Expert: Jim Pastore - 12/19/2006

Question
I am intersted in being a crime scene investigator and changing my career at age 37 from a cosmetologist. I thought maybe i was too old to try to start this profession and needed some advice to the difference as a csi agent, re how many years it would take and the income?

Answer
Jackie,


  It all depends on what Police Department you work for. Some Departments use civilians and some you must be a Police Officer. In the later case it would take longer as you would have to put your time in as an officer then get transferred to the Crime Scene Unit. he Departments that use civilian employees may be easier. However being a Police officer I went to the Ohio Police Academy in London for my raining. I went to I believe 5 schools approx. 10 day's each. And if I hadn't got injured I would have went to maybe 7 to 10 more. Since these schools are at different times it took me 1 1/2 years to complete the schools. In my option it's never to late to change careers. And Police is a interesting, exciting and very satisfying field.If you have any more questions just ask.

Good Luck and Merry Christmas

Jim