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Crime Scene Investigator

Crime scene investigators collect and study evidence from crime scenes. They use science and careful detective work to help police understand what happened and bring offenders to justice.

Crime Scene Investigator

20

Public Services & Government

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO20%moving to62%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
This job holds up well against AI
AI cannot yet do much of what this job actually involves, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

The role

As a crime scene investigator, you work at the scene of crimes, collecting evidence and clues. You photograph everything, collect samples like blood and fingerprints, and send them to the lab for testing. Your job is to be thorough and careful so nothing is missed and the evidence is not damaged.

You need a steady eye and attention to detail because small things often matter. You will analyze evidence in the lab using science - studying how blood fell, matching fingerprints to databases, testing fibers and chemicals. You write clear notes and reports about what you found, and sometimes explain your findings in court. The work can be serious and upsetting at times - you may work at accident scenes or places where people have been hurt - but your evidence helps catch offenders and get justice for victims.

Daily responsibilities

  • Conduct thorough examinations of crime scenes to identify, collect, and preserve physical evidence.
  • Document crime scenes through photography, sketches, and detailed notes to create a comprehensive record.
  • Analyze various types of evidence including fingerprints, DNA, and trace materials in a laboratory setting.
  • Collaborate with law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, and legal professionals to ensure a cohesive investigation.
  • Testify in court as expert witnesses regarding the evidence collected and its implications.
  • Stay updated with the latest forensic technologies and methodologies to enhance investigative techniques.
  • Prepare detailed reports and presentations based on findings for use in legal proceedings.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in forensic science, criminology, or a related field provides candidates with a solid foundation in the principles of evidence collection and analysis. UK universities are renowned for their rigorous academic standards and practical training, giving graduates a competitive edge in this specialised field.

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AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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