Expert: Dick Rogers - 8/25/2009

Question
Hi Mr.Rogers,
  My name is Thasha Neal and I attend LBCC in Long Beach, CA. I am very interested in working in the Criminal Justice fields. I have a hard time on choosing what I want to do. Either a CSI or a Detective. I wanted to know if there is a difference and which is better if I am interested in collecting the evidence and being at the crime scene? Thank you for your time.


Answer
Thasha, I answered your question some time ago, but it appears the connection was bad and it did not reach you, so here it is again.  Television has made it difficult to determine who does what in an investigation.  Many large departments do have specialists who do specific forensic exams, for example blood work...or chemical analysis of liquids.  These people may or may not be called to the scenes of cases.  At times detectives will collect evidence due to weather, time constraints, etc.  The best way to appreciate who does what is to think of the detective as an orchestra conductor.  He leads the investigation, prepares the case for the district attorney and attends the trial to assist in prosecuting the case.  To become a detective, one must first become a police officer or deputy sheriff.  He/she then works patrol, various detective units to develop the necessary skills to become a good investigator.  It takes years, but the rewards are substantial, especially in homicide work.  The other path one can take involves significant study in the field of interest.  Hope this helps.