Expert Tips to Help You Become a Successful Forensic CSI

Breakdown of what makes a great forensic job candidate--personality traits and characteristics of a person--specifically for a job as a crime scene investigator.  The course will include about 4 personal attributes all successful CSI job candidates should have but also must have in order to do the job right. There are other attributes that you will find during your job research and interviews that can be added to this course.  

Answers the question of how this course can improve your chances of getting hired as a crime scene investigator, stand out as the ideal forensic job candidate, ways to improve your confidence, and how knowing how to 'speak forensics' will result in you being looked at as a serious job candidate. 

Lecture describes the different between first responders (usually law enforcement) vs. crime scene investigators. 

Describes what a crime scene investigator doesn't do!

A sample of what duties are required of a crime scene investigator. 

Describes the "REDCAP" method of what crime scene investigators do at a scene. 

This lecture describes the processing of a crime scene--automobile burglary. 

During a forensic job search, many different titles can be used to describe what a crime scene investigator does. This lecture provides a few examples of different titles yet each does the same as the other. 

Outline of the tips covered in this course. 

Lecture covers abstract and conceptualize the scene. This trait generally develops as experience is gained but the person must make the scene as his/her own

Lecture covers the importance of getting the job done right the first time, why it's important to be detailed, and how the CSI is part of an investigative team. 

Get used to being directed, critiqued, and questioned.  Must have tough skin and be a self-starter. 

Lecture covers why it's important to continue to improve and expand investigative skills. Do this by attending training sessions, reading about new technologies,

Action step asks: What other tips do you think are necessary to become a crime scene investigator? 

One of the keys to becoming a successful crime scene investigator is experience. Knowing what and how to collect evidence is the first step in gaining experience.

This lecture lists some of the questions you should ask yourself when arriving at a scene.

What are the best degrees for a CSI job? This lecture answers this question by providing examples of degrees that can qualify you as a desirable forensic job candidate. 

This lecture describes the type of 'education' needed for a CSI job. 

Links to some forensic training programs which offer specialized training in crime scene investigations.

Listed are some specific training topics your hiring agency may require you to complete. 

Following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, dead bodies, serious injury, and sexual violence, some individuals—including highly trained professionals—may develop post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th Edition (DSM-5), the indications of PTSD include distressing dreams and memories; dissociative experiences such as flashbacks and feelings of detachment from reality; avoidance of stimuli such as places, objects, and activities associated with or representative of the traumatic event(s); increased physiological and psychological arousal; and emotions such as guilt, shame, anger, and sadness.

The onset, duration, severity, and specific symptoms of PTSD varies across individuals and may be influenced by factors ranging from pre-trauma personality characteristics to post-trauma availability of social support and use of coping skills. Furthermore, many people may experience an insufficient number of symptoms to qualify for a PTSD diagnosis, but nonetheless experience psychological distress and social, familial, and/or occupational impairment following exposure to potentially traumatic stimuli.

There are two articles of information:

PTSD symptoms related to Forensic Professionals

Mental health for Law Enforcement Professionals

PDF of common terms and their definitions; use as reference guide in criminal justice or forensic science courses. 

These are just some of the forensic organizations students are welcome to join. There may be some limitations or restrictions, such as being a full time student, but I encourage you to research these and others. 

Review of a typical CSI job bulletin

Thanking you for taking the time to complete the course!

List of other online courses found on Udemy that will help you with starting a forensic science career.