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what does csi investigate

by Liza O'Conner Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Crime scene investigators use specialized equipment and procedures to visually and physically examine crime scenes, such as traffic accidents, burglaries, and homicides. They may collect evidence and materials to help solve crimes, such as hair, biological fluids, gunshot residue, and footwear impressions.Feb 17, 2022

How does a CSI investigate a crime scene?

Clayton deals with the physical evidence alone and turns to the detectives on the scene for any useful witness accounts. The CSI uses the information he gathers during scene recognition to develop a logical approach to this particular crime scene. There is no cookie-cutter approach to crime scene investigation.

What is CSI basics?

CSI Basics. ­Crime scene investigation is the meeting point of science, logic and law. "Processing a crime scene" is a long, tedious process that involves purposeful documentation of the conditions at the scene and the collection of any physical evidence that coul­d possibly illuminate what happened and point to who did it.

What does a CSI officer do?

They can rule out a printer or photocopier found at the scene or determine compatibility or incompatibility with a machine found in a suspect's possession. Whenever a CSI discovers a piece of evidence at the scene, she photographs it, logs it, ­recovers it and tags it.

What does a CSI do in a pathology lab?

Many CSIs work closely with pathologists to collect evidence from cadavers during autopsies and postmortem examinations. CSIs are responsible for taking thorough notes, completing forms, and preparing written reports to document important evidence and share key findings with others.

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What does CSI show up for?

In collecting evidence from a crime scene, the CSI has several main goals in mind: Reconstruct the crime, identify the person who did it, preserve the evidence for analysis and collect it in a way that will make it stand up in court.

Who does CSI collect for?

Client Services, Inc. (CSI) is one of the largest contingency collection agencies in the United States. It provides collection services to banks, utility companies, municipalities, county governments, private educational institutions and medical providers, among others.

What does CSI do before collecting the evidence?

Plan, communicate and coordinate - Before collecting evidence, investigators must first develop a theory regarding the type of offense that occurred. Knowing the type of crime will help investigators anticipate the evidence that could be present.

Why do CSI collect evidence?

In addition, the use of physical evidence may help in re-creating the crime scene so that investigators may get a better idea of what happened and why. In order for any evidence to be accepted in a court of law, it must be collected according to legal procedures and accepted protocol.

What is CSI debt collection?

Who Does CSI Collections Collect For? CSI Collections is a debt collector reporting a collection account on your credit report. In some cases this means they purchased the debt from the original creditor (i.e. a credit card or loan company).

Is CSI a collection agency?

CSI's collection solutions offer world-class liquidation and roll-rate results, while at the same time maintaining and promoting a positive consumer experience.

What is the most important step in a crime scene investigation?

1. Secure the Scene. The first officer to arrive at the scene should secure the scene by making sure that everyone in the area is safe and isolate the area to preserve evidence. This may include arresting suspects and obtaining medical assistance.

What is the main objective of a forensic investigator?

Forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime or absolve an innocent person from suspicion.

How accurate is CSI?

Forensic scientist Thomas Mauriello estimated that 40 percent of the scientific techniques depicted on CSI do not exist. In addition to using unrealistic techniques, CSI ignores all elements of uncertainty present in real investigations, and instead portrays experimental results as absolute truth.

What is considered forensic evidence?

Forensic evidence is scientific evidence, such as DNA, trace evidence, fingerprints, or ballistics reports, and can provide proof to establish a person's guilt or innocence.

How long does it take to process a crime scene?

CSIs never know how long it will take to process a crime scene. Tim Palmbach, a former major in the Connecticut Department of Public Safety's scientific services division, reports that a “typical murder scene takes eight to 10 hours to process, but it's not uncommon to go 30 to 35 hours.”

What is the difference between a CSI and a forensic scientist?

That's where forensic science technicians come in. While crime scene investigators work at crime scenes and collect evidence, forensic science technicians work in laboratories and examine the evidence that has been collected for possible clues about what happened and who might be responsible for the crime.

Who did Ted Danson replace on CSI?

When CSI: Cyber returns for a second season next fall with Ted Danson as a new regular opposite Patricia Arquette, it will be without one of the series' original regulars, Peter MacNicol. I hear he will not be coming back as part of tweaks the spinoff is undergoing heading into Season 2.

How many CSIS are there?

Only four series made up the CSI television franchise, but they were accompanied by numerous books, comics, and video games. Running from 2000-2015, the first CSI series ran the longest, ending with 337 episodes.

Are CSI cops?

Do I need to be a police officer before I can be a CSI? The short answer is no, CSI's are both sworn police officers and civilians. The longer answer is that most CSI's are sworn officers, but there is a large number of civilians doing the same job.

Why was CSI canceled?

But another theory that hung around on why the show was canceled was due to the infusion of real-life forensic and crime-style shows, which were found on networks like Investigation Discovery. With fans getting their fix of the science from a less dramatic show, it might have pulled some of the viewers away.

What are the 5 steps of crime scene investigation?

The process begins by interviewing all those present and around the scene. The area is then examined to determine how far evidence can be spread. P...

What are the different types of crime scenes?

The different types of crime scenes include: outdoor crime scenes; indoor crime scenes; and conveyance crime scenes.

What is the process of a crime scene investigation?

At every crime scene, investigators and officers work together to identify the details of what happened to eventually get a better understanding of...

What is the role of crime scene investigator?

They are law informant and private crime scene investigators alike, both of whom are responsible for identifying the different elements of the crim...

What is CSI crime scene investigation?

Mixing deduction and character-driven drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation follows a team of crime-scene investigators, employed by the Las Vegas Police Department, as they use physical evidence to solve murders.

What is the CSI series?

Starring Gary Sinise, Sela Ward, and Melina Kanakaredes, NY was set in New York City and was based upon the idea that "Everything Is Connected." In 2015, a fourth CSI series, CSI: Cyber, starring Patricia Arquette and Ted Danson, was created. It focuses on the FBI 's Cyber Crime Division. The CSI series exists within the same fictional "universe" as fellow CBS police dramas Without a Trace and Cold Case. A number of comic books, video games, and novels based on the series have been made.

What is the CSI effect?

The " CSI effect " is a reference to the alleged phenomenon of CSI raising crime victims' and jury members' real-world expectations of forensic science, especially crime scene investigation and DNA testing.

What is the CSI game based on?

In spring 2008, Gameloft and CBS released "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – The Mobile Game" which is based on the original series in Las Vegas. This game introduces the unique ability to receive calls during the game to provide tips and clues about crime scenes and evidence.

What are the criticisms of CSI?

Another criticism of the show is the depiction of police procedure, which some consider to be decidedly lacking in realism. For instance, the show's characters not only investigate ("process") crime scenes, but they also conduct raids, engage in suspect pursuit and arrest, interrogate suspects, and solve cases, all of which falls under the responsibility of uniformed officers and detectives, not CSI personnel. Although "some" detectives are also registered CSIs, this is exceedingly rare in real life. It is considered an inappropriate and improbable practice to allow CSI personnel to be involved in detective work, as it would compromise the impartiality of scientific evidence and would be impracticably time-consuming. Additionally, it is inappropriate for the CSIs who process a crime scene to be involved in the examination and testing of any evidence collected from that scene. CSI shares this characteristic with the similar British drama series Silent Witness .

How many episodes of CSI are there?

During the course of the series, 335 episodes of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation aired, including two specials.

Does CSI show surveillance?

According to TV media critic Liv Hausken, crime drama T.V. shows like CSI normalizes surveillance. "The absence of any critical distance to technology on CSI involves a lack of reflection on the security of information (that is, the constant risk of losing sensitive data) and the potential use and misuse of information. This can be contrasted with a whole range of crime series that may rely heavily on surveillance technologies but nevertheless allow critical reflection as part of the plot as such (showing misinterpretation of data or misuse of surveillance techniques)...This trust in technologies on CSI is important for understanding the status of surveillance in this fictional universe. It is also an indicator of the show’s presentation of power, a third component for consideration in this discussion about how CSI lends a certain normalization of surveillance to everyday life...The series ignores the fact that everyone is a cultural being, that each person sees something as something, that they understand things from particular perspectives in everyday life as well as in science."

How does CSI work?

A CSI might recover carpet fibers from a suspect's shoes. The lab can compare these fibers to carpet fibers from the victim's home. Analysts can use hair DNA to identify or eliminate suspects by comparison. The presence of hair on a tool or weapon can identify it as the weapon used in the crime. The crime lab can determine what type of animal the hair came from (human? dog? cow?); and, if it's human, analysts can determine the person's race, what part of the body the hair came from, whether it fell out or was pulled and whether it was dyed.

What is the ultimate goal of CSI?

All the while, the physical evidence itself is only part of the equation. The ultimate goal is the conviction of the perpetrator of the crime. So while the CSI scrapes off the dried blood without smearing any prints, lifts several hairs without disturbing any trace evidence and smashes through a wall in the living room, he's considering all of the necessary steps to preserve the evidence in its current form, what the lab can do with this evidence in order to reconstruct the crime or identify the criminal, and the legal issues involved in making sure this evidence is admissible in court.

How to become a CSI?

But he views his job as a chance to use science to help people. CSIs can be police officers or civilians. The most common way to become a CSI is to become a police officer first and then receive CSI training. All police departments and law-enforcement agencies have different criteria. Typically, a civilian CSI should have a two- or four-year degree. Mr. Clayton is not a police officer. He graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in biology and minors in chemistry and behavioral sciences. He applied for a CSI position at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and received his training there.

How does CSI collect blood?

If the victim is dead and there is blood on the body, the CSI collects a blood sample either by submitting a piece of clothing or by using a sterile cloth square and a small amount of distilled water to remove some blood from the body. Blood or saliva collected from the body may belong to someone else, and the lab will perform DNA analysis so the sample can be used later to compare to blood or saliva taken from a suspect. The CSI will also scrape the victim's nails for skin -- if there was a struggle, the suspect's skin (and therefore DNA) may be under the victim's nails. If there is dried blood on any furniture at the scene, the CSI will try to send the entire piece of furniture to the lab. A couch is not an uncommon piece of evidence to collect. If the blood is on something that can't reasonably go to the lab, like a wall or a bathtub, the CSI can collect it by scraping it into a sterile container using a scalpel. The CSI may also use luminol and a portable UV light to reveal blood that has been washed off a surface.

Why does the CSI block off an area larger than the crime scene?

When the CSI arrives, he will block off an area larger than the core crime scene because it's easier to decrease the size of a crime scene than to increase it -- press vans and onlookers may be crunching through the area the CSI later determines is part of the crime scene.

Why do CSIs create sketches?

In addition to creating a photographic record of the scene, CSIs also create sketches to depict both the entire scene, which is easier to do in a sketch than in a photograph because a sketch can span several rooms , and particular aspects of the scene that will benefit from exact measurements. The goal is to show locations of evidence and how each piece of evidence relates to rest of scene. The sketch artist may indicate details like the height of a door frame, the exact size of the room, the distance from the window to the door and the diameter of the hole in the wall above the victim's body.

What is the next step in CSI?

Once the CSI defines the crime scene and makes sure it is secure, the next step is to get the district attorney involved, because if anyone could possibly have an expectation of privacy in any portion of the crime scene, the CSI needs search warrants.

What is a CSI responsible for?

They are also responsible for interpreting the data yielded by the tests performed on the evidence they collected at the crime scene, even if they do not conduct the tests themselves. Their primary responsibility is to get the “bad guy” and see that person is brought to justice.

What are other job titles for a CSI?

A crime scene investigator may have a more specific title than CSI. It depends on what their focus is while on the crime scene. They may be referred to as a crime scene technician or even a crime scene leader if they are taking on the lead position. They may be forensic photographers who take pictures to document the crime scene. They may be a ballistics expert whose area of focus is weapons. They may be finger print experts who specialize in collecting and analyzing fingerprints. They may also be DNA experts. It can take many specialties to help process and analyze a crime scene.

What skills should a CSI have?

A crime scene investigator should have a wide array of skills. They should have a strong temperament and ability to deal with difficult situations as they may regularly be confronted with the results of violent activities. They should have the ability to work well with others and be good communicators, as they must work closely with law enforcement and laboratory technicians. They must have a background in science, especially natural science, so that they can interpret the data given to them by the laboratory technicians. Having a background in science will also help them when learning proper collection procedures for crime scene evidence. Finally, they should have some training in law enforcement. Many places that hire CSIs prefer that they have been through the police academy.

What education should a CSI have?

While smaller and more rural locales may be willing to hire a crime scene investigator with an associate’s degree or even simple certification, a four-year degree is generally preferred. A master’s or terminal degree will help with advancement but is usually not necessary to get a foot in the door. Anyone hoping to become a crime scene investigator should pursue a degree either in criminal justice or in science. Biology or another natural science is often a good choice. Which ever you choose, however, you should also take classes, or even a dual major, in the other.

How much does a crime scene investigator make?

Crime scene investigators make a decent salary. The average salary for a forensic technician is around $56,000 a year. Those who reach the top ten percent in their field can earn as much as 85,000. Salary is partly dependent on location as well as responsibilities. For example, in a large metropolitan area like Los Angeles can earn as much as $110,000.

What is the first order of business for a CSI?

When a CSI arrives at a crime scene, the first order of business is to ensure that the crime scene is preserved so that evidence is not compromised. The next item on the list is to go over the crime scene carefully to collect evidence. This may include collecting physical evidence like fibers, hair and debris. It may mean taking copious photographs to record and catalog the scene as accurately as possible. This will help investigators piece together the events of the crime. Physical evidence may enable investigators to identify the culprit. Contrary to popular belief, a CSI is usually not a lab technician. They may analyze data, but they are usually not the ones performing the tests from which the data is derived.

Can I become a CSI?

If you are thinking about pursuing a career in criminal investigation, you may want to consider becoming a CSI. You can begin working, in most cases, with a bachelor’s degree. The work can be both interesting and rewarding. The pay is decent and the prospects of finding a position are pretty good.

Storyline

This show follows the nights of the detectives working at the Las Vegas Police Department Crime Scene Investigations bureau. Being the second busiest crime lab in America, CSI officers use the best scientific and technical methods to solve puzzles and catch criminals. — ahmetkozan

Did you know

The choice to place this series in Las Vegas was not random. Among U.S. crime labs, Las Vegas is the second most active, surpassed only by the F.B.I. lab in Quantico, Virginia. This fact is stated in Pilot (2000).

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How to become a CSI?

You should also be a pretty spectacular communicator, pay hyper focused attention to detail, and hold your own in math and science. If you’re thinking about becoming a CSI, you’ll: 1 Get your high school diploma. 2 Enroll in a bachelor’s science program within the science realm: chemistry, biology, forensic science. 3 You can also choose a specialization in forensic science such as DNA, toxicology, or pathology. 4 Many forensic science based majors go on to get their master’s degree, so it’s definitely something to consider. 5 Some law enforcement agencies want their crime scene investigators to be sworn in as officers which means you may need to attend police academy. 6 Get on-the-job training, and other types of work experience that’s available to you. 7 There are many license and certifications that are available, you should seriously consider doing this once you’re qualified through appropriate work experience.

What is a crime scene investigator?

Crime scene investigators, also known by the title of forensic science technicians, play an integral role in solving crimes of varying nature. To get your job done properly, you will: Take a look at the crime scene to determine what you’re going to need and how you’re going to collect it. Photograph important things at the crime scene.

How much does a crime scene investigator make?

The median annual wage for crime scene investigators is $59,150. Your job will probably be staggered along with your CSI partner. Hours will run more than 40, and they could run the potential of being irregular. Somebody always needs to be available because crime never sleeps.

What is the best way to become a forensic scientist?

Get your high school diploma. Enroll in a bachelor’s science program within the science realm: chemistry, biology, forensic science. You can also choose a specialization in forensic science such as DNA, toxicology, or pathology.

Do you have to attend police academy to become a crime scene investigator?

Some law enforcement agencies want their crime scene investigators to be sworn in as officers which means you may need to attend police academy.

Are There Jobs For CSIs?

If you have a master’s degree, you’ll have a much better chance of getting one of these elusive jobs. California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and New York will have the most available jobs.

What do crime scene investigators do?

Crime scene investigators use specialized equipment and procedures to visually and physically examine crime scenes, such as traffic accidents, burglaries, and homicides. They may collect evidence and materials to help solve crimes, such as hair, biological fluids, gunshot residue, and footwear impressions.

What are the requirements to become a CSI?

Standards and credentials for investigators vary widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so there are no common licensure requirements to become a CSI . However, professional organizations such as the International Association for Identification and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences offer various courses and certifications that can help CSIs advance their careers. These courses may cover topics like bloodstain pattern analysis, firearm identification, and latent fingerprinting.

How many hours do crime scene investigators work?

Crime scene investigators and technicians typically work full-time 40-hour work weeks plus overtime hours . You may work a variety of shifts, including during daytime, evening, and night shifts on both weekdays and weekends. CSIs may be required to work on holidays and special occasions.

What degree do I need to become a CSI?

CSIs typically need a bachelor’s degree in either a natural or forensic science, such as chemistry or biology, or in a field such as criminal justice, crime scene technology, or criminology. Some CSI positions do not require a baccalaureate degree, instead requiring specific college courses.

What background do CSIs come from?

Ever wonder how to become a crime scene investigator? Many people think that all CSIs are police officers, but many CSIs come from other backgrounds, such as science or criminology.

How much do criminal investigators make?

Detectives and criminal investigators who work for local governments earn an average annual wage of $77,120, while those who work for the federal executive branch of the government earn $111,880 per year, on average. Salary varies by factors like training, work experience, education, and geography.

What is required to work as a crime scene investigator?

As a physically demanding job, work as a crime scene investigator also requires a degree of visual and muscular dexterity. CSIs must be able to move their hands and arms above their shoulders; bend, stoop, and pick up materials; and distinguish the full range of the color spectrum.

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Overview

Reception

During its 15 years in production, CSI secured an estimated world audience of over 73.8 million viewers (in 2009), commanded, as of the fall of 2008, an average cost of $262,600 for a 30-second commercial, and reached milestone episodes including the 100th ("Ch-Ch-Changes"), the 200th ("Mascara") and the 300th ("Frame by Frame"). CSI spawned three spin-off series, a book series, several video games, and an exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. At the …

Plot summary

Mixing deduction and character-driven drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation follows a team of crime-scene investigators employed by the Las Vegas Police Department as they use physical evidence to solve murders.
The team is originally led by Gil Grissom (Petersen), a socially awkward forensic entomologist and career criminalist who is promoted to CSI supervisor following the death of a trainee investigato…

Creation

During the 1990s, Anthony Zuiker caught producer Jerry Bruckheimer's attention after writing his first movie script. Zuiker was convinced that a series was in the concept; Bruckheimer agreed and began developing the series with Touchstone Pictures. The studio's head at the time liked the spec script and presented it to ABC, NBC, and Fox executives, who decided to pass.

Cast and characters

• William Petersen as Gil Grissom, the graveyard shift CSI supervisor (regular: seasons 1–9 (until episode 10, "One to Go"); guest star: seasons 9, 11, 13, "Immortality") Grissom is a highly respected forensic entomologist with a doctoral degree in biology from the University of California. When testifying in court he is often addressed as "Doctor Grissom". He became a CSI around 1985 and departed the Las Vegas Crime Lab in 2009. After a short stint as a researcher, Grissom bec…

Spin-offs

From CSI, CBS produced a franchise starting in 2002 with a spin-off entitled CSI: Miami. Set in Miami, Florida, and starring David Caruso and Emily Procter, Miami later launched CSI: NY in 2004. Starring Gary Sinise, Sela Ward, and Melina Kanakaredes, NY was set in New York City and was based upon the idea that "Everything Is Connected." In 2015, a fourth CSI series, CSI: Cyber, starring Patricia Arquette and Ted Danson, was created. It focuses on the FBI's Cyber Crime Divi…

Merchandise

The US box sets are released by CBS DVD (distributed by Paramount), while the Canadian box sets are released by Alliance Atlantis (distributed by Universal Studios). The first season DVD release differs from all subsequent seasons in that it is available only in 1.33:1 or 4:3 full frame, rather than the subsequent aspect ratio of 1.78:1 or 16:9 widescreen, which is the HDTV standard aspect ratio.

International broadcast

CSI airs on the Nine Network and TVHits (formerly TV1) in Australia, on Channel 5 in United Kingdom, on CTV in Canada, on RecordTV in Brazil, on Italia 1 in Italy, on Prime in New Zealand, on RTÉ2 in Ireland, on TF1 in France, AXN in Asia and Latin America, Skai TV in Greece, on HOT Zone in Israel, on TV3 in Estonia and Latvia, on TVNorge in Norway and on Kanal 5 in Sweden and Denmark and on GEM TV in Iran.

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