How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator
You’ve seen the show, and now you’re wondering how to become a crime scene investigator. Crime scene investigators can look pretty glamorous on TV, but they have quite a lot of responsibilities as well. Read on what the qualities of a crime scene investigator should have, and how to become one.
Duties and Responsibilities
A crime scene investigator’s job comprises of collecting evidence by using different methods of collection, securing the evidence for the cause and provide testimonies of the crime scene evidence. It is also their job to document the collection of the crime scene evidence. Crime scene investigators, in short, are expected to “…collect, identify, classify and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations.” according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Skills Required
Based on the duties and responsibilities of crime scene investigators, individuals who wish to become one must be detail-oriented, organized, thorough and good in oral and written communication. Other required duties, responsibilities and skills depend largely on the recruiting agency. Some agencies have stringent requirements while others only require a high school diploma and a GED
Education
cime scene investigatorAgain, the education required to become a crime scene investigator depends on the requirements of the agency and the position you are applying to. Working in the lab as a criminalist would require a four-year degree in science such as Chemistry or Biology. Becoming a crime scene technician would require less stringent formal education, while others require that an applicant must be a sworn-in police officer prior to becoming a crime scene investigator.
The first thing you should do is check the requirements needed to become a crime scene investigator in your state or the state you intend to pursue this profession. If the positions indicate a requirement for formal education, enroll in a four-year course. Many community colleges offer four-year courses on Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Investigation or Forensic Investigation. You can also opt to take an Associate Degree on these courses instead, which will take two years.
You can apply for an internship in your local police department to get more hands-on experience on the job. Working with a professional crime scene investigator can provide you with more insight on the profession.
Apply
When applying for the job, make sure that you state your traits that would make you an excellent crime scene investigator. Make sure that you have researched in detail the state of the local law enforcement in your area, and tell them what you think you can contribute. You can apply in local law enforcement, private consulting firms, government organizations and even the FBI.