Crime Scene Investigator



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Crime scene investigators apply keen observation and problem-solving skills in carrying out their scientific, investigative work with the police

As a crime scene investigator, you'll be involved in securing and protecting crime scenes, and collecting evidence from crime scenes, post-mortems and other incidents, such as fires and suspicious deaths.

You'll also be responsible for processing and categorising evidence so that it can be used in criminal investigations. This might include gathering photographic evidence or physical samples from the scene, such as weapons, fingerprints, clothing or biological evidence.

Crime scene investigators are sometimes known as scenes of crime officers or forensic scene investigators.


Qualifications

You'll usually need at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) including maths, English and science, as well as an A-level in a laboratory-based science subject.

It isn't mandatory to have a degree to be a crime scene investigator, but most recent applicants are graduates and this is more commonly becoming a deciding factor for employers during selection. A degree in one of the following subjects could be advantageous:

  • forensic science

  • biological science

  • chemistry

  • criminology

  • psychology.

You can complete specific qualifications to be a crime scene investigator, such as those offered by the College of Policing. These can be undertaken at the police force you work for.

A qualification in digital media such as photography could also be helpful, as you'll need to gather photographic evidence and film at incidents you attend.


Employers

Most scenes of crimes officers in the UK are employed in the public sector by individual police forces around the country.

Look for vacancies at:

Recent graduates can apply for the police either directly through vacancies advertised on their website, or through the Police Now graduate scheme.


Career Videos

Introduction to Crime Scenes

Crime Scene Investigator CSI - How to Become a Scenes of Crime Officer

What it's like to be a Scenes of Crime Officer

Fundamentals of Crime Scene Processing

Careers in Biomedical Science.pptx

What Is Forensic Science?