Crime Scene Investigator

What is a crime scene investigator?

A crime scene investigator is employed by a local government, usually working closely with police officers and public prosecutors and defenders, to examine the scene of a crime and gather evidence. He or she is responsible for collecting, cataloguing, analyzing, and interpreting evidence found at a crime scene to help solve crimes and, in some cases, will work with lawyers as witnesses or case builders to help bring a perpetrator to justice.

Crime scene investigators utilize modern forensic technology, and must be comfortable working with DNA and weapons analysis software. Some crime scene investigators who have medical backgrounds work as autopsy professionals, discerning cause of death, time of death, or any other information that would be useful in solving a case. It is often the responsibility of a crime scene investigator to testify as expert witnesses in court cases, where they identify evidence and offer analysis that proves a defendant is either guilty or innocent of a crime.

Those considering careers as crime scene investigators should first ask themselves a few questions, including:

• Am I prepared to take rigorous and advanced science courses in chemistry and biology?
• Do I like to solve puzzles by fitting clues together?
• Am I comfortable working in intense situations involving weapons, injuries, and bodies?
• Am I prepared to take criminal justice courses and work closely with other professionals in the criminal justice system?
• Can I adapt easily to new technologies, particularly complex computer programs and chemical analysis systems?
• Am I comfortable working with a large staff?

How do I become a crime scene investigator?

Crime scene investigators are typically required to hold, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree to qualify for entry-level positions. However, those seeking career advancement to administrative positions, or those who are interested as contracting themselves as expert witnesses in high profile crime cases, may find that holding a master’s degree is necessary to reach their career goals. Some bachelor’s degrees that crime scene investigators may hold are:

• Chemistry
• Biology
• Criminal Justice
• Law
• Psychology
• Computer Science
• Criminology
• Sociology
• Mathematics

Some lower-level crime scene investigator positions are available to those who hold associate’s degrees, so long as the individual completes an apprenticeship or is able to demonstrate some significant experience related to crime scene investigation, such as in law enforcement, investigative journalism, or detective work.

No matter what kind of degree an individual earns, anyone interested in working in crime scene investigation should find some way to earn relative experience, such as a research fellow, volunteer, or entry-level employee. There are certain skills that will be required of those in crime scene investigator positions, including communication, writing, deductive reasoning and analysis, and leadership.

What can I expect as a crime scene investigator?

A crime scene investigator can expect to travel often to criminal sites. An investigator with in-demand expertise may be called upon to travel to all areas of the country. He or she will also be expected to work with multiple individuals from varying areas of expertise, travelling to police headquarters, laboratories, hospitals, and courtrooms.

Job opportunities for crime scene investigators are expected to see a 20% increase by 2018, which is significantly faster than the average growth expected of all professions. Increasing reliance on technology to facilitate law enforcement and crime research means that those who have expertise in related computer programs and technologies will find the best opportunities available to them.

Generally, forensic scientists are paid hourly wages of $23.97, though this figure will vary significantly depending on an individual’s place of employment, years of experience, and exact job description. Those who hold administrative roles can typically expect to earn much more, as can those who are responsible for the full range of an investigation, rather than one specific segment.