What should I include on a crime scene investigator resume?

Include a targeted summary that matches the role, a skills section with keywords from the job description, and experience bullets that show measurable impact. Lead each bullet with a strong action verb and follow it with a specific outcome. Education and relevant certifications round out a strong resume.

How do I make my crime scene investigator resume ATS-friendly?

Use a clean, single-column format with standard section headers (Experience, Education, Skills). Include keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume. Avoid tables, graphics, and unusual fonts. Stick to a standard file format like PDF and make sure your contact information is in plain text at the top.

What are the most important skills for a crime scene investigator resume?

Review the job description carefully and match your skills section to their requirements. Include both technical skills and relevant soft skills. Use the exact terminology from the posting to pass ATS keyword filters. Group skills logically rather than listing them randomly.

Crime Scene Investigator Resume Example (2026)

Tanya Westbrook

Phoenix, AZ | [email protected] | (555) 834-2167 | linkedin.com/in/tanyawestbrook

Summary

Crime scene investigator with 5 years of experience in evidence collection, scene documentation, and forensic photography. Processed 400+ crime scenes with a 100% evidence chain-of-custody compliance rate. Trained in latent print development, bloodstain pattern analysis, and 3D scene scanning.

Technical Skills

Scene Processing: Evidence Collection, Latent Print Development, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Trajectory Reconstruction
Documentation: Forensic Photography, 3D Laser Scanning (FARO), Diagramming, Evidence Logging
Systems: AFIS/IAFIS, LIMS, Evidence Management Systems, Adobe Lightroom
Certifications: IAI Certified Crime Scene Investigator, FARO 3D Scanner Certified, Bloodstain Pattern Analyst

Experience

Crime Scene Investigator II - Phoenix Police Department Jan 2022 – Present

Processed 150+ crime scenes annually including homicides, sexual assaults, and armed robberies with 100% chain-of-custody compliance

Collected and cataloged 3,200+ evidence items over 3 years with zero contamination incidents

Developed 280 latent fingerprints that resulted in 45 AFIS identifications and 32 subsequent arrests

Created 3D scene reconstructions using FARO laser scanning for 18 homicide cases presented in court proceedings

Crime Scene Technician - Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Jun 2020 – Dec 2021

Responded to 250+ crime scenes during 18 months of field deployment across a county of 4.5M residents

Photographed and documented 1,800+ evidence items using forensic photography protocols with 98% acceptance rate by detectives

Lifted 160 latent prints from 90 crime scenes, contributing to a 28% increase in property crime clearance rates

Maintained evidence storage for 2,000+ items across 400 active cases with zero lost or mishandled items

Education

B.S. Forensic Science - Arizona State University 2020

Why This Resume Works

Zero contamination record

100% chain-of-custody compliance and zero contamination prove meticulous evidence handling.

Latent print to arrest pipeline

Connecting prints developed to AFIS hits to arrests shows end-to-end investigative contribution.

Technology proficiency demonstrated

FARO 3D scanning and AFIS competency show you use modern forensic tools.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Summary

Lead with scene count, evidence integrity record, and specialized techniques. Zero contamination is your strongest selling point.

Skills

Separate scene processing, documentation, systems, and certifications. Name scanner brands and database systems.

Experience

Quantify scenes processed, evidence items collected, prints developed, and AFIS identifications made.

Education

Forensic science or criminal justice degree required. IAI certification is the gold standard.

Key Skills for Crime Scene Investigator Resumes

Based on analysis of thousands of job postings, these are the most frequently required skills:

Crime Scene Processing Evidence Collection Latent Print Development Forensic Photography Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 3D Laser Scanning AFIS/IAFIS Chain of Custody Scene Documentation Trajectory Reconstruction Evidence Management Court Testimony LIMS FARO Scanner

Common Mistakes on Crime Scene Investigator Resumes

⚠Not quantifying evidence items - 'Collected evidence' is vague. State the number of items cataloged and your contamination rate.
⚠Omitting chain-of-custody record - Evidence integrity is the most critical metric. A perfect compliance rate should be front and center.
⚠Skipping 3D scanning experience - FARO and Leica scanners are increasingly standard. List this technology if you are trained.
⚠Missing AFIS identification outcomes - Connect your latent print work to database hits and arrests to show investigative value.
⚠Leaving out court contributions - Evidence presentation in court is a key CSI responsibility. Include case counts.

How to Write a Crime Scene Investigator Resume That Gets Interviews

A strong resume focuses on measurable outcomes, not job duties. Show what you accomplished in each role, using specific numbers and results that prove your value to the next employer.

Start each bullet with a strong action verb

Replace "Responsible for" with "Led," "Built," "Reduced," or "Delivered." Action verbs show initiative and ownership.

Quantify your impact wherever possible

Revenue generated, costs saved, time reduced, team size managed, or customers served. Numbers make abstract accomplishments concrete.

Tailor your resume for each application

Read the job description and mirror their exact keywords and phrases. ATS systems match your resume against the posting, and close matches score higher.

Keep formatting simple and ATS-friendly

Single column, standard fonts, clear section headers, and no tables or graphics. A clean format ensures both ATS parsers and human reviewers can scan your resume quickly.

Before submitting your crime scene investigator resume, check your ATS score to catch keyword gaps.

Crime Scene Investigator
Resume Example

Tanya Westbrook

Why This Resume Works

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Summary

Skills

Experience

Education

Key Skills for Crime Scene Investigator Resumes

Common Mistakes on Crime Scene Investigator Resumes

How to Write a Crime Scene Investigator Resume That Gets Interviews

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