Description / Duties:
     As the name implies, crime scene investigators are responsible for examining crime scenes. They must be capable of dealing with the results of any crime - assaults, home break-ins, homicides, rapes, robberies, or any other type of crime.
     After securing the crime scene, they begin by photographing everything so they or other people will later know where everything at the scene was located. Using many modern techniques and types of equipment, they gather evidence for later scientific comparisons, computer searches, and other processes. The physical crime scene is not the only place they gather evidence. Some of the evidence in the form of blood tests , DNA, or other sources may be gathered by the medical examiner and passed along to the investigator. They must maintain the integrity of the evidence and the chain of custody when receiving or passing along evidence. Some, but not all, investigators may also have to perform the tests and comparisons of the evidence in the lab. Documentation in the form of written reports are required at each step of the investigation.
     Once the crime scene has been investigated and all of the tests performed, the investigator then assists the detectives or other law enforcement personnel by briefing them on the evidence and test results. They may also be required to testify in court about their part in the over-all investigation of the case.
     The job isn't all about the crime scene. A lot of time is also spent attending classes and conferences in order to keep up-to-date with the newest techniques and equipment and, if required by the agency in which they work, maintaining the various investigative tools and lab equipment.

Schedule:
     As with many jobs within law enforcement, crime scene investigators most often work a set schedule which may include rotating shifts. There may be some agencies which require investigators to work the occasional weekend or be on stand-by (on-call) duty requiring them to be available for work at any time during a given period. Other schedule changes may be required due to the length of time it takes to investigate a crime scene or if the agency calls the investigator out during an emergency.

Requirements:
     Investigators must be physically fit and capable of carrying the required equipment and work in various types of conditions. They must also be mentally fit and capable of dealing with the condition of victims. Some agencies require investigators to carry weapons, so they must meet the requirements as set forth by the agency.
     Investigators not only have the education and training for the actual collection of evidence, they also have an educational background in one or more scientific disciplines. If part of the job requires performing lab work, they must also have the education and training to operate the equipment and interpret the results. Along with these, all investigators must have a working knowledge of the police procedures and laws of the area in which they work.