Power
If there's a little Napoleon living inside you, this will make you happy: CSIs actually have a lot of power. A CSI can shut down a line or even an entire plant if they believe the safety of food is at steak, er...stake.
Seriously. If you think the cube steak is only being squared, you have the power to stop it and get it fixed. As a CSI, your first duty is the safety of food coming out of the facility. It's your job to see the chicken fingers get a thumbs-up.
CSIs must continually monitor the line workers to make sure they are following the rules and procedures necessary to produce a safe product. What they produce ends up in the grocery store, and eventually on the table for dinner. We all need safe food to eat, whether it's at the table or in front of the TV.