Crime Scene Investigator: Role and Responsibilities

Written by: East Carolina University® • Mar 13, 2025

A CSI wearing personal protective equipment uses a swab taking a sample at a crime scene.

Crime Scene Investigator: Role and Responsibilities

Crime scene investigators (CSIs) play a critical role in the criminal justice system. They’re responsible for meticulously examining crime scenes, collecting evidence, and ensuring that relevant information is preserved for investigations and court proceedings.

CSIs not only perform meaningful work that serves the greater community but also happen to be one of the most in-demand roles in the criminal justice system. Anyone considering a career as a CSI should explore their typical duties, how to become a crime scene investigator, and the formal education candidates need.

What Do Crime Scene Investigators Do?

Crime scene investigators, also known as forensic science technicians, analyze physical evidence to unravel a crime scene’s mysteries. Their core responsibilities include the following:

Documenting Crime Scenes: Using photographs, sketches, and written notes, CSIs capture every detail of the crime scene for analysis.
Collecting Physical Evidence: During an investigation, CSIs gather evidence such as fingerprints, biological samples, weapons, and trace materials.
Preserving Evidence: CSIs ensure the integrity of evidence by following proper collection and storage protocols.
Analyzing Evidence: CSIs collaborate with forensic laboratories to process and analyze collected materials.
Providing Testimony: During courtroom proceedings, CSIs present their findings and provide expert opinions.

Crime Scene Investigator Work Environments

Employers of crime scene investigators include law enforcement agencies, private investigative firms, and forensic consulting companies. CSIs typically work in various environments, including the following:

Crime scenes, including outdoor locations, private residences, commercial properties, and public spaces
Laboratories where evidence is analyzed (using specialized equipment)
Police departments and law enforcement agencies
Government agencies at the federal, state, or local level

How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator

Becoming a crime scene investigator requires a combination of formal education, relevant certifications, and hands-on experience.

Education

A formal education is key in the criminal justice field, especially for crime scene investigators. Most CSIs start with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice , biology, forensic science, or a related field. Successful CSIs understand the proper techniques of collecting and analyzing evidence, the court system’s requirements, and the qualifications of admissible evidence.

Experience

Typically, aspiring CSIs gain experience in supporting roles by working as law enforcement officers or laboratory technicians before specializing in crime scene investigation. As they gain experience, CSIs earn more autonomy during the evidence collection and analysis processes.

Certification

Certifications enhance a CSI’s credibility and career prospects by demonstrating to employers that their skills and knowledge have been tested and verified by a third party. The crime scene certification issued by the International Association for Identification (IAI) is a highly reputable credential aspiring CSIs should consider after completing their degree program.

On-the-Job Training

Newly hired CSIs typically undergo extensive training under the guidance of experienced professionals. This provides a valuable opportunity for them to accrue field experience, develop skills, and experience various crime scene situations under the direct supervision of seasoned professionals. Moreover, CSIs also work with lawyers and paralegals on the criminal justice side of investigations.

Advanced Education

Some roles may require advanced degrees or specialized training in areas such as DNA analysis, ballistics, or digital forensics. Although this means investing more time in formal education, it can lead to higher-profile roles and leadership positions.

Crime Scene Investigator Salary and Job Outlook

The CSI field offers competitive salaries and promising job growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for forensic science technicians, including CSIs, was approximately $64,940 as of May 2023, with the highest 10 percent making over $107,000.

The BLS predicts job growth for forensic science technicians to increase by 14% between 2023 and 2033—much faster than the projected growth rate of 4% for all occupations. A growing reliance on physical evidence in criminal investigations and the need to replace workers exiting the labor force will be key drivers of growth.

Commit to a Meaningful Career Path as a CSI

Becoming a crime scene investigator offers the chance to make a real difference in your community. By uncovering critical evidence and supporting justice, CSIs play a vital role in solving crimes and bringing closure to victims and their families. Some CSIs even take things a step further by becoming victim advocates .

A criminal justice degree provides the foundation needed to excel in the field, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. If you’re ready to embark on a career that blends science, investigation, and public service, becoming a crime scene investigator may be the perfect path.

The best first step is to evaluate your education options, such as the online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program offered at East Carolina University®. The course is designed to develop real-world skills and knowledge that you can apply in the workplace, including the following: