Crime Scene Investigator Jobs
Crime Scene Investigator jobs are open across law enforcement agencies, medical examiner offices, and private forensic firms, at every level from entry-level technician to senior investigator and forensic specialist, with specializations in digital forensics, biological evidence analysis, and latent print examination. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Summary
This requisition expires on December 11, 2026, but may close earlier if the position is filled prior to the expiration date.
Serves as the senior technical resource for the Crime Scene Unit, coordinating day-to-day casework and scene response, overseeing the unit’s training program, and performing technical and administrative review of casework to ensure accurate, reliable, and defensible results. Provides advice, guidance, training, and quality assurance support to unit personnel and assists with technical leader responsibilities under the unit’s accreditation program.
Essential Functions and Other Important Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
DUTIES
- Coordinates scene response assignments when necessary; observes employee performance in the field, in casework, and in court, and provides feedback and input to the Forensics Manager.
- Receives, prepares and transmits communications, instructions, and policies.
- Monitors and promotes compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
- Responds and leads employees on serious crime scenes.
- Provides training and guidance to unit employees; shares forensic expertise with staff; conducts training and information sharing with other agencies and outside groups.
- Oversees and administers the unit’s training program, including new-employee training, competency assessment, continuing education, and training records.
- Provides quality control assurance in crime scene and laboratory work.
- Assists with development, implementation, and maintenance of the unit’s quality manual and accreditation requirements, and with technical leader responsibilities once the unit is accredited.
- Performs technical and administrative review of reports and casework prepared by unit personnel.
- Assists the Forensics Manager with administrative duties as assigned.
- Locates, documents, collects, and preserves physical evidence at crime scenes and in the laboratory.
- Reconstructs crime scenes by using available physical evidence to evaluate events and actions at the scene and their consistency with accounts and hypotheses through accepted forensic disciplines and scientific practices.
- Performs analytical examinations on physical evidence collected and forms conclusions and opinions supported by the evidence and within the scope of the analyst’s training and applicable procedures.
- Prepares reports and visual presentations of findings, investigative methods, techniques, and procedures. Prepares investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations. Prepares results to educate and inform Detectives, Prosecutors, Judges and Juries.
- Testifies as an expert witness in criminal and administrative proceedings.
- Maintains area specific certifications and attends regular training to maintain currency in area of expertise.
- None.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Job Requirements
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, or related field; and,
- Four years of experience in a law enforcement position that requires collection or testing of forensic evidence, including one year of lead or supervisory experience.
- OR
- Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job
An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The list below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability to perform this job successfully:
- Knowledge of principles, processes, and methodologies used in forensic science including scene processing, digital imaging/photography, latent print processing and enhancement, forensic chemistry and biology, scene reconstruction, and evidence management.
- Knowledge of criminal offenses, legal codes and criminal justice systems.
- Knowledge of laws of evidence, search and seizure, and court proceedings related to the presentation and management of evidence.
- Knowledge of principles of training, mentoring, and competency assessment.
- Knowledge of principles, processes, and methodologies of developing and maintaining technical quality assurance and control systems, including accreditation requirements.
- Skills to communicate effectively orally and in writing in formal and informal settings.
- Skills to use a variety of modern office and forensic laboratory technology, equipment, tools, software, and databases.
- Skills to identify, collect, and examine physical evidence using appropriate analytical techniques and methods.
- Ability to coordinate, organize, and audit the technical activities of a crime scene unit and to act in charge in the manager’s absence.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external agency customers and personnel.
- Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify best practice approaches to investigative processes.
- Ability to detect and collect evidence and substances related to criminal offenses, often in dangerous conditions.
- Ability to work in environments involving exposure to biohazards, bloodborne pathogens, and graphic or traumatic scenes.
- Ability to read and comprehend legal and nonlegal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits, and warrants.
- Must be able to render credible testimony in judicial and administrative proceedings.
- Ability to perform all job duties in a manner that is consistent with the City of Denton’s mission to be a leader among cities in delivering outstanding quality services and products through citizen involvement, innovation and efficient use of resources.
- Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law).
- Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, employment history verification, and social security number verification.
- Must meet civilian hiring standards of the Denton Police Department and complete a Personal History Statement.
- Must pass a polygraph and psychological examination.
- Must be able to view sensitive, graphic, and disturbing material, including child sexual abuse material, as a regular part of the job.
Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements
SAFETY
- Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition; perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, as appropriate and/or notify leadership immediately of needed repairs.
- Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
- Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to leadership.
- Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): Yes.
- Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; work with forensic workstations, write blockers, mobile extraction devices, audio/video recording and analysis equipment and operate motor vehicle; wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
- Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
- Vision and Hearing: Prolonged viewing of computer screens and video displays; close visual and auditory attention required for video and audio examination.
- Lifting: Lifting no more than 50 pounds and carrying up to 20 pounds.
- Environment: Works in an office setting and laboratory setting, and occasionally at crime scenes and other field locations, with possible exposure to inclement weather, noise, dust, no/low light, confined spaces, odors, biohazards and bloodborne pathogens, and potentially hazardous conditions; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
- Travel: Travel to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
- Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. The regular work schedule is during business hours. Must be able to work after normal business hours, holidays, and weekends, as needed. Must be able to work overtime, as needed. Must be able to respond to callouts. Must attend regularly scheduled and special meetings. Participates in the unit’s weekly on-call rotation.
- Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions; regularly views sensitive, graphic, and disturbing material, including child sexual abuse material, while maintaining professional composure.
- Inclusion
- Collaboration
- Quality Service
- Strategic Focus
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
- Employee Health Clinic
- Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
- Retirement Plan
The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the City of Denton to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity.
ADA/EOE/ADEA
This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
E-Verify:
The City of Denton participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
Summary
This requisition expires on December 11, 2026, but may close earlier if the position is filled prior to the expiration date.
Serves as the senior technical resource for the Crime Scene Unit, coordinating day-to-day casework and scene response, overseeing the unit’s training program, and performing technical and administrative review of casework to ensure accurate, reliable, and defensible results. Provides advice, guidance, training, and quality assurance support to unit personnel and assists with technical leader responsibilities under the unit’s accreditation program.
Essential Functions and Other Important Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
DUTIES
- Coordinates scene response assignments when necessary; observes employee performance in the field, in casework, and in court, and provides feedback and input to the Forensics Manager.
- Receives, prepares and transmits communications, instructions, and policies.
- Monitors and promotes compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
- Responds and leads employees on serious crime scenes.
- Provides training and guidance to unit employees; shares forensic expertise with staff; conducts training and information sharing with other agencies and outside groups.
- Oversees and administers the unit’s training program, including new-employee training, competency assessment, continuing education, and training records.
- Provides quality control assurance in crime scene and laboratory work.
- Assists with development, implementation, and maintenance of the unit’s quality manual and accreditation requirements, and with technical leader responsibilities once the unit is accredited.
- Performs technical and administrative review of reports and casework prepared by unit personnel.
- Assists the Forensics Manager with administrative duties as assigned.
- Locates, documents, collects, and preserves physical evidence at crime scenes and in the laboratory.
- Reconstructs crime scenes by using available physical evidence to evaluate events and actions at the scene and their consistency with accounts and hypotheses through accepted forensic disciplines and scientific practices.
- Performs analytical examinations on physical evidence collected and forms conclusions and opinions supported by the evidence and within the scope of the analyst’s training and applicable procedures.
- Prepares reports and visual presentations of findings, investigative methods, techniques, and procedures. Prepares investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations. Prepares results to educate and inform Detectives, Prosecutors, Judges and Juries.
- Testifies as an expert witness in criminal and administrative proceedings.
- Maintains area specific certifications and attends regular training to maintain currency in area of expertise.
- None.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Job Requirements
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, or related field; and,
- Four years of experience in a law enforcement position that requires collection or testing of forensic evidence, including one year of lead or supervisory experience.
- OR
- Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job
An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The list below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability to perform this job successfully:
- Knowledge of principles, processes, and methodologies used in forensic science including scene processing, digital imaging/photography, latent print processing and enhancement, forensic chemistry and biology, scene reconstruction, and evidence management.
- Knowledge of criminal offenses, legal codes and criminal justice systems.
- Knowledge of laws of evidence, search and seizure, and court proceedings related to the presentation and management of evidence.
- Knowledge of principles of training, mentoring, and competency assessment.
- Knowledge of principles, processes, and methodologies of developing and maintaining technical quality assurance and control systems, including accreditation requirements.
- Skills to communicate effectively orally and in writing in formal and informal settings.
- Skills to use a variety of modern office and forensic laboratory technology, equipment, tools, software, and databases.
- Skills to identify, collect, and examine physical evidence using appropriate analytical techniques and methods.
- Ability to coordinate, organize, and audit the technical activities of a crime scene unit and to act in charge in the manager’s absence.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external agency customers and personnel.
- Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify best practice approaches to investigative processes.
- Ability to detect and collect evidence and substances related to criminal offenses, often in dangerous conditions.
- Ability to work in environments involving exposure to biohazards, bloodborne pathogens, and graphic or traumatic scenes.
- Ability to read and comprehend legal and nonlegal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits, and warrants.
- Must be able to render credible testimony in judicial and administrative proceedings.
- Ability to perform all job duties in a manner that is consistent with the City of Denton’s mission to be a leader among cities in delivering outstanding quality services and products through citizen involvement, innovation and efficient use of resources.
- Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law).
- Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, employment history verification, and social security number verification.
- Must meet civilian hiring standards of the Denton Police Department and complete a Personal History Statement.
- Must pass a polygraph and psychological examination.
- Must be able to view sensitive, graphic, and disturbing material, including child sexual abuse material, as a regular part of the job.
Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements
SAFETY
- Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition; perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, as appropriate and/or notify leadership immediately of needed repairs.
- Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
- Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to leadership.
- Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): Yes.
- Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; work with forensic workstations, write blockers, mobile extraction devices, audio/video recording and analysis equipment and operate motor vehicle; wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
- Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
- Vision and Hearing: Prolonged viewing of computer screens and video displays; close visual and auditory attention required for video and audio examination.
- Lifting: Lifting no more than 50 pounds and carrying up to 20 pounds.
- Environment: Works in an office setting and laboratory setting, and occasionally at crime scenes and other field locations, with possible exposure to inclement weather, noise, dust, no/low light, confined spaces, odors, biohazards and bloodborne pathogens, and potentially hazardous conditions; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
- Travel: Travel to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
- Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. The regular work schedule is during business hours. Must be able to work after normal business hours, holidays, and weekends, as needed. Must be able to work overtime, as needed. Must be able to respond to callouts. Must attend regularly scheduled and special meetings. Participates in the unit’s weekly on-call rotation.
- Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions; regularly views sensitive, graphic, and disturbing material, including child sexual abuse material, while maintaining professional composure.
- Inclusion
- Collaboration
- Quality Service
- Strategic Focus
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
- Employee Health Clinic
- Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
- Retirement Plan
The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the City of Denton to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity.
ADA/EOE/ADEA
This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
E-Verify:
The City of Denton participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
See All 10 Crime Scene Investigator Jobs
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Find Crime Scene Investigator JobsCrime Scene Investigator Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in crime scene investigator jobs.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field
- Experience collecting, documenting, and preserving physical evidence at crime scenes
- Knowledge of chain-of-custody procedures and evidence handling protocols
- Proficiency with forensic photography, sketching, and evidence-collection tools
- IAI certification or eligibility to obtain certification within a specified timeframe
- Ability to pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination
Tips for Your Crime Scene Investigator Job Search
Tailor your resume to evidence documentation
Hiring managers for crime scene investigator roles scan for specific evidence-handling skills, so list the evidence types you've processed, the chain-of-custody procedures you've followed, and any courtroom testimony experience. Generic law enforcement resumes don't make the cut.
Get your forensic certifications documented
Many agencies require or strongly prefer IAI (International Association for Identification) certifications before an interview. Have your CCSA, CLPE, or relevant state-issued credentials scanned, dated, and ready to attach to applications as supplemental documents.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists crime scene investigator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your specialization and apply directly to each listing without hunting across multiple agency websites.
Target agencies by their accreditation status
ASCLD-accredited labs and agencies follow stricter evidence protocols and often have more structured career ladders. Prioritizing these in your search signals to your resume that you understand professional standards and are ready to work within them from day one.
Prepare a courtroom testimony scenario response
Interviewers for crime scene investigator positions almost always ask how you'd handle cross-examination on your findings. Practice explaining your documentation process clearly, without jargon, as if speaking to a jury. Vague or defensive answers are common disqualifiers at this stage.
Negotiate shift differential and equipment allowances
Crime scene investigators frequently work rotating shifts, nights, and on-call weekends. When you receive an offer, ask specifically about shift differential pay and whether personal protective equipment, field kits, or vehicle use are agency-provided or reimbursed.
Crime Scene Investigator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most crime scene investigators?
The most active employers for crime scene investigators right now are Remnant, PST Academics, and City of Denton, and the most openings are in California, Florida, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal police departments and county sheriff's offices consistently account for the largest share of open roles.
How many crime scene investigator jobs are remote?
About 0% of crime scene investigator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most of the role requires physical presence at scenes and labs. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include digital forensics analysis, forensic report writing, and cold-case evidence review.
How do you become a crime scene investigator?
Start by earning a degree in forensic science, criminal justice, or biology, since most agencies require at least an associate degree and many prefer a bachelor's. Gain hands-on experience through internships with law enforcement agencies or medical examiner offices. Pursue IAI certification in your specialization, complete any required agency training academy, and pass a background investigation before your first assignment.
Can you get hired as a crime scene investigator with little experience?
Some agencies hire entry-level technicians and provide on-the-job training, so a degree paired with a forensic science internship or civilian ride-along experience can be enough to qualify. Applying to smaller municipal departments or county agencies tends to be more productive than starting with large metropolitan units, which typically require prior evidence-handling experience before considering candidates.
What does the crime scene investigator interview process look like?
Most agencies use a multi-stage process: an initial application screening, a written exam or skills assessment covering evidence procedures and legal standards, a structured panel interview with scenario-based questions, and a thorough background investigation that includes reference checks and sometimes a polygraph. Some jurisdictions also require a physical fitness test or medical evaluation before a final offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to crime scene investigator jobs?
You can find and apply to crime scene investigator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from agencies and organizations across the United States. Find roles that match your specialization, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing from the same place.
See All 10 Crime Scene Investigator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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