Crime scene investigators (CSIs) are forensic science experts who analyze and document crime scenes to gather evidence for criminal investigations. They play a critical role in criminal justice by helping to solve crimes through scientific analysis of physical evidence. If you are detail-oriented, analytical, and interested in working at crime scenes to help catch criminals, becoming a CSI for the FBI may be the perfect career for you.
As a CSI for the FBI, you would be responsible for responding to crime scenes, photographing evidence, sketching scenes, collecting and preserving physical evidence, reconstructing how crimes occurred, and testifying in court. CSIs use the latest forensic science techniques including DNA analysis, fingerprint examination, ballistics, and digital forensics to solve crimes. It is challenging but rewarding work that provides the satisfaction of bringing criminals to justice. FBI CSIs get to work on some of the most complex, high-profile investigations in the country. Plus, the FBI offers opportunities for advancement and cutting-edge training at their forensic science facilities.
Education Requirements
To become a CSI for the FBI, you’ll need to earn a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as forensic science, criminal justice, or natural science. Some preferred majors include forensic chemistry, forensic biology, criminalistics, or crime scene investigation [1]. While an associate degree may qualify you for some entry-level CSI jobs, a bachelor’s degree is often required, especially for federal law enforcement jobs like the FBI [2].
Coursework should cover topics like evidence collection, documentation, preservation, and analysis. Classes in criminal law, investigation techniques, ethics, and court procedures are also helpful. A thesis, capstone project, or internship related to crime scene work can provide valuable hands-on experience [3].
Some CSIs go on to earn master’s degrees in forensic science, criminal justice, or a natural science. While not always required, an advanced degree can improve your chances in this competitive field.
Skills & Abilities
To be a successful CSI and investigator for the FBI, there are several key skills and abilities required:
Analytical skills – CSIs must be able to logically analyze evidence, crime scenes, and data to detect patterns, solve puzzles, and draw sound conclusions. They need strong critical thinking and problem solving abilities.
Attention to detail – Crime scenes contain a wealth of small details that can crack a case. CSIs must have sharp observational skills and notice the smallest details that others may overlook.
Communication – CSIs need to effectively communicate with a wide range of people including suspects, witnesses, victims, and other law enforcement personnel. They must be able to explain technical information in easy to understand terms.
Objectivity – When collecting and analyzing evidence, CSIs must remain objective and impartial. They cannot let personal biases or emotions cloud their judgment.
Integrity – CSIs must have high ethics and integrity to ensure evidence is handled properly. Any misconduct could compromise a case.
Interpersonal skills – CSIs work closely with others so they need strong interpersonal and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively.
Writing skills – CSIs need to produce detailed reports that accurately document their findings. Strong writing skills are essential.
Training at Quantico
All new FBI special agents must attend the FBI Academy’s 16-week training program at Quantico, Virginia. The intensive training includes 850 hours of instruction in areas like academics, firearms, law, behavioral science, forensic science, and fitness (1).
While at Quantico, agents-in-training live on site and cannot have any external communication or visitors. The training focuses on developing practical skills needed in the field, such as defensive tactics, evidence collection, and SWAT tactics. Classes cover law, ethics, forensic science, report writing, interrogation techniques, driving skills, and weapons proficiency (2).
The FBI training program transforms recruits into special agents through both classroom education and hands-on training. Upon graduation, agents are ready to investigate federal crimes and protect national security across a range of specialty areas.
Work Experience
While there are no strict requirements for prior work experience, the FBI recommends having at least 3-5 years of full-time experience in fields such as forensic science, criminal investigations, evidence collection, crime scene analysis, or laboratory work before applying to become a CSI at the FBI. This hands-on experience helps develop key skills needed on the job. The FBI particularly values work experience in areas like public accounting/audit, forensic accounting, and/or fraud examination.
Professionals with backgrounds as police officers, detectives, crime scene technicians, forensic science technicians, and criminalists often make strong FBI CSI candidates. Prior experience working in a forensic laboratory, with a coroner’s office, or for a medical examiner can also be good preparation. Gaining work experience in relevant fields helps build up technical knowledge as well as competencies like attention to detail, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Having direct exposure to processing crime scenes, collecting and analyzing evidence, testifying in court, and other key duties of an FBI CSI through previous jobs demonstrates to recruiters that applicants have the necessary foundation to take on the role and can hit the ground running with less on-the-job training required.
Security Clearance
To become a CSI for the FBI, you must obtain a Top Secret security clearance. This is the highest level of security clearance, and allows access to classified information that could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if disclosed without authorization.
The security clearance process typically takes 6-12 months to complete. You will undergo an extensive background investigation including interviews with references, record checks, and a polygraph examination (FBI – Security Clearances for Law Enforcement). According to Yale Law School, the background check includes verification of former employers, coworkers, friends, neighbors, landlords, and schools (Before You Apply: Understanding Government Background Checks). The Department of Homeland Security notes the full clearance process can take up to one year depending on your unique background (Security Clearance Process).
You must be able to demonstrate loyalty to the United States, high moral values, honesty, sound judgment, reliability, discretion, and unquestionable integrity. Certain factors like foreign contacts, relatives, or citizenship, financial problems, mental health conditions, and past drug use may delay or prevent obtaining clearance.
Physical Requirements
To work as a crime scene investigator for the FBI, candidates must meet strict physical fitness standards outlined by the bureau. According to the FBI’s Special Agent Physical Requirements page (https://fbijobs.gov/special-agents/physical-requirements), FBI special agents must pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) in order to complete training at the FBI Academy.
The PFT consists of four elements: sit-ups, push-ups, a 300-meter sprint, and a 1.5-mile run. Minimum passing requirements vary by age and gender. For example, a 30-year-old male agent would need to complete at least 38 sit-ups, 30 push-ups, complete the 300-meter sprint in less than 59 seconds, and run 1.5 miles in under 12 minutes and 12 seconds. Requirements for female agents are slightly lower in some areas like push-ups and the 1.5-mile run.
In addition to meeting fitness benchmarks, candidates must pass a thorough medical examination and have normal hearing, vision, and color vision. They cannot have any medical conditions that would prevent them from performing the rigorous duties required. Overall, FBI special agents must be in excellent physical shape and health.
Applying to the FBI
The first step in applying to become a CSI for the FBI is to submit an application through the FBI’s website at fbijobs.gov. This involves creating an account and completing an online application. The job posting for “Forensic Examiner” will provide details on minimum qualifications, required education and experience.
The application period is typically open for a limited window of time, such as 2 weeks. Applicants must carefully review the job posting and ensure they meet all the requirements before applying. The initial application involves answering questions about your background, education, skills and submitting a resume.
After submitting the application, there is typically a waiting period of a few months during which applications are reviewed. If selected, the applicant will be notified to begin the intensive screening and testing process including exams, interviews, medical evaluation and a thorough background check. The entire hiring process can take 9 months to a year to complete before final job offers are made.
Timing varies but new FBI CSI hires typically attend a 12-week training program at the FBI Academy in Quantico before beginning their first official assignments. The program covers everything from forensic science techniques to firearms training. Ongoing training occurs throughout an FBI career.
Career Advancement
Career advancement opportunities for CSIs in the FBI are excellent. CSIs can be promoted throughout their career to positions with more responsibility and authority.
Many FBI CSIs start out at the Trainee or Junior CSI level and then advance to positions like CSI, Lead CSI, or Supervisory CSI. As they gain more experience, senior CSIs may be promoted to management roles such as CSI Unit Chief, managing an entire team of investigators. The highest position is that of Senior Manager overseeing all FBI lab operations across multiple field offices.
Besides promotion within the CSI job series, experienced CSIs can also move into FBI leadership roles such as Special Agent in Charge or even Assistant Director. Transferring between departments is also possible – some CSIs may transition to forensic examiner or crime analyst jobs as they advance in their career.
Continuing education and training is key for CSIs looking to be promoted. Opportunities such as graduate degrees, instructor certifications, and FBI leadership programs allow CSIs to gain the expertise needed for higher positions. Outstanding performance, positive evaluations, and increasing responsibility will help CSIs rise through the ranks.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for crime scene investigators is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of forensic science technicians, including crime scene investigators, is projected to grow 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations (source). This will result in about 2,400 new jobs over the 10-year period.
The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $63,380 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,620, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $105,620 (source). Salary levels depend on education, experience, certifications, and the employing agency.
Overall, with strong projected job growth and decent salary prospects, the future outlook for aspiring crime scene investigators looks quite positive.