STEM

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a degree accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. You could then join a scenes of crime training programme.

Subjects include:

• forensic science
• applied science
• criminology
• chemistry
• biology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Work

If you're already working in the police service in a support role, you might be able to apply for training to become a Tier 1 crime scene investigator (CSI).

Your employer will organise training through the College of Policing. The training covers investigative methods for volume and priority crime, such as vehicle-related offences, burglary and street robbery.

Direct application

You can apply directly to a police force to join as a trainee scenes of crime officer.

Each force sets its own entry requirements but you might need one or more of the following:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including maths, English and a science subject
• a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent qualifications
• experience of working in the police service
• a willingness to work long and unsocial hours

Initial training can take between 6 and 12 months.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• For some police forces, you might need to undergo vetting procedures like psychological screening.
• You'll usually need a driving licence.
• pass enhanced background checks

More information

Career tips

Qualifications or experience in photography can also be useful and may be essential for some jobs.

You'll be required to attend scenes which may be upsetting, though training and support will be given to help with this.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences for professional development and advice.

View all vacancies in this region

With a minimum of 2 years' experience as a Tier 1 investigator, you could apply to move onto Tier 2 training.

Once you've finished Tier 2 training, you could become an advanced practitioner, dealing with major crimes.

After a further 5 years, you could become a senior or principal officer, with responsibility for managing a crime scene investigation (CSI) team.

You could also use your skills and experience to go on to become a forensic scientist.