Executive Summary This report contains the information pertinent to deciding if the two training modules of the crime scene investigation
Executive Summary
This report contains the information pertinent to deciding if the two training modules of the crime scene investigation; collection of hair and blood will work for upcoming training of 25 people at a cost of $150 per seat with access for two weeks. After examination of these training modules, my recommendation is that the training is not worth $150.00 per seat. These training modules are more for teaching just basics to someone with no knowledge or prior schooling as CSI professionals must have and should know these basics already before entering the field as a trainee. The profession of a CSI is complex, task driven with a combination of degree and on the job training to be successful in such a complex and very important in-depth, attention to detail as well as standard & legal procedures encompassed in this profession.
Recommendations
A CSI trainee must take a part in a CSI training program with the anticipation of the successful completion of the training allowing the trainee the ability to work a crime scene investigation independently with no error. With this type of profession and the legality involved a more in-depth training is needed. The training program would vary in how many hours, but many CSI training programs require approximately 400 hours. The training would have combined classroom and practical exercises then a final competency test that includes mock courtroom testimony, procedures, etc. After the successful completion of a basic/introductory CSI training program to include for example; discussions in classroom; physical evidence crime scene procedures, evidence documentation and collection and preserving. To include real-life examples & recreation; photos and figures, helps understanding and identifying while demonstrating specific tactics for technique application. The trainees would go on to the advanced training to supervised field training for a minimum time frame. To accommodate both I recommend, apprenticeship.
Training Video Review:
The crime scene investigation training video; working with hair as evidence was a basic and brief introduction of; what a lab can tell us about the analyzation of hair and the proper collection of hair evidence using several techniques. The video then states the trainees will go out into the field as well having question and answer interaction about which technique to use to collect the evidence. As far the learning objectives, we briefly know what hair can tell us and how to collect it using several techniques. This is a two-week access training and the type of learner best for this training would be a visual & auditory while in the interactive & field would be considered and appeal to the kinesthetic learning strategy type involving the use of a hands-on approach.
As too, an analysis of the quality of the training tutorial and whether it is worth $150 per seat; I would say no this training tutorial is not worth $150 per seat. First off, to be a CSI, it is usually in most cases individuals have a bachelor’s degree though not required, you will still need a background in science to understand the science behind everything; with that said, most who go into this field already know these basics or should as a trainee of this magnitude. CSI’s collect and gather evidence at the crime scenes. They are held accountable & responsible for preservation of the evidence as well as transporting it to the laboratory for analysis or the evidence locker for safe keeping. CSI’s may also provide laboratory assistance and analysis.
CSI’s will deal with all manner of bodily fluids and biological substances. Obtaining a job as a CSI takes training, practice, and experience. Most criminal justice agencies will use sworn CSI’s meaning you need to be a police officer before working as a CSI. Civilian CSI’s must meet similar qualifications but a greater emphasis on the education and experience than a sworn CSI. Civilian CSI’s can gain experience through internships, CSI certificate programs as well likely having to spend time apprenticing with an experienced CSI for valuable on-the-job training. Since this is a profession that deals with detail, correct procedures that must be adhered too considering court proceedings and possible testimony from CSI’s to name a few, I would suggest many alternate training methods.
Recommendation:
This alternate training method to begin with and should be expanded on, among incorporating many others for this type of training;
Apprenticeship; method with both on-the-job and classroom training. The class room training should be a certain number of hours in the classroom such as 120 hours with hands-on and real- life recreation of crime scenes. The first step introductory, would have extensive discussions on many topics as; processing crime scene evidence, physical evidence, lifting fingerprints and photography because sometimes the only physical evidence may be a photograph.
The second step in the classroom would be intermediate training to expand on CSI skills in areas such as; techniques for advanced fingerprinting processing, forensic field testing and detection techniques for trace evidence also including recreating real-life crime scenes and using the techniques. The third step would be the advanced classroom; this would incorporate mock court trial testimony, laws etc. After completion of the hands-on, instructor-led practical activities in the classroom training before any on-the job training happens, the trainees would have to pass a classroom certification before moving on to the with an expert investigator to get valuable on-the-job training with at least 2,500 hours or one year required of on-the-job training. After this completion of on-the-job training certification exam, they are ready to move out in the field individually. By having a well-prepared team as a CSI with the job they must do, it lessens the risk of mistakes and pertinent evidence being thrown out of court for say contamination due to improper storage. The cost of the training would be $102.00 per seat, class room training per step with well-constructed forensic topics and rea-life hands-on recreations. The on-the-job training will be in-house instructors/experts in the field. The cost is not steep compared to poorly trained CSI’s. The training for a CSI should be more in-depth, hands on as well as longer than this training video provided.
The second training video; crime scene investigation regarding blood was the same as the first training video except the subject was blood. My thoughts on the second video and recommendation are the same as the first training video and recommended alternate training.
CSI professionals must be skilled at identifying, processing and collecting physical evidence, while having respect and understanding of the criminal justice system and the knowledge of protocols and procedures linked with the collection of physical evidence at any scene of a crime.
Within CSI it is common place that one has an expertise in a specific area within this profession. CSI’s are skilled specifically to handle hidden or concealed evidence, crime scene photos, footwear, tire impressions and DNA evidence, only to name a few. Once education is complete, learning doesn’t end. In fact, after being hired much of the training starts. Crime scene investigator training is the substance of the profession and nothing is as effective or as valuable as on-the-job training.
Conclusion:
Training for CSI’s can be done in many ways. Generally, the hiring agency sets the standards for training for new hires; formal training programs as well as courses to supervised apprenticeships for a certain amount of time. Also, some states require certification/licensure for crime scene investigators; meaning additional training requirements for these professionals. Some states, as my own state; Indiana certifies its crime scene investigators through the Crime Scene Certification committee. This program, is supported by the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board and sets minimum standards of training and experience for CSIs and ensures that competence levels are achieved through a practical examination. After being hired it is common for CSI’s to still require extensive on-the-job-training that can last up to three years, learning basic of several fields or a specialization.
To have a well-trained CSI who can work independently in the field and be able to testify in court better training is needed than these training modules. As I have stated; I would not recommend spending the money on these training modules. Recommendation is;
Apprenticeship; work-study training method that has both on-the-job and classroom training
? Formal classroom training lead by an expert or in-house trainer; simulations, real life experience as to recreation of crime scenes etc., hands on with classroom certification after completion of certain amount of class room hours.
? On-the-job Training; with an expert investigator, in-house with minimal number hours and or time on the job i.e. a year. After completion than an exam followed by certification.
This profession must undergo specific training for their findings to be admissible in court proceedings therefore training has to be more viable and in-depth, lead by an expert and not simple training modules as the two that were reviewed.
