Forensic collision investigator
Forensic collision investigators use science and engineering skills to investigate the causes of road traffic and vehicle related incidents.
Also known as: Accident investigator, collision investigator
- Starter salary£30,000 a year
- Experienced£45,000 a year
- Typical hours38 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a forensic collision investigator, you could:
- attend accident scenes, sometimes at short notice
- gather evidence including photos, video and laser scans
- examine vehicles and vehicle parts
- check witness statements to build a picture of what happened
- create plans of the scene and make time and distance studies
- work out vehicle speeds through the amount damage
- check tachograph information on vehicles
- get technical information from vehicle manufacturers
- prepare reports for the police and other parties
- act as an expert witness in court cases
Working environment
You could work on the road or in an office.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of public safety and security
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent written communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a forensic collision investigator
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
You could study for a foundation degree or degree with a university in partnership with a professional body like AiTS .
Courses include:
- University Certificate of Professional Development (UCPD) Forensic Road Collision Investigation
- Foundation Degree in Forensic Road Collision Investigation
The certificate is the starting point if you want to become a forensic road collision investigator. On completion, you could then move on to the foundation degree.
After the foundation degree, you can 'top up' to the BSc (Hons) Professional Studies in Forensic Road Collision Investigation.
Qualifications are offered on a part-time basis through a mix of online and classroom learning.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, including maths or science, or the UCPD in Forensic Road Collision Investigation, for the foundation degree
Work
You could start as a trainee collision investigator, with a police force or company that provides forensic investigation services.
You'll usually need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths, English and a science, or equivalent. You'll also need good IT, problem solving and communication skills
You might be able to transfer into an investigation department if you have related experience, for example as a police officer or insurance investigator, then train on the job.
Direct application
You may be able to apply for an investigator job if you have qualifications and several years' experience in engineering, science, technical testing or health and safety.
Other routes
You could take a private training course in road traffic investigation. It's important to check that the course you do is approved by a recognised awarding body or institution.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- be over 18 years of age
- have a full driving licence
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move into management or work on a freelance or consultancy basis.
Guides for this industry
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