxAAGIAEGIoFGIYDMgsQABiABBiKBRiGAzILEA

AYgAQYigUYhgMyBRAhGKABSOYtUNIVWJMncAF4AJABAJgB1gOgAYYUqgEF

My01LjK4AQPIAQD4AQGYAgegAu4TwgIKEAAYRxjWBBiwA8ICDRAAGIAEGIo

FGEMYsAPCAggQABiABBjJA8ICBRAAGIAEwgILEAAYgAQYigUYkQKYAwCIB

gGQBhGSBwkwLjEuMC41LjGgB6Qs&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-

serp#fpstate=tldetailasync&htidocid=IyiXRHiJmPge1SwQAAAAAA%3D

%3D&htiq=crime%20scene%20investigator%20jobs%20in%20US&htivrt=jobs

Allegheny County Pennsylvania. (2024, March). Forensic Investigator. Indeed.

[Link]

jk=ff38e7693a4d0d61&from=serp&xpse=SoBs67I3D3zfJBxSXB0LbzkdCdPP&xkcb=S

oBZ67M3D3zCIYwYzp0IbzkdCdPP
8