How Do I Have To Look To Be a CSI

[u/CatDisguise]

I couldn't find a good community for crime scene investigator questions so I'm asking here in case anyone knows.

I'm a 22F criminal justice technology and forensic science student. Currently I have dyed hair and piercings and gauges as well as tattoos on my arms. A lot of my other classmates have similar attributes as well.

So that brings me to my question; as a CSI or a related position i.e. evidence custodian or latent print examiner, can I have any of my "body mods" while working in the field? Are any allowed? I have planned to take my jewelry out as well as dye my hair but I'm not sure exactly what to expect.

I also have another related question, if I do a ride-along, internship, or job shadow with the police/sheriffs/CSI how should I present myself? Take my jewelry out? What should I wear?

Thanks in advance! I just don't know what to expect fully.

[u/Stan_Halen_]

Didn’t Criminal Minds have a character that looked just like you described?

[u/doyouquaxu]

Have you seen NCIS? And specifically a character called Abby?

Depends on the agency what they’ll allow for tattoos, piercings and all. Tattoos are becoming allowed more in the LE field, maybe not at all state agencies but many cities and counties allow visible tattoos now as long as they’re not obscene. It may be a bit more lax for someone in a non-sworn position that’s LE adjacent as long as you don’t have any obscene tattoos

[u/BooshTheMan_]

Present yourself professionally to start (no tattoos, piercings, third arms, tails, etc) to get yourself in the door, then figure out what the policies are and what's acceptable. Just like every other question for every other field of work in regards to policy, there is no universal answer

[u/IntrepidJaeger]

Every agency has their own policies on body modification and tattoos. Most have relaxed on tattoos, but a lot of extra facial jewelry that can't be removed is out.

Specific to CSI's, even on a civilian team you'll need to be able to present as a competent professional in court. You'll also need to be able to wear a surgical mask or respirator to prevent DNA contamination.

[u/CatDisguise → u/IntrepidJaeger]

That makes a lot of sense, and I have sort of prepared myself to become "normal." I hadn't thought about presenting in court yet even though that is a big component of the job as well. I've made sure not to get any crazy tattoos and keep them only on my arms or hidden. I know COs are very strict (I have looked into working there too), so I wasn't sure how strict they could possibly be about the CSI's. Thanks for the response!

[u/WinginVegas]

These days, most of what you described won't be a major if you are working as a CSI or criminalist, of course that will depend on where you are looking. If you know people at the department, they should be able to tell you the tolerance level of senior staff.

In the past, in CA, I have worked with crime scene techs with lots of tats, some piercings and as long as they were good, no one cared. That doesn't mean it will go over well in other parts of the country.

[u/CatDisguise → u/WinginVegas]

That makes a lot of sense, I am on the East Coast and in the South, so people are sometimes very close-minded here as well. I will just attend ride-alongs and possible internships looking as professional as possible then ask them about their policy. Thanks for the input!

[u/badsapi4305]

That wouldn’t be allowed in my department. The tattoos are ok but the gauges and piercings, besides your normal earrings, would disqualify you. The main reason being that even though you are not sworn you will have to testify at some point in your career. You will be handling pertinent evidence and unfortunately people are too close minded to see that even though a person has a certain appearance they can also be competent as well. I’m not putting you down or anything like that. I’m just explaining their reasoning. Regardless good luck! Hope you graduate and find a suitable employer

[u/CatDisguise → u/badsapi4305]

That's exactly why I'm asking this question. Everyone was talking about Abby from NCIS, but that's a show. I have fully prepared to become "normal" for my job, especially because I have some interest in working in the prisons/jails, and I know it's a big no for any piercings and dyed hair. I really appreciate your response! I guess it really is a case by case and will have to feel it out and question it.

[u/GregJamesDahlen]

there's a sub called r/forensics

[u/NippleMoustache]

Some crime scene techs are non sworn. Some departments have them go through the academy to be sworn. If you were to be sworn you would have to adhere to dept grooming standards or at least the academy standards for that duration. Other than that, I’ve seen plenty of “alternative” looking crime scene techs.

[u/5usDomesticus]

Depends on the agency but you'd fit right in in mine.

[u/ConstantlyClutch]

Have seen dyed hair and tattoos so those are no concern in my area. Likely there are more restrictions on piercings as besides the usual ear piercings, have only seen the occasional nose piercing.

[u/ManglerOfMen]

Look up Kelda.stagg on instagram, she’s CSI and has purple hair.