Crime Scene Investigation is an essential procedure in criminal justice. It established the basis for theory development needed to solve various crimes. However, with the high level of variability in crime scene investigation, it has become difficult to establish effective practices among investigators. This paper presents a discussion on whether variability has an ethical implication, the elements of CSI certification, including bloodstain pattern training program, the relevance of accreditation, and aspects such as level, duration, and cost of certification.
Unethical Issue and Lack of Standards
The variability of the crime scene investigation implies a lack of standards to gauge the effectiveness of the practices. As a result, there is a compromise on the ability to draw accurate conclusions of cases. Variations are likely to result in exaggeration or underrepresentation of the cases, thus; leading to an inaccurate conclusion. It is unethical for the court to depend on fault evidence to give justice. For that reason, it is necessary to implement standards of practice and subject forensic investigators to CIS certifications to avoid variabilities.
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CSI Certification
Among the institutions that an investigator can obtain CSI certification include the International Association for Identification (IAI) and Scientific Working Group on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (SWGSTAIN). Usually, the certification requirements depend on the individual level of education. For undergraduates, they may not require prior training, such as a degree course (Crime Scene Investigator Education, 2019). Advanced education, like a master's degree, is crucial. A master's degree requires prior experience in the related field of study and an undergraduate degree.
Certification in Blood Stain Pattern Analysis
IAI and SWGSTAIN provide certification after a 240-hour training following a bachelor's degree in education and three years of experience. Experience enhances hypothesis testing, theories application, and the reconciliation of research and practice (Crime Scene Investigator Education, 2019). The aim of certification programs is to the mastery of theory and application, among other factors.
Cost and Time
The cost of CSI certification and certification in bloodstain pattern analysis are high. However, these programs are essential in assessing the ability of the personnel to transfer their knowledge into practice. CIS certification costs can go as high as $55,000 depending on the institution, the number of certifications, and the level of certifications. Certification in Blood Stain Pattern Analysis tales between 100 to 240 hours of training. The cost spent during the accreditation is worth as it enables examiners and the board to assess the gap in student’s education or experience and recommend appropriate solutions to bridge such gaps.
Prior Education Requirement
CSI certification and accreditation in bloodstain pattern analysis should follow an essential academic qualification such as a baccalaureate degree in a relevant field of study given the intricacy of the job. Such education would offer a substantial background where aspiring investigators can understand theories and hypotheses as well as apply them while solving cases. Besides, it would provide a robust academic environment for pursuing short-term training during CSI certification.
Training Programs and Tests
Training and testing should take place after five years to assess the expertise of investigators in handling samples and advocating for forensic evidence in court. They also provide investigators with an opportunity to upgrade their skills, knowledge, and experiences based on the latest insights and technology. The government should make the certification mandatory for all investigators.
Moot court training should be conducted to the third and fourth-year students to provide them with essential training, experience, and response concerning the advocacy skills in the competitive field (Daly & Higgins, 2011)
Conclusion
The current crime scene investigation practices tend to vary from one region to another in a way that reflects a lack of standardization and incompetence. These can compromise the integrity of investigation results, thus leading to the violation of the principle of justice.
Christian Worldview
CIS certification aligns with the principle of justice that is promoted in multiple Biblical scriptures. The book of Proverbs 21:15 states that justice brings delight, innocent people, and terror, to convicts. CSI certification offers an opportunity for investigators to uphold justice through accurate collection and analysis of data. As such, it reduces the error of wrongful convictions. It also leads to the rightful punishment of guilty individuals.
Recommendations
The following recommendations will drive competence in the crime scene investigation practice.
The Federal government should mandate these programs to achieve standardization and competence. (Gabel, 2014). This requirement will be the first step towards facilitating standardization in practice and improving the capability of investigators.
Certified crime scene investigators should undertake proficiency assessments annually to assess the gaps in their skills, experiences, and knowledge, as well as to update their information.
The program should include a mandatory re-certification policy after five years to improve the capacity of investigators.
The Federal government should lower the cost of re-certification to promote participation.
Non-certified individuals should not collect, analyze, or store evidence to promote objectivity.
Certification should follow prior education, especially for individuals aspiring to work as crime scene investigators.
The program should also integrate 240-hours of rigorous training.
The program should integrate of moot court training to improve students’ expertise in forensic trial advocacy and offer an overall experience on the possible intersection between the law and forensic science.
Aspiring investigators should obtain experience through observations and guidance from certified investigators.
Criminal justice agencies should organize capacity building opportunities for crime scene investigators.
References
Crime Scene Investigator Education. (2019). CSI Certification | Crime Scene Investigator Certification. Retrieved from https://www.crimesceneinvestigatoredu.org/csi-certification/
Daly, Y. M. & Higgins, N. (2011). The place and efficacy of simulations in legal education: A preliminary examination. AISHE-J: The All Ireland Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education , 3 (2).
Gabel, J. D. (2014). Realizing reliability in forensic science from the ground up. Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology , 104 , 283.
