What Is the Difference Between a Forensic Investigator and a Forensic Scientist?

Forensic investigators and forensic scientists help solve crimes.

In general, the difference between a forensic investigator and a forensic scientist is that an investigator works in the field and a scientist works in the laboratory. However, forensic titles vary greatly among law-enforcement agencies, with titles overlapping or being defined differently.

Forensic Investigator

The job description for a forensic investigator, also called a crime scene investigator, varies greatly among law-enforcement agencies. In general, an investigator is responsible for the complete documentation of crime scenes and the identification, processing and collection of physical evidence.

Forensic Scientist

The title forensic scientist covers many possible jobs. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences recognizes 11 areas of forensic science: criminalistics, digital and multimedia sciences, engineering sciences, general, jurisprudence, dentistry, pathology/biology, physical anthropology, psychiatry and behavioral science, questioned documents and toxicology.

Specialist versus Generalist

A forensic scientist may be either a generalist who is trained in a variety of forensic techniques or a specialist in an area such as criminalistics, forensic toxicology, forensic pathology or forensic anthropology.

Considerations

In small jurisdictions, one person may work both in the field and in the lab.

Expert Insight

According to the International Crime Scene Investigators Association, forensic investigators working in the field often transition into jobs as forensic scientists who work in a lab.

References

• International Crime Scene Investigators Association: How to Become a CSI
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences: So You Want to Be a Forensic Scientist!