Forensic collision investigator

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• working towards this role
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You could get into this job by taking a course through a professional body like AiTS . Courses include:

• University Certificate of Professional Development (UCPD) Forensic Road Collision Investigation
• Foundation Degree in Forensic Road Collision Investigation

The certificate is the starting point if you want to become a forensic road collision investigator and have no experience of investigating road collisions. You would then move on to the foundation degree.

After the foundation degree, you can 'top up' to the BSc (Hons) Professional Studies in Forensic Road Collision Investigation.

Qualifications are offered on a part-time basis through a mix of online and classroom learning.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or 3 A levels, including maths or science, or the UCPD in Forensic Road Collision Investigation, for the foundation degree

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Work

If you work as a police officer or insurance investigator, you may be able to take qualifications on the job in traffic collision investigation to move into this role.

DirectApplication

You may be able to apply for an investigator job if you have qualifications and several years' experience in engineering, technical testing or health and safety.

OtherRoutes

You could take a private training course in road traffic investigation. It's important to check that the course you do is approved by a recognised awarding body or institution.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of public safety and security
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Forensic collision investigators use science and engineering to investigate the causes of road traffic and vehicle related incidents.

In this role you could:

• attend the scene of fatal and life-threatening road traffic collisions
• examine vehicles and vehicle parts
• create plans of the scene and make time and distance studies
• work out vehicle speed through the amount of crush damage
• check tachograph information on vehicles
• get technical information from vehicle manufacturers
• produce reports
• give evidence to the investigation team or the Courts

Location : You could work on the road or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours variable

Working Pattern is on call on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could move into management or work on a freelance or consultancy basis.