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If you're a crime scene investigator, crime never happens at a set time and each crime scene is horrific in its own way I'm sure so how do you handle the horrific natures of some crime scenes and blance work with family and other things outside of work?

I've heard that people in criminal justice (depending on what they do in the department) have a hard time having enough family time with the work they do and how sometimes the crime scenes leave images stuck in her head. I just want to know the best way to handle things and balance time if I decide to go into this career field. Thank you! #criminal #crime #justice #investigator #balance #scene #life-balance

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Kim’s Answer

Brenetta,


This is an insightful question!


Honestly, sometimes it takes a really long time to get images out of your head. But basically, what you do is you learn to "compartmentalize." You think about work while at work, and "forget" about it, as best as possible, when you are not at work. In your training, they will do things to try to "desensitize" you. We went to autopsies, and were shown lots of horrific photographs. They told us it was not uncommon for investigators to get to a scene, look at it, step away, lose their stomach, and come back. It's just part of the job.


When you get home, you can't talk about it, because they really would not understand. So, instead, you spend your time with your family, living in THAT particular moment, not thinking about the past. It takes practice, but it can be done!


As to people in criminal justice having a hard time with family, they told us about the high divorce rate. But, after being in law enforcement for a long time, I began to wonder if perhaps it is not that law enforcement causes divorce, but rather, the people who are drawn to law enforcement don't possess the right skills to be able to successfully maintain a relationship. It's easy to blame it on the job, but I'm not so sure about that! You will need to make time for your family, have vacations on weird days, celebrate holidays the day before or the day after, as you end up working on the holiday, but this is all things that can be done, with proper planning and commitment. You just have to WANT to make it work!


Kim
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Kelly’s Answer

With any job that takes you away from your family comes the stress and lack of rest. I can understand your concern because of the long hours, Keep in mind that Detectives work shifts and although there may be times that they are called maybe because of their expertise, they still have time off, vacation time , sick days etc. You have to strike balance in everything. A crime scene investigator has went to school for this profession and usually has a desire to do it. Going into this career you should have balance and structure or it could be very damaging. There are also life-coaches and therapist available . The criminal scene also has phycologist to help with struggles individuals may have. It is good to have the support of the family and friends. That will help you keep balance and your belief system.
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