Crime scene investigator

Crime scene investigators are employed by most regional police forces. They examine scenes of incidents where forensic evidence might be found, including crime scenes. They record and collect it and might later present evidence in court. Their work includes finding and recovering fingerprints and forensic evidence and taking photographs of crime scenes.

Also known as:

Forensic investigator
Scenes of crime officer (SOCO)

Work activities

Crime scene investigators collect evidence at incidents that could include crime scenes or accidents. They make sure that all the evidence is preserved and recorded for future reference. They might be called scenes of crime officers, crime scene examiners, or forensic investigators in some areas. Crime scene investigators collect impressions of fingerprints and palm prints left by criminals. They usually do this by brushing surfaces with powder and transferring the impression, via adhesive tape, to a sheet of acetate. They also collect forensic evidence, often in minute traces, which is sent to a laboratory for further analysis by a forensic scientist. These examinations can be carried out at the scene of a crime, or items could be taken away and examined elsewhere. For example, a car that has been used for criminal activity might be taken to a police garage. Crime scene investigators sometimes take impressions of fingerprints from people. They fingerprint anyone who might have had access to the scene of a crime. This eliminates innocent people from an enquiry. Another element of the crime scene investigator’s work is attending post-mortems. Working with a pathologist who conducts the post-mortem, an accurate record is made and photographs taken of anything arising from the examination. Photography plays a vital role in the work of a crime scene investigator. Photographed evidence is prepared for use in court. Digital camcorders are also used at the scene of incidents. Crime scene investigators are responsible for the maintenance of any equipment they use. They also have administrative tasks such as preparing and writing reports, statements and other necessary documentation. They need to keep accurate records, so that colleagues can refer to them when necessary. They usually use computer systems. Items of evidence are labelled and packaged carefully, then stored away after forensic examination for safe keeping or for use as exhibits. Some evidence is sent to a forensic scientist for analysis. Crime scene investigators sometimes have to attend court hearings to give evidence.

Technology plays a big part in crime detection. For instance, special equipment can be used to:

Identify and photograph fingerprints on documents.
Record shoe or tyre marks.
Take DNA swabs.
Collect fibres from clothes and furniture.

Crime scene investigators work closely with both uniformed and plain clothes police officers. They also work with pathologists, forensic scientists and other members of the emergency services. They often need to wear protective clothing such as paper suits, masks and overshoes, so that they do not contaminate evidence. Crime scene investigators travel a great deal in their local area and might be required to live within a certain distance of their workplace. They keep in touch with their headquarters by radio or mobile phone; they might need to reorganise their work if they receive an urgent call during their shift. Crime scene investigators are mainly civilian police staff, although a small number of police forces have police officers in the role.

Personal qualities and skills

As a crime scene investigator, you’ll need to be:

Patient, understanding and sympathetic when dealing with the victims of crime.
Calm and confident.
Able to analyse situations carefully.
Prepared to attend incidents that could be very distressing.
Able to work in unpleasant or dirty conditions, for example, outdoors in all types of weather, at night or at the scene of a major incident.
Observant, methodical and able to follow set procedures, paying close attention to detail. You should also be able to use your initiative.
Able to work on your own and as a member of a team.
Flexible; for example, to cope with unusual work patterns.
Able to use your hands to carry out small and detailed tasks.

You should have:

Good written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent colour vision.
Digital photography skills.
A full driving licence.
Some IT skills.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for crime scene investigators vary depending on the employing police service and responsibilities. Salaries are generally in the range of £16,000 a year, rising to a maximum of £37,000 a year including shift allowances and benefits.

Crime scene investigators work shifts. Some forces work shift patterns that allow crime scene investigators to work 35-40 hours a week spread over a five-day period (including weekends).

Employers are the police services throughout the UK.

What’s happening in this work area?

Police forces rely on public funding, and this has been severely cut over recent years. Very few police services are currently recruiting crime scene investigators. Competition for crime scene investigator posts is very strong. It is not unusual to get hundreds of applicants for each vacancy.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies will almost certainly be advertised on a regional force website. Sometimes jobs will also be advertised in the local press, on the Government’s Find a Job service. Each police service is responsible for its own recruitment.

Entry routes and training

Direct entry is not widely available and in practice most entrants have some relevant experience and, often, a relevant degree. In many areas, it is usual to enter as an assistant crime scene investigator or volume crime scene examiner and progress to a crime scene investigator post after gaining experience, depending on available promotion opportunities. You might be able to enter directly by applying for a trainee post with a police service. Applicants usually have to pass eyesight and colour vision tests to be accepted for entry.

A small number of universities offer either a degree or foundation degree in crime scene science or forensic investigation. Otherwise, a degree in criminology or psychology may be useful.

Crime scene investigators can progress to senior and manager posts.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: Working as a crime scene investigator is an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to. Some forces are currently reviewing their consideration of offences, especially minor ones, including motoring offences.

Qualifications

Qualifications required for this job vary between forces. Increasingly, many applicants have a degree in a subject such as criminology or psychology.

Photographic qualifications and/or experience are also considered, as are applicants with scientific or technical backgrounds and/or qualifications. A driving licence is essential.

For entry to a degree course, the usual requirement is:

Two to three A-levels.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in two to three other subjects.

Alternatives to A levels include:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed skills by working in a laboratory. Some forces employ serving police officers as crime scene investigators, while most use civilian police staff.

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