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Jobs in Crime Scene Investigation

ah4612 | Nov 29, 2009 |

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The amount of technology in crime scene investigation has increased dramatically over the last few decades as DNA testing, fire arms examinations and other procedures for solving a crime have become available. While there are a number of job opportunities available in this field, it's important to learn about careers in crime scene investigation and their pay.

Detectives
The people in charge of crime scene investigations are usually detectives from local law enforcement. They put together the different forensic aspects of a case to find a suspect and prove what happened. For example, they take findings from a firearms expert, DNA analyst and a witness on the scene to determine how a crime occurred. For their work, detectives make an
average of $30 per hour.

Fire Investigators
Fire investigators, which make approximately $26 per hour, are called to the scene if suspicions arise by firefighters and law enforcement that a fire may have been deliberately set. Using burn patterns from the crime scene, they determine where the fire started and whether or not an accelerant was used. They then testify in court during arson cases about the evidence they uncovered at the crime scene in the burnt remains.

Crime Scene Technician
Individuals responsible for responding to crime scenes to collect evidence are crime scene investigation technicians. They carefully canvas the scene for any clues that explain what happened or lead police to a suspect. This may include gathering hairs, fibers, blood samples, fingerprints, shoeprints and more. It also entails photographing the scene and evidence found at the scene.

DNA Analyst
Any DNA collected during a crime scene investigation is processed by a DNA analyst. They perform tests to identify the DNA, which can be difficult if only partial DNA is available. After testing the DNA they work with law enforcement to match it to a suspect using computer software and national databases. If a match isn't found, they can provide specific information about the person at the crime scene such as their gender, race, etc. simply by their DNA.

Firearms Examiner
Just as humans have DNA that distinguishes one person from another, guns leave unique markings on bullets when they are fired. It is the responsibility of a firearms examiner to investigate shootings to determine if a specific gun was responsible for firing a shot that killed or injured someone. While the job requires a high attention to detail, it pays approximately $25 per hour.

Medical Examiner
While they don't work at the actual crime scene, medical examiners play an important role in crime scene investigation. They assess the body of a person who has been murdered to determine the exact cause of death, and they check for forensic evidence that may help solve a case such as the suspect's hair or blood on the victim's body.