Crime Scene Investigator
By: Lauren Schuster
Career Research
Description
A crime scene investigator is a trained police officer that analyzes evidence at a crime scene. You need a lot of special and extra training for this job. Investigators are specifically assigned to the scene, they are not allowed to talk to any witnesses or suspects.Daily Tasks and Responsibilities
Crime scene investigators need to have a good attitude no matter what and can concentrate. They need to be a team leader and able to sketch/photograph evidence. They need to be flexible with their time and ready to work long hours. While they're observing things and scenes they need to pay attention to certain little details.
Education/Training Needed
To become a crime scene investigator you need to succeed in specific degrees. You need to get a bachelor's degree in forensic science, forensic anthropology or forensic biology. Most forensic science students also focus on a specialization, such as fingerprint analysis toxicology or DNA profiling. Every investigator needs a general studies in criminal justice. Most agencies may also require that before they become an investigator they should have earned police or military officer status.
Job Outlook
Expected to grow 17% (about 18,000 jobs) by 2016
Salary
Crime scene investigators typically make $55,660 per year, which is $26.76 per hour.
Work Environment
They usually have to see disturbing pictures constantly, work long odd hours in various climates, and under stressful conditions. Also, working in unsanitary and smelly environments, talking with a lot of professionals and lawyers, and paying close attention to details.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm
Career Connections
High School Preparation
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Civics and Political Science
Extra-curricular Activities
- Debate club
- Crime Scene Academy
- Community service
Work/Volunteer Experience
You can get an internship or volunteer to help and observe at a crime scene investigator's lab.
References
A reference is the action of providing information to something. Stating a reference is important because you need to give the person that you got the information from credit, otherwise it can be known as plagiarism.
Ron Muich (family friend)- Detective
Mooney McMullin (family friend)- Special forces detective
Post-secondary Plan
- You can earn a certificate or diploma by going to a 5 week academy at a university.
- Succeed in your career and earn your Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree at a university or local college.
Training/Certificate Programs
Some agencies require you to become a police officer and attend a police academy before you apply to be a crime scene investigator. A good certificate program is 5 weeks long at the University of California, Riverside. Another good program that you can attend around our area is a criminal justice program at Rasmussen College, Rockford.
Internship/Apprenticeship Opportunities
You can go to your local police agency and ask or request for a short internship to gain more experience in that field that you pursue to work in some day.