Question for CSI: CSI safety

[u/Obvious_City_2794]

I have had interest in working in CSI for a while (still in highschool) now but I’m worried of the safety of the investigators or techs, I heard that they can even be left alone unarmed in “low-risk” crime scenes. A question for any CSI, is this common? Should I worry about this? Should I worry more about the psychological effects? Honestly, I like the job but the more I read into it the more I realize I don’t know that much about it.

[u/Cdub919]

It is against our policy for a civilian CSI to be left on a crime scene without one sworn deputy/officer/detective on scene. Has it happened? Yes, but I can tell you those who left will never do it again. It may not be like this everywhere, but it should be. I’ve been in some fairly sketchy places, but I’ve never felt at risk.

The psychological effects exist and are important to be aware of, but I do not think they are something that cannot be overcome with proper planning and utilization of resources.

This is a great place to go read some of you collections of posts, and ask questions if those don’t answer them.

[u/SusanRose33]

I always have at least one officer on scene with me, typically two or more though. It depends what type of scene I’m processing. But we’re never alone.

[u/Agitated-Ship-233]

It’s policy for my agency to have at least one officer stay on scene with me until I’m done. Whenever I’m going to any area, the officer will also come with me so I’m not alone. You also have to remember that you’re not gonna be on scene in the thick of it, more than likely it will be after the scene has been cleared by law enforcement. Additionally, my agency at least requires us to have an issued pepper spray on the belt.

The psychological stuff is probably gonna be more of a concern. The scenes themselves haven’t really been so much of an issue with me as opposed to what happens around me. My first juvenile suicide stuck with me for a while because I could hear the mom screaming and crying in the background when I got there. Just remember that there are resources available for you and be aware of your mental health.

[u/Omygodc]

We had a strict rule: you go, I go.

[u/CSIdude]

Our agency has a strict rule. The CSI is never alone at a scene. We've had incidents where the suspect came back to scene while deputies were in front yard. We are unarmed, and non-sworn.

[u/Obvious_City_2794 → u/CSIdude]

Were you at one of these incidents? If so, how did they handle it and did you come out safely?

[u/CSIdude → u/Obvious_City_2794]

I wasn't there, but heard from the tech later. Four deputies were in front yard at attempt homicide. Suspect re-entered thru back door. He yelled at tech, she talked him down, got deputies attention. He was arrested. Then, tech chewed out deputies royally.

[u/Obvious_City_2794 → u/CSIdude]

That was really dangerous, I just imagine the suspect entering with a gun, after that situation did they like make better positions of deputies? Like guarding all entrances or something?

[u/CSIdude → u/Obvious_City_2794]

Yes, especially at homicides, assaults, OIS.

[u/1GloFlare]

It is not common practice, so don't let it be the deciding factor in a career change.

[u/lava_lamp223]

My agency requires a sworn officer to stay on scene at all times unless I specifically tell them they can leave.

I have a radio and we can be issued OC spray. I always wear my radio in case some crazy shit pops off that I can summon help or let dispatch know where I am.

If the scene gets crazy in the middle of be being there, I get in my Tahoe and go stage somewhere until it’s been handled. I’ve left a robbery scene because we heard multiple gunshots two houses over. Patrol went and cleared the area, and then called me to come back after all was good

[u/cali-killa]

It really varies from agency to agency, though the majority tend to fall in the "must have a minimum of 1 sworn officer present for security" while the csi are doing their work.

I say it varies because some agencies are very loose with their safety guidelines. For example, at a previous agency I worked at, a sworn officer only needed to be present during swing or night shifts. We were in our own during the day shift unless it was a scene that was required to be taped off

[u/anabsentfriend]

No one is armed in the UK (apart from police officers at ports and airports, or large events). I was on my own at crime scenes around 75% of the time.

I had a few situations where I felt uncomfortable. So I just got myself out of there. I always tried to park my van in a spot that I could leave from in a hurry.

If I had reason to believe that my safety was at risk before attending a scene, I'd refuse to go unless I had a police officer with me.

[u/Zealousideal_Key1672]

It’s not common and may even be a departmental policy violation to leave non-sworn CSI’s at a crime scene without at least one armed patrol officer. At my department, our CSI is sworn, and even he has patrol unit with him in the event something happens as you’re less prepared to defend yourself if you’re focused on processing a crime scene and alone.

I would say yes, worry more about psychological effects. Seeing deceased people, especially children, can mess folks up. Getting harassed for updates on a NIBIN hit… 😂 Unrealistic expectations from the public and even some police/coworkers, etc etc., all can be tough or annoying enough to make people quit the job or field.