Scenes of crime officer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Scenes of crime officers (SOCOs) find, record and recover evidence from crime scenes.

  • Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.  
  • Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.  
  • Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.  
  • Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime
Read more about Scenes of crime officer

Scenes of crime officers typically work around 41 to 43 hours per week.

As a Scenes of crime officer you will typically work on call.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and
Read more about Scenes of crime officer
* from ONETonline
Average salary
26,691 GBP *
per year
16,000 GBP
35,000 GBP
Starting
5+ Experience
* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
Average salary for Scenes of crime officer

  • 27,659 GBP
  • 25,936 GBP
Average salary for part-time Scenes of crime officer
Average salary for full-time Scenes of crime officer

Showing:
  • 14,113 GBP
  • 13,825 GBP
  • 15,978 GBP
  • 26,691 GBP
  • 25,936 GBP
  • 27,659 GBP
Salary over time for Scenes of crime officer

Salary for this role has increased over time
  • 23,925 GBP
  • 24,568 GBP
  • 24,611 GBP
  • 25,792 GBP
  • 26,777 GBP
  • 27,545 GBP
  • 26,691 GBP
  • 27,307 GBP
  • 27,963 GBP
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Future outlook for Scenes of crime officers

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Balanced outlook
188 000+ jobs available
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Balanced outlook
2% yearly wage growth (on average)

Scenes of crime officer - Your future job?


Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Scenes of crime officer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

Police services and law enforcement agencies set their own entry requirements for this type of work. In general, you'll need at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including English, maths and a science subject.

Some employers may prefer A levels or equivalent, including a science like chemistry or biology.

Many employers ask for a degree and will expect you to have experience in police work or a related field, for example, intelligence gathering and analysis.

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • customer service skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work on your own
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Scenes of crime officer

Policing

Things to highlight for your Scenes of crime officer interview

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

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