Critical-incident trauma and crime scene investigation: A review of police organizational challenges and interventions
Abstract
It is hypothesized that exposure to critical-incident trauma affects crime scene investigators. Individual and organizational attribution factors are analyLed through the use of self-report data collected from crime scene investigators working in a large Midwestern state. This paper analyzes key variables in the job of a crime scene investigator in an effort to determine the level of stress related to CSI work and the nature of organizational support available to the investigator. Although initial findings suggest a high level of satisfaction with the job, the nature of the job can lead to high levels of both professional and personal stress, with work-related stress often driving personal stress. Policy implications for reducing officer stress as well as future research questions are discussed.