crime scene photography

[jdwme]

So i've been searching the net and all I can find is where I can get a mail order degree to become a crime scene photographer. Anyone in this profession or know how to get started?

[Redmouse]

Try contacting the Rockstar, Mike Fulton. He recently retired from law enforcement as a crime scene investigator.

[Cope]

Originally Posted by jdwme

So i've been searching the net and all I can find is where I can get a mail order degree to become a crime scene photographer. Anyone in this profession or know how to get started?

Ten years ago the harris County Coroner's office was looking for a forensic photographer. Starting salary was $38K. Requirements were photographic skill and familiarity with computer image software.

[robert t]

Sorry to ruin you day but most CSI's do more than just photograph. They also process the scene (collect evidence), log evidence, map the scene, write detailed report on the findings and testify in court.
All very similar to what you see on tv's CSI with one exception. CSI's don't interrogate suspects, they collect and present evidence and investigators ask questions.
Even the CSI's that are assigned to the photo lab have assignments in the field. I do not know of anyone around that has just a crime scene photographer. If your interested you normally have to start at the entry level, a basic street cop. That of course requires you get hired and get through the basic academy, you can get a head start by adding Criminal Justice classes to your degree path or change your major, most agencies that have a CSU will require 60 hours of college. Once your hired then you can request a transfer into the Crime Scene Unit. Then after several months of training and several hundred hours more of classroom training, your in. Good news is, it can be done. Latex gloves, camera, film, evidence bags, crime scene tape and a vehicle come with the job.


PS Photography is not my full time occupation.

[CallMeAl]

There are several agencies that have civilian crime scene units. Plano PD in the Dallas area is one as well as Arlington PD. But as previously stated, crime scene photography is just one small portion of the job that we do. I'm a CSI in the DFW area. PM me ifyou want to get a little more info.

One place you might want to check is with the FBI. The FBI has civilian employees that are strictly photographers. The don't collect evidence or process it, but they do photograph crime scenes in the field as well as photograph evidence in the lab, such as tool marks, fingerprints, indented writing, etc.

Craig

[Night Owl]

HPD's CSUs are full-blown officers. Gotta start at the HPD academy and put in a few years on the streets before you can start professionally clicking a shutter.

[jdwme]

Thanks guys! I was wondering if you really had to be a CSI or not, wasn't sure how "real" it was on tv guess that's not the career for me then. I'll have to look into the FBI or other areas of photography.

[Huck]

Same in Okie City. They are officers with time on the streets. They still pull traffic stops on days they get bored. Kinda sucks getting stopped by the CSI trucks....

[OTRphoto]

just FYI - the link to FBI jobs

You'll see them around in person recruiting at college and military job fairs.. It's a good place to corner one to talk and get some questions answered in person.

But also know that to get into the FBI as an agent - you have to be between 23-37 and already have a 4-year degree in something. Not sure about the jobs for lab positions though.

Good luck!!!!

[henryp]

The Evidence Photographers International Council