Building on the critical skills framework of top crime scene examiners to recruit high‐caliber crime scene investigation candidates

Abstract

Crime scene investigation is challenging and demands highly skilled crime scene examiners. Mistakes occurring during the processing of a crime scene have been associated with higher risk of ineffective investigations where poor quality, missed, or contaminated forensic samples are relied on by police to inform which suspects to charge and can lead to miscarriages of justice and wrongful imprisonments. Hiring new crime scene examiners with the potential to develop into top performers can result in enhanced crime scene investigation and reduce the risk of errors at crime scenes. A series of papers between 2012 and 2023 identified a cluster of seven critical skills and attributes that set top crime scene examiners apart from their lesser performing peers. These seven skills and attributes clusters are as follows: approach to work, life, and stress management; cognitive abilities; communication and interpersonal skills; holistic knowledge base; life and work experience; and professional demeanor. In this perspective paper, we present strategies for developing a recruitment program to target these skill sets which involve the use of appropriate psychometric testing, collaborative team‐based recruitment, team hiring panels, and crime scene observational assessment tasks at interview stage. We also discuss the costs and logistics associated with psychological testing (in Australian dollars). We finish by exploring the potential challenges of attracting younger people (generation Z and Y) to forensic science roles, including crime scene investigation.This article is categorized under: Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Examination Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Reconstruction Crime Scene Investigation > Education and Formation