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Question
I may be young but I have always wanted to be in the CSI Crime Scene Investigator i was wondering if...
1) Are my standards to high?
2) How many years of college is it?
3) Do you still get to have a social life ?
4 Is there good pay?
Danessa,
I have to start out by asking you if you are getting your ideas from television? If so you are in for a disappointment. In real life crime scene investigators ONLY process crime scenes and then deliver the evidence to the crime lab. They do not make arrests, they do not question suspects, they don't get into chases, and are never in touch with suspects.
On many departments crime scene personnel are experienced police officers or retired police officers from other departments. On other departments they are civilians.
You certainly would have to have a degree if you took the civilian side and your degree probably should be involved in something involving science. Your counselor at school or your academic advisor in college would be the best person to talk to.
Yes you could have a social life but remember somebody has to work at night and that occasionally will be you. They pay is pretty good.
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Answers by Expert:
Jack Toomey
Expertise
U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.
Experience
Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.
Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.
Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.
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