17
Letters
I would like to study Forensic Science and work as a CSI.
Whats the best courses to do?
Jess - aged 16 Manchester
Hi Jess,
Start with your GCSE's and get 5 at grade C or above. You will need English, Maths and at least one science.
Then move onto a BTEC Level 3 qualification or your A levels.
Remember the BTEC Level 3 is equivilent to 3 A Levels.
Most organisations that recruit CSI staff train them themselves or through the national training course at the College of Policing. Fire Service Investigators usually attend the Fire Service College to carry out the Fire Investigators course.
What is the difference between a CSI and a SOCO?
Tony - 10 London
Hi Tony
A SOCO stands for a Scenes of Crime Officer.
This stems from the days when the Police Officer would also process the crime scene.
When the role started to be taken over by Police Staff instead of Officers the role started to be known as a Crime Scene Examiner (CSE), but as more staff were used to investigate the scenes, including speaking to witnesses the role required an element of investigation and the name Crime Scene Investigator (CSE) was introduced.
Did you know a lot of Police Forcces also have a VCSI? This stands for a Volume Crime Scene Investigator and is a role that examines volume crime scenes such as thefts from motor vehicles and burglaries.
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