Crime scene investigator vs law enforcement officer

The differences between crime scene investigators and law enforcement officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a crime scene investigator has an average salary of $59,391, which is higher than the $39,219 average annual salary of a law enforcement officer.

The top three skills for a crime scene investigator include physical evidence, criminal justice and law enforcement agencies. The most important skills for a law enforcement officer are patrol, public safety, and emergency situations.

Crime scene investigator vs law enforcement officer overview

	Crime Scene Investigator	Law Enforcement Officer
Yearly salary	$59,391	$39,219
Hourly rate	$28.55	$18.86
Growth rate	3%	3%
Number of jobs	4,621	105,817
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age	44	40
Years of experience	2	-

What does a crime scene investigator do?

A crime scene investigator uses specialized equipment and processes to examine crime scenes physically and visually. Scene investigators may be given authority to gather materials and evidence to solve crimes. They assist the detectives to solve crimes as they sort details and evidence so prosecutors in case building. Their job also includes fingerprint lifting and collecting. Also, they collect and document trace DNA evidence.

What does a law enforcement officer do?

The duties of a law enforcement officer depend on their line of work or agency of employment. In general, they are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations, prioritizing the safety of citizens and the protection of the city. Typically, their responsibilities include patrolling their designated area, responding to distress, monitoring suspicious activities and characters, conducting investigations and inspections, and coordinating various services to assist citizens. Moreover, as a law enforcement officer, it is essential to serve as a role model for citizens and uphold the oath to serve and protect.

Crime scene investigator vs law enforcement officer salary

Crime scene investigators and law enforcement officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Crime Scene Investigator	Law Enforcement Officer
Average salary	$59,391	$39,219
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $113,000	Between $30,000 And $50,000
Highest paying City	-	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	University of Nebraska System
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between crime scene investigator and law enforcement officer education

There are a few differences between a crime scene investigator and a law enforcement officer in terms of educational background:

	Crime Scene Investigator	Law Enforcement Officer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	Pennsylvania State University

Crime scene investigator vs law enforcement officer demographics

Here are the differences between crime scene investigators' and law enforcement officers' demographics:

	Crime Scene Investigator	Law Enforcement Officer
Average age	44	40
Gender ratio	Male, 61.0% Female, 39.0%	Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 3.1% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	9%	7%

Differences between crime scene investigator and law enforcement officer duties and responsibilities

Crime scene investigator example responsibilities.

Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
Review wire transfers and apply regulatory reporting and banking requirements to ensure compliance with BSA/AML and OFAC rules and regulations.
Conduct OFAC alert investigation using global standard policies, procedures and tools aim at meeting internal and external regulatory requirements.
Serve as firstresponder for accidents and disasters, applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life- saving procedures as needed.

Law enforcement officer example responsibilities.

Attend NCO leadership school and receive training on how to properly, and effectively manage personnel.
Accomplish scheduled and random security checks of control and classify areas to ensure compliance with DOD resource protection guidelines.
Develop and manage firearms training programs, including weapons selection and qualification standards.
Operate QRV solo, backing up BLS ambulances.
Certify in defensive tactics, firearms, driver's training, professional first aid and CPR.
DOT and FMCSA regulation enforcement.

Crime scene investigator vs law enforcement officer skills

Common crime scene investigator skills

Physical Evidence, 17%
Criminal Justice, 10%
Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
Laboratory Analysis, 5%
Patrol, 5%
AML, 4%

Common law enforcement officer skills

Patrol, 26%
Public Safety, 10%
Emergency Situations, 7%
Criminal Justice, 6%
CPR, 3%
Metal Detectors, 3%

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Crime Scene Investigator
Crime Scene Investigator vs Law Enforcement Officer

Updated January 8, 2025

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