Scenes of Crime Officer

Also known as:

Crime Scene Examiner

Introduction

Scenes of crime officers work for the police, usually as civilian support staff. They collect and record evidence for use in criminal investigations. Their work includes taking fingerprints, photographs and collecting forensic evidence.

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Work Activities

Scenes of crime officers (SOCOs) collect forensic evidence at the scene of a crime and sometimes at accidents. They make sure that the evidence is preserved and recorded for future reference.

They collect impressions of fingerprints and palm prints from items which have been touched while the crime was taking place. They can do this by brushing surfaces with powder and transferring the impression, via adhesive tape, to a sheet of acetate. They might do this at the scene of a crime or elsewhere. For example, a car used for criminal activity may be taken to a police garage.

At the scene of crime they also gather evidence such as blood samples, DNA swabs, hair, fibres, paint samples, impressions of footprints and tyre marks. These must be prepared for analysis by forensic scientists in the laboratory.

SOCOs also take fingerprints from people who may have been at the scene of crime. This can eliminate innocent people from an enquiry, as well as providing incriminating evidence that could lead to a conviction.

They sometimes take fingerprints from people who have died, possibly because the dead person's identity is unknown. They attend post-mortems and make an accurate record of evidence arising from the examination, including information passed on by the pathologist.

Photography is an important part of the work of a SOCO. Photographic evidence is put together in albums for use in court. Video cameras may be used at the scene of major incidents such as rapes and murders.

SOCOs must maintain the equipment they use.

They do administrative tasks such as preparing and writing reports, statements and other documentation. They keep accurate records, so that colleagues can refer to them later. Evidence is labelled and packaged, then stored away for safe keeping or for use as exhibits in court. SOCOs sometimes have to attend court hearings to give evidence.

New technology is playing a bigger part in crime detection. Special equipment might be used to:
• identify and photograph fingerprints on documents such as cheques
• record shoe marks
• take DNA swabs
• collect fibres from clothes and furniture.

SOCOs work closely with both uniformed and plain clothes police officers. They also work with pathologists, forensic scientists, medical staff, court officials, the general public and members of other emergency services.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a SOCO, you need to be patient, understanding and sympathetic when dealing with victims of crime. You need to be observant, with a good eye for detail, patient and practical.

You must be able to cope with attending distressing incidents, and sometimes work in unpleasant or dirty conditions.

You must be methodical enough to follow set procedures and flexible enough to cope with unusual work patterns. You need good spoken and written communication skills to work with a variety of people and complete the necessary records.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for scenes of crime officers (SOCOs) vary depending on the police force you work for and your responsibilities.

Salaries are generally in the range of £18,000 a year, rising to around £24,500 a year, including shift allowances and benefits.

In some forces, there are also posts of senior SOCO, which pay around £28,000 - £32,000 a year depending on the force structure and responsibilities.

Some forces employ Assistant SOCOs or Volume Crime Examiners, who undertake routine duties. These positions pay less than full SOCOs.

SOCOs work shifts. Most SOCOs work 37 hours a week spread over a five-day period (including weekends). Most forces have shift rotas that provide cover from approximately 7 am/8 am until 11 pm/midnight. For the remaining hours, SOCOs normally take part in an on-call rota.

All UK police forces employ SOCOs. Posts are usually advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus offices, and on police force websites. Competition for posts is fierce.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have relevant skills and abilities, for example, gained in laboratory work.

Some forces employ serving police officers as SOCOs, while others use civilian police staff.

• 10% of people who work in occupations such as scenes of crime officer work part-time.

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Further Information

Contact your local Police Headquarters.

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