Crime Scene Examiner
Crime scene examiners are referred to as many things, including criminalistics officers, evidence technicians, and forensic investigators. The most common title for an examiner is crime scene investigator, made famous by the popular CSI television franchise. Crime scene examiners secure crime scenes and are responsible for collecting evidence, including fingerprints, footprints, and trace fibers (e.g. hair and clothing materials), bullets, and shell casings. The evidence collected at a crime scene is transferred to a lab, where it's analyzed by other forensic professionals. In addition to collecting the evidence, crime scene examiners document their findings and write reports about the crime scene and the evidence collected. Some crime scene examiners serve as expert witnesses or testify about evidence during a trial.
Knowledge of the technology and tools vital to forensic investigations is an important aspect of this career. Strong mathematical, analytical, and communication skills are key components of this career, and creativity is useful for making equipment and piecing together a crime scene. Additionally, a very strong work ethic and attention to detail are needed to prevent mistakes that could otherwise lead to holes in a case or dead ends. A crime scene examiner's hours vary depending on the shift and whether or not the examiner is on call. Most work a standard Monday through Friday shift, but they also have stand-by or on-call hours.
Training & Education
The specific educational background needed to become a crime scene examiner varies depending on the requirements of every employer. Contacting the local police department or sheriff's department is a good way to find out specific requirements for that jurisdiction. A two-year associate's degree may be acceptable for some agencies, while others might require at least a bachelor's degree. Many colleges offer degrees in forensic science. Additional options include degrees in either criminal justice or criminology, combined with a forensics specialty.
In the early days of forensic science, crime scene examiners started out as police officers. Nowadays, if you train as a police officer first, it will take a number of years of experience before you can apply to a position as a crime scene examiner. A police officer who becomes an examiner will most likely be required to attend advanced training classes before performing the job. The American Board of Criminalistics offers certification in criminalists, which is voluntary and requires that candidates pass a three-hour, multiple-choice exam that tests the following areas:
- The philosophical, conceptual, and scientific basis of criminalistics
- Basic technical subjects, such as drug analysis and crime scene reconstruction
- Ethics
- Areas of civil and criminal law
To qualify for certification, candidates must possess at least a bachelor's degree in a natural science or other related field from an accredited institution; have at least two years of full-time work experience (including on-the-job training); and be actively working in criminalistics.
Career & Salary Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, crime scene examiners are categorized as forensic science technicians. The mean hourly wage for this position is $25.46, with a mean annual salary of $52,960. The bottom 10 percent of technicians make $14.90 per hour, or $30,990 per year. The top 90 percent make $38.62 per hour, or $80,330 per year.
Salary is dependent upon your education, location, and employer. Arizona and Florida employ the largest number of forensic science technicians, but Wisconsin and Massachusetts are the two highest-paying states. By 2018, opportunities for growth in the forensic science field are expected to increase by 20 percent. Local and state governments will (most likely) continue to be the biggest employers of forensic science technicians.
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Article Resources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: As Seen On TV
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment and Wages
American Board of Criminalistics