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evidence, such as fingerprints, bodily fluids, weapons, and bullet casings, should be collected and how. They are also often tasked with taking photographs and videos of the crime scene and evidence, as well as castings of footprints, tire marks, and tool mark impressions. They may make sketches of the crime scene and often take notes about the location and position of evidence, weather conditions, and other details. All of this is useful as they reconstruct a crime scene. LABORATORIES In laboratories, CSIs conduct biological, chemical, genetic, and microscopic analyses on evidence collected from crime scenes. They also consult with and follow instructions from forensic chemists, toxicologists, biologists, and other scientists. They often write reports about their findings. COURTROOMS CSIs are often called upon to testify about their findings in legal and civil proceedings. As a result, they need excellent communication skills. FURTHER RESOURCES For more information on education and careers in crime scene investigation, visit these sites: • Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction, www.acsr.org • International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts, www.iabpa.org • International Crime Scene Investigators Association, www.icsia.org

A DAY IN THE LIFE: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR I’ve worked as a crime scene investigator for a police department on the West Coast of the United States for nearly ten years. I love my job because I enjoy solving riddles (I love crosswords, too!) and playing a role in fighting crime.

16 COOL CAREERS IN SCIENCE: FORENSIC SCIENTISTS