Crime scene investigators (CSIs) can begin work with merely a GED, a high school diploma or a four-year bachelor's degree, but there is a range of classes needed to become a trained CSI. Classes include crime scene management and crime scene photography, as well as general education classes that are related to investigating crime scenes, such as biology and chemistry.
Crime Scene Management
Crime scene management (CSM) classes teach students the step-by-step process of find and collect evidence from a crime scene, and then preserve it.
CSM classes examine the theories of physical evidence and the legal issues related to managing the collection and preservation of said evidence so that it can be presented in a court of law. Students also receive training in managing the crime scene, diagramming and sketching it, and being aware of the types of evidence presented. Students will get an overview of photography, fingerprinting, and analyzing physiological and firearms evidence, as well as arson and explosives. CSM classes also cover safety issues.
Crime Scene Photography
Crime scene photography (CSP) courses teach students the proper photography techniques for photographing homicide scenes, autopsies, suicides, assaults, burglaries, and other crimes. CSP classes teach students about the latest photographic documentation methods, and techniques to operate the most up-to-date equipment. CSP classes also teach students about technical photographing issues, such as proper exposure, depth, focus, and lighting.
Fingerprinting Techniques
Fingerprinting and impression evidence classes teach students examine fingerprints, recognize patterns and identify known fingerprints. It also teaches them examine tracks left by shoes, tires and other evidence left behind by escaped criminals. Lastly, it teaches students recover these types of evidence.
Autopsy
Students learn about the procedures of a medical examiner's or coroner's office and how the evidence they glean from autopsies is related to the investigation.
Some of the topics covered in autopsy classes include learning how the body changes at the time of death and postmortem; determine how someone died (firearm injury, fire, blunt force, asphyxiation, etc.); and examine the body of evidence. Toxicology may also be taught in an autopsy class.
Criminalistics
Criminalistics is a class that studies the biological aspects of evidence. These include chemistry, toxicology, genetics, and other biological evidence associated with the crime. This class teaches students identify and analyze forensics evidence. Running equipment and techniques on various types of analysis are also covered.
Criminal Law
Criminal law and other legal classes give students a foundation of criminal law and procedure. They are exposed to how the prosecution and defense approach a crime and how the evidence gathered plays a role for both sides.
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