You can get into this job through: You could do a degree in forensic science, or in a scientific subject
like biological science or chemistry. Other relevant subjects include: Some courses are accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. You'll usually need:How to become a scenes of crime officer
University
Entry requirements
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Direct Application
Police services and law enforcement agencies set their own entry requirements for this type of work. In general, you'll need at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including English, maths and a science subject.
Some employers may prefer A levels or equivalent, including a science like chemistry or biology as you'll need laboratory skills.
Many employers ask for a degree and will expect you to have experience in police work or a related field, for example intelligence gathering and analysis.
If you are already working for the Police, you may be able to do courses through the College of Policing to become a scenes of crime investigator.
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Career tips
Experience of dealing with the public and working in sensitive situations will be helpful.
Qualifications or experience in photography can also be useful and may be essential for some jobs.
Further information
You can find out more about working in forensics from The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Check with your local police service for details of vacancies and entry requirements.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- knowledge of public safety and security
- customer service skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to work on your own
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
For some forces you may need to undergo vetting procedures like psychological screening.
You'll usually need a driving licence.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- attend a variety of crime and other incident scenes
- preserve and protect crime scenes
- record scenes using photography and video
- gather fingerprints and trace evidence
- find, record and recover evidence like DNA samples
- keep written records, produce statements and update information systems with evidence details
- give evidence in court
Working environment
You could work on the streets, in a court, at a mortuary or at a police station.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding, outdoors some of the time, dirty, cramped and at height.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior or principal officer, with responsibility for managing a crime scene investigation (CSI) team.
You could also complete further training to manage investigations at major incidents.
Current opportunities
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Crime scene investigators (CSI), including evidence technicians, crime scene analysts, or forensic investigators, are responsible for identifying, collecting, and documenting the physical evidence found at a crime scene. Crime scene investigations and forensic lab work requires highly educated individuals with a background in forensic science, the natural sciences, and the criminal justice system.
Most law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories expect job candidates will hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, with the most relevant areas of study being in forensic science and crime scene investigations. Those interested in this line of work may obtain a degree or certificate through a technical school; however, most seek their education through schools with a criminal justice department that offer degrees with a concentration in forensics and crime scene investigations. A criminal justice degree with a concentration in forensics or crime scene investigations provides a course of study that covers three critical areas: forensic science, technology, and law enforcement.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Forensic science and crime scene investigations degrees at the baccalaureate level prepare graduates for careers in criminal investigations, crime scene investigations, crime scene analysis, as well as graduate-level studies.
Criminal justice and forensics programs may focus on a specific area of forensic science, such as ballistics, blood spatter or DNA evidence, and are well suited for higher-level CSI positions within local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Coursework within a typical forensic science bachelor’s degree includes: advanced math, chemistry, biology, psychology, evidence collection, sociology, and courtroom presentation.
Extensive, In-Service Training
Although education is an important component for achieving a career as a crime scene investigator, on-the-job training is, perhaps, just as important, as it provides individuals with real scenarios and settings.
Many law enforcement agencies have strict training periods for new hires that involve working under a senior crime scene investigator for a period of time, which often lasts between 6 months and 2 years. Further, ongoing training programs and classes are an important part of a CSI career, and most law enforcement agencies require the completion of specific training programs throughout the year for their CSIs.
State Licensure and Professional Certification
Beyond a degree from an accredited college or university, many CSI positions in state and local law enforcement require CSIs to earn state licensure and/or professional certification, usually within 18 months of being hired.
Although some states have their own state certification programs that reflect state standards and minimum requirements for training and experience, many states defer to ICSIA or IAI standards for crime scene investigator certification.
Continuing education requirements for maintaining professional certification of this sort also often satisfies state and employer specific professional development requirements. Many states also look to these professional associations for specific training programs in areas such as:
- Alternate Light Source Training
- Footwear and Tire Tread
- Forensic Odontology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Clandestine Lab Training
- Arson Investigations
- Courtroom Testimony
- Blood Pattern Analysis
- Latent Print Detection/Comparison
- Crime Scene Investigations
- Crime Scene Documentation
- Death Investigations
- Evidence Photograph
Law enforcement agency employment requirements for crime scene investigators and other forensic science professionals can also often be met by taking coursework and training programs offered by such national organizations as:
- The National Forensic Academy
- The National Forensic Science Technology Center
- The National Institute of Justice
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