Career Overview
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
Also Known As
- Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
- Crime Scene Technician
- Criminalist
- Forensic Specialist
Alternate Job Titles
- Accident Examiner
- Accident Investigator
- Accident Reconstructionist
- Community Service Officer
- Computer Forensic Examiner
- Computer Forensic Specialist
- Corrections Identification Technician
- Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst)
- Crime Scene Evidence Technician
- Crime Scene Examiner
- Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
- Crime Scene Specialist
- Crime Scene Technician
- Crime Victim Specialist
- Criminal Identification Coordination Specialist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.
- Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
- Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
- Testify in court and present evidence.
- Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.
- Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
- Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Use drone technology for aerial photography and videography of crime scenes.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Law and Government
- Administrative
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Expression
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Self-Control
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Automobile door handle removers
- Axes
- Biohazard suits
- Blood collection kits
- Bolt cutters
- Breathalyzers
- Bulletproof vests
- Camera lens filters
- Claw hammers
- Compound light microscopes
- Crime scene rulers
- Crime scene tape measures
- Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA collection kits
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Detectives and Criminal Investigators occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Police Identification and Records Officers.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $54,160 |
| Median | $93,580 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $159,410 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 110,790
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Forensic Science Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $67,440
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $93,580
Private Detectives and Investigators
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $52,370
Coroners
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $78,420
Intelligence Analysts
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $93,580
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.