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Crime scene investigator vs police officer

The differences between crime scene investigators and police 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 $52,638 average annual salary of a police 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 police officer are patrol, public safety, and law enforcement agencies.

Crime scene investigator vs police officer overview

Crime Scene InvestigatorPolice Officer
Yearly salary$59,391$52,638
Hourly rate$28.55$25.31
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs4,621116,287
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4440
Years of experience2-

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 police officer do?

Police officers are responsible for keeping peace and security in a community. They uphold and enforce the law. They ensure that people in their assigned community follow the law. They also ensure that proper sanctions are given out to anyone who does not follow. Some police officers are assigned in the field, meaning they work outside of police stations. Those assigned to police stations are responsible for maintaining administrative matters as well, aside from maintaining peace and order. Police officers are expected to be trustworthy, to work with honor, and to keep their integrity intact.

Crime scene investigator vs police officer salary

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

Crime Scene InvestigatorPolice Officer
Average salary$59,391$52,638
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $113,000Between $38,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City-Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Icma-rc
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between crime scene investigator and police officer education

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

Crime Scene InvestigatorPolice Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college-Pennsylvania State University

Crime scene investigator vs police officer demographics

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

Crime Scene InvestigatorPolice Officer
Average age4440
Gender ratioMale, 61.0% Female, 39.0%Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8%
Race ratioBlack 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, 12.9% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 3.3% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage9%7%

Differences between crime scene investigator and police 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.

Police officer example responsibilities.

  • Apprehend violators and log evidence, complete require USAF and DoD forms, and accomplish report.
  • Train in CPR and first aid, radar speed enforcement, domestic violence intervention, pepper spray, and basic anti-terrorism.
  • Gather preliminary investigation information as a first responder to crime scenes.
  • Perform basic patrol functions including criminal and traffic law enforcement, incident reporting and community relations.
  • Complete numerous testimonies at criminal hearings and traffic violations, serve summons, subpoenas and other official documentation.
  • Patrol MARTA trains and bus lines.
    • Show more

Crime scene investigator vs police 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 police officer skills
  • Patrol, 27%
  • Public Safety, 6%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
  • Emergency Situations, 5%
  • Field Training, 4%
  • CPR, 3%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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