Crime scene investigators pursue a popular type of career. The growth of this field has been on the rise since C.S.I. Crime Scene Investigation appeared on television, followed by a slew of other similar shows. The focus of these shows is on the fun and glamorous side of the work, which has encouraged many to pursue a career in the field. Interested individuals should know that those working as an investigator typically work in one of two areas.

The first area is at the scene of the criminal activity, and these changes frequently. One night they might work at a scene in an alley on one side of town, and the following night they're at a bank downtown. They basically receive a phone call when they're needed, and they go directly to the crime scene. They also spend time in their office when they start their shift.

While at the scene, the investigators collect evidence and analyze the scene. They take photographs of the scene, speak with witnesses and document all evidence. Many investigators work out of their car, in a sense, because they carry all their equipment with them. They only go to the office once the work's done or when they're needed.

The other area where crime scene investigators work is inside the laboratory. The laboratory is where the evidence is analyzed and examined. Those who work in the lab run tests on the evidence to find DNA and other signs of the criminal. They also check for matches on fingerprints and DNA samples.

The large majority of investigators work for local police stations, although there are also those who work inside the lab as a technician. Those who work for the police force carry guns and are licensed as police officers and those working inside the lab are considered employees of the lab or government employees, but aren't given the same rights and privileges as police officers.

There are also some crime scene investigators working for television networks or production companies. Every one of the crime scene investigation shows has their own system of experts working on staff. It's their responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the production. They also work in colleges and at universities. Those with a degree and experience teach students in the field of crime scene investigation, including the skills they need in their chosen profession.

Crime scene investigators also work in the courtroom in a professional capacity. Once a criminal is arrested, they're sent to court for conviction and sentencing. The crime scene investigator documents the evidence found and shows why and how they think the individual is guilty. They need to show that all proper steps were followed in the collection and documentation of evidence.

On the other hand, there are investigators who work in a private capacity. Investigators are called in on court cases where one lawyer wants to dispute the evidence collected. They examine the evidence for signs that someone has done wrong or that something doesn't fit. It's their job to discredit that evidence in the courtroom. Crime scene investigators work in more areas than just the scene or setting of the criminal activity.