1. One Media/Publication Administrative Perspective Analysispaper. That paper is valued at 120 points. The paper should be 3-4 pages, excluding the cover page. Choose one (1) current media product

JANE DOE

HURES 5043-01 Human Services Administration & Supervision

A Review of Season 1 of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

from a Supervision Perspective

April 12, 2006

There are many aspects of supervision and administration of an agency. Each has its own unique styles, models, sanctions, rewards, etc. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is a television show based on a staff of approximately (six) 6 main characters. Throughout this paper I will discuss many features of CSI including the work environment, staff issues, training, budget, casework, evaluation/monitoring procedures, agency goals, supervision functions and models, and resistance of staff. The following is a summary and analysis of CSI from a supervision/ administration perspective.

Environment

First, the main characters are Gil Grissom (supervisor), Catherine Willows (CSI with most experience other than Grissom), Warrick Brown (CSI), Nick Stokes (CSI), Sara Sidle (CSI), and Greg Sanders (lab tech). The show is set in Las Vegas, NV in the lives of the crime scene investigators.

The staff of CSI seems to have good public relations with the community at large. During the first season you see a hint of strain in the relationship between Grissom and the Sheriff of Clark County. Most of the disputes between Grissom and the Sheriff center on the conflict of each agency’s goals—Grissom is focused only on evidence, while the Sheriff worries about public appearance. This seems to be a common obstacle in many agencies—to go with policy or public?

The environment within the agency seems very positive. The staff seems very open with each other and the findings of ongoing cases and research. Although they are in a very serious profession, the staff members often tell jokes, share a brotherhood-like bond and give each other mutual respect. Overall, the environment seems to foster motivation and support the individual’s needs as well as the staff as a whole.

Goals

The first and foremost goal of CSI staff is to solve crimes using the evidence. Throughout the show the supervisor tells the staff if the evidence does not support the theory, the theory does not work. Most of the goals Grissom focuses his staff on can be classified as SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. The only aspect of these goals that does not always fit is attainable. Even the best crime lab cannot solve every crime.

Budget

The budget is not often discussed on CSI. It is implied the crime lab has a large budget per their equipment. Another implication of a large budget is during an episode when Grissom requests that Sara Sidle investigate Warrick Brown for possible gambling on company time. Most agencies do not have the time or staff for this and use an overseeing board to complete such investigations—yet CSI does.

Training (areas of focus, type, etc.)

CSI does not show any of their staff attending outside training during this season. However, the staff is continuously educating themselves on the necessary tools to solve each case. The show exhibits an open environment. Staff members often share new educational tools or knowledge with each other. Grissom has extensive training in animals and insects, as well as numerous other fields, and is often shown giving his employees the benefit of his knowledge through informal training.

Referrals

No outside referrals are made during this season’s episodes. As aforementioned, the supervisor often gives staff informal training. Grissom also refers staff to each other when specialization is needed in a certain area. CSI seems to have good internal networking.

Casework

The caseloads are manageable on this show. Each employee usually has 1 ongoing case. Each case usually has at least 2 employees assigned to it—more on a larger case. The staff spends an average of 1-5 days on each case depending on the amount of evidence to process and whether or not they can close it.

Resistance to Supervision

Each employee seems to show some level of resistance to controls. This was basically the only negative aspect of CSI that was observed. Grissom shows resistance to the day supervisor and the Sheriff. The show implies that he likes to operate his staff independently. Warrick often resists controls and advice of co-workers. For example, he leaves a new CSI alone at a crime scene to take care of personal business and she is injured. Sara shows resistance by often projecting her issues onto others and refusing to examine herself. At times, Nick shows compassion to victims by telling them something the evidence does not support or refute just to give them peace of mind. Catherine is resistant to staying out of cases that involve her criminal father. The only type of resistance Greg shows is to himself, as he has very low self-esteem. In the first season, Greg often does not acknowledge his own successes and doubts himself.

Promotions

Grissom lets his employees know ahead of time when promotions will be available. However, during one episode, Grissom tells 2 employees that 1 spot will be available for promotion. This creates a very competitive and slightly hostile work experience for the two employees. Perhaps, Grissom should have decided on one employee, talked to him or her about it and not gone to the other unless the first did not want the promotion.

Supervision/Monitoring & Evaluation

CSI definitely has a scientific method of management. There is a science for each aspect of the job. Grissom verbally evaluates his staff on a daily basis. As a supervisor, he uses a combination of the five supervision models. Grissom directly teaches staff but also allows some leniency for self-supervision. He consults with his employees on their findings and gives feedback. Grissom also gives therapeutic advice in an indirect way. For example, he quotes Buddha in one episode.

In addition, Grissom gives rewards and shows positive regard for all of his staff, but also sanctions and discusses issues as needed. He seems to have an open-door policy and often knows many aspects of each ongoing investigation. CSI seems to have a bureaucratic atmosphere—all employees are usually treated fairly on the basis of experience. However, Grissom also takes cases, thus having less time to supervise and monitor. This brings about another common problem in many professions: Should a supervisor deny the field his experience by working only as a supervisor? Or should he do both at the risk of neglecting some of his administration duties?

Overall, CSI exhibits a positive working environment. While the agency is not without its problems and issues, they are handled in a professional manner. One aspect I observed that was lacking during this show is planning. However, this is easily explained when you look at the services this agency provides—crime scene investigation. Thus how can you prepare for that?

References

Bruckheimer, J. (Producer). (2000). CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Season 1 [Television series]. Los Angeles: CBS Television Studios.