Are you intrigued by crime scenes and fascinated by the science behind solving crimes? A career as a crime scene investigator (CSI) might be your calling, and studying criminology online can give you the head start you need. Online Courses Australia offers flexible online modules that will help you explore the skills required to join this exciting field.
What Does a Crime Scene Investigator Do?
A crime scene investigator collects and examines evidence from crime scenes to help law enforcement identify suspects and solve crimes. They work closely with police departments to ensure the proper collection, documentation, and analysis of physical evidence.
Read more: How an Online Criminology Course Can Kickstart Your New Career
Day in the Life of a Crime Scene Investigator
- Securing and documenting crime scenes
- Collecting physical evidence, like fingerprints, hair, and fibres
- Taking photographs and creating detailed sketches of crime scenes
- Writing reports to describe findings
- Testifying in court about evidence and investigative methods
Crime Scene Investigator Skills
A career as a crime scene investigator involves a blend of soft skills (skills you likely already have) and hard skills (skills you’d learn through an online course or other criminology career pathways).
Crime Scene Investigator Soft Skills
- Attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Patience and concentration
- Collaboration
Hard Skills for Crime Scene Investigator
By undertaking a criminology course, you’ll equip yourself with the relevant practical skills to kick-start your crime scene investigator career. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Evidence Collection Techniques: Learn the correct methods for collecting and preserving evidence, ensuring nothing is contaminated or missed.
- Forensic Photography: Master the art of photographing crime scenes to document evidence and accurately recreate scenes.
- Fingerprint Analysis: Understand fingerprinting techniques and the identification process to link suspects to crime scenes.
- Report Writing: Learn to write thorough, accurate reports that are clear for both investigators and legal teams.
- Laboratory Analysis: Gain practical skills in testing and analysing evidence in a laboratory setting, using various forensic tools.
Crime Scene Investigator Salary in Australia (2024)
According to Labour Market Insights, community and personal service workers (the overarching industry crime scene investigators work in) can earn an annual average salary of $113,776.
Crime Scene Investigator Employment Outlook
The demand for crime scene investigators remains steady, with opportunities in police departments, government agencies, and forensic laboratories. As forensic technology advances, professionals with strong analytical skills and up-to-date training will be highly sought after.
According to Jobs & Skills Australia, the number of jobs in the field is likely to reach 76,600 by 2026. This means there’s never been a better time to get started in this important industry.
How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator
If you're eyeing a career as a Crime Scene Investigator in Australia, the entry avenues are more versatile than ever before.
- Online Courses: Platforms like Online Courses Australia offer specialised criminology courses that help you start your crime scene investigation career strong. Learn foundational knowledge in evidence collection, crime scene documentation, and analysis, all at your own pace. These flexible online modules allow you to balance other commitments while diving deep into the essentials of criminology.
- Micro-Credentials: Compact micro-credentials focus on specific aspects of criminology, like criminal psychology, enabling you to quickly upskill or pivot into new specialisations.
Read more: Strategies to Succeed in an Online Criminology Course
Start Your Online Criminology Course Today
Build a strong foundation for your crime scene investigator career with an online course in criminology. Learn about evidence collection, forensic photography, and more with Online Courses Australia.
Job Ready Skills
Our courses cover essential skills, from evidence collection to fingerprint analysis, so you're well-prepared for the practical training ahead.
Flexibility on Your Terms
With part-time and full-time options, our courses fit around your lifestyle. Start your journey to becoming a crime scene investigator today with Online Courses Australia.
Criminology Course Bundle Info Pack Download
If you have additional questions about our criminology courses or our full range of courses that cover more than 20 different professional industries:
- Call: 1300 611 404
- Email: [email protected]
- Book a career call
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