Please see the Working Environment section for what type of work you can expect to be doing as a Norfolk Constabulary Crime Scene Investigator (CSI).

 

The three levels of CSI
A Volume Crime Scene Investigator (VCSI) is the entry level at which you will start. VCSIs are trained to deal with crimes to property such as burglaries and vehicles as well as photographing injuries to people involved in minor assaults.

Once you have gained the necessary experience and competence you will be able to progress to a Trainee Crime Scene Investigator. After continual training over a two-year period you will be fully-qualified as a Crime Scene Investigator able to attend any scene of crime. There are then opportunities for advancement to Senior Crime Scene Investigator, a supervisory level responsible for the daily activities of the VCSIs and CSIs.

Senior CSIs are scene managers for any major crime incidents, prioritising and tasking work of CSI teams as well as communicating with senior police investigating officers to ensure all forensic opportunities are covered.

 

Hours of work
VCSIs work 8am to 4pm including 50 per cent weekends (excluding bank holidays)

CSIs (including trainees) work between 8am and 11pm, seven days a week (including bank holidays) on a shift basis. CSIs cover 11pm to 8am via an on-call roster.

 

Training
All crime scene investigation training takes place at the National Police Improvement Agency's (NPIA) Forensic Training Centre at Harperley Hall in County Durham. These residential courses can last between two and four weeks.

Further training opportunities exist within the Force, including the chance to attend specialist training courses in disciplines such as fire and arson, explosive devices and terrorism.

All CSIs are encouraged to register with the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practioners (CRFP), an independent organisation which ensures all registrants work to high professional standards. CSIs can also complete an externally-accredited Diploma in Crime Scene Investigation that results in a nationally-recognised qualification.

 

Entry Requirements
All applicants must have been educated to A-level standard or equivalent and have five GCSEs at grade C or higher (including English, maths and a science subject). Applicants should also have experience of some form of analytical work or attention to fine detail and photography.

Skills such as meticulous attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, communication in all forms, patience and a degree of physical fitness are all desirable.