Crime Scene Investigator Salaries
Crime scene investigator salaries vary according to region, but generally salaries fall mid-range, between $30,000 and $100,000. The work is difficult; it can be emotionally and physically draining and not suitable for many people. The hours can be very long and, although you won't be poor, you probably won't become very wealthy in this profession. However, for anyone with a detail-oriented mind and a passion for helping solve crimes, crime scene investigation may be a very rewarding profession.
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Types
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There are many names for crime scene investigators. They may be called crime scene analysts, technicians or specialists, for example. However, the job is much the same no matter what the position is called: crime scene investigators evaluate a crime scene, and they collect and process evidence methodically and thoroughly.
Features
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A crime scene investigator's duties may vary slightly depending on the police department he works for. However, usually the investigator is in charge of determining the extent of the scene and securing the area so that evidence is not accidentally destroyed. Next, he will begin processing the crime scene. This includes collecting evidence, making notes or sketches and even taking photographs or video of the scene; therefore, crime scene investigators must be familiar with many aspects of evidence collection, including photography.
In addition to attending the crime scenes, crime scene investigators may spend time in forensic labs, writing reports and making court appearances.
Salaries
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According to the International Association of Crime Scene Investigators, salary in the United States ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. According to the Department of Labor, the median salary for criminal detectives and other types of investigators in 2006 was $58,260. Investigators on the low end of the scale earned less than $34,480 and those at the highest end earned over $92,000 annually.
Education
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In general, the more training a crime scene investigator has, the higher her salary will be. Some police departments prefer candidates with a B.S. in forensic science or a related field. If you are interested in becoming a CSI, you should know that the training required may depend on the police department you wish to work for and whether you are starting out in another area of law enforcement, as a beat officer for instance, or if you are entering the field as a civilian. Either way, you will need a lot of training in investigative procedure, evidence collecting, and forensic science.
Considerations
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Crime scene investigation is not a 9 to 5 position. If you are looking for set hours, you should consider another area of law enforcement. Crimes happen at all hours, any day of the year. If you are considering this career, you should be aware that your plans may be interrupted, frequently, you may be exposed to hazardous materials or situations, and unless you are working in a large department or at the federal level, the salary is no higher than many less dangerous and less stressful careers.
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