by CourseAdvisor

Crime scene investigators and forensic scientists work at different stages of the crime investigation process. The work of crime scene investigators begins shortly after the crime occurs. They photograph, diagram, and document the crime scene and collect and preserve evidence. These investigators turn the evidence they collect over to crime labs where forensic scientists perform laboratory analyses.

CSIs often have a law enforcement background

Crime scene investigators are often detectives or agents working at the various levels of government. Local police officers with six months to three years of experience may be promoted to detective.

Forensic scientists

Like crime scene investigators, forensic scientists work for state, local, and federal agencies. Jobs in forensics require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, or physical anthropology. Forensics scientists often specialize in on area, such as:

• Controlled substances and toxicology
• Biological analysis
• Chemical analysis
• Document examination
• Firearms and toolmarks identification
• Psychophysical detection of deception examinations
• Fingerprinting

After completing their analyses, forensic scientists must document their work in writing. They often present their results in court.

Salaries for CSIs and Forensic Scientists

As of May 2006, the median annual salary of detectives and criminal investigators was $54,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salaries of experienced forensic scientists range from $40,000 to $85,000.

Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor