Scenes of crime officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• applying directly

University

You could do a degree in forensic science, or in a scientific subject like biological science or chemistry.

Other relevant subjects include:

• psychology
• criminology

Some courses are accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences .

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

DirectApplication

Police services and law enforcement agencies set their own entry requirements for this type of work. In general, you'll need at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including English, maths and a science subject.

Some employers may prefer A levels or equivalent, including a science like chemistry or biology as you'll need laboratory skills.

Many employers ask for a degree and will expect you to have experience in police work or a related field, for example intelligence gathering and analysis.

If you are already working for the Police, you may be able to do courses through the College of Policing to become a scenes of crime investigator.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of public safety and security
• customer service skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work on your own
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• administration skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to learn through your work
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Scenes of crime officers (SOCOs) find, record and recover evidence from crime scenes.

In this role you could:

• attend a variety of crime and other incident scenes
• preserve and protect crime scenes
• record scenes using photography and video
• gather fingerprints and trace evidence
• find, record and recover evidence like DNA samples
• keep written records, produce statements and update information systems with evidence details
• give evidence in court

Location : You could work on the streets, in a court, at a mortuary or at a police station.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding, outdoors some of the time, dirty, cramped and at height.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £16,000
Experienced : £37,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is days / nights / weekends on call

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a senior or principal officer, with responsibility for managing a crime scene investigation (CSI) team.

You could also complete further training to manage investigations at major incidents.