Forensic laboratory and crime scene investigator (CSI) jobs in Spokane are found within law enforcement agencies or privately owned companies that consult with law enforcement and legal professionals. In Spokane, these types of jobs pay very well. For example, as of June 2013, the annual salary for an entry-level Forensic Technician job in Spokane County ranged from $34,059 to $45,977. The annual salary for a Forensic Specialist in Spokane County ranged from $45,932 to $61,979.
Forensic Science and CSI Education in Spokane
Degrees are usually top priority among the requirements for Spokane CSI and forensic science jobs, although experience is also a requirement. Degree programs found in the Spokane area include:
- Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science – This degree is necessary for entry-level Forensic Technician and Forensic Specialist jobs in Spokane. Training will include crime scene photography, crime scene processing and investigation, and fingerprints/friction ridge examination.
- Master of Science in Forensic Science – This degree program is designed for individuals who already have a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. It is usually necessary for more advanced and managerial Forensic Scientist positions in Spokane.
Certification Requirements for Forensic Laboratory Science and CSI Jobs
in Spokane
Some forensic science and/or CSI jobs in Spokane require professional certification or credentialing by an accredited, recognized national or international organization. They include:
- Medico legal death investigator – This professional who usually works for the Medical Examiner’s Office must be registered with the American Board of Medico legal Death Investigators. In order for a professional to gain basic registration, he or she must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma/GED
- Be employed in a medical examiner’s office and have a job investigating death scenes
- Have 640 hours of death investigation experience
- Medico legal death investigator – This professional who usually works for the Medical Examiner’s Office must be registered with the American Board of Medico legal Death Investigators. In order for a professional to gain basic registration, he or she must:
- Crime lab analyst – Professionals working for law enforcement crime laboratories must usually be certified by the International Association for Identification (IAI). Certification requires applicants to:
- Have at least three years of related crime scene experience
- Complete 96 hours of Crime Scene Certification Board approved courses within the past five years
- Crime lab analyst – Professionals working for law enforcement crime laboratories must usually be certified by the International Association for Identification (IAI). Certification requires applicants to:
- Digital Forensics Specialist – This position, which involves analyzing digital evidence, may require Computer Forensic Examiner Certification (CFCE) by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS). Certification requires:
- Completion of 10 months of trainings and conferences
- Passing a written examination with a score of 80 or better
Organizations Supporting Forensic Laboratory and CSI Jobs in Spokane
Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office – Located in Spokane, the county Medical Examiner’s Office is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME). Specializing in death investigations, the following types of forensic science jobs could be found here:
- Forensic pathologist
- Medical examiner
- Medico legal death investigator
- Death investigation system consultant
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office – The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, through the Spokane County Civil Service Commission, employs individuals who help to gather and process evidence from crime scenes throughout Spokane County. Jobs within this organization could include:
- Forensic technician
- Forensic specialist