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Crime Scene Investigators

Protective Servicemediumaugment
BLS 2024-34: +6%
Median Wage: $63,740
Employment: 17K

Overall Exposure

36+11

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

55

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

19

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

22

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

3650
+14

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

5569
+14

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

1932
+13

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

2233
+11

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202325421015actual
202430481418actual
202536551922actual
202641602426estimated
202746652830estimated
202850693233estimated

Task Breakdown

Photograph and document crime scene evidence
35%β 0.5
Collect and preserve physical evidence samples
15%β 0
Analyze fingerprint, DNA, and trace evidence in laboratory
55%β 1
Write detailed forensic reports for court proceedings
48%β 0.5
Testify as expert witness in criminal trials
8%β 0

About This Occupation

If you work as a Crime Scene Investigator, AI is beginning to reshape your profession. With an automation risk of 22/100 and overall exposure at 36%, this role faces medium transformation. The highest-impact area is laboratory analysis of fingerprint, DNA, and trace evidence at 55% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role — AI enhances forensic analysis capabilities but physical evidence collection and courtroom testimony remain firmly human tasks. BLS projects +6% growth through 2034.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 22%, Crime Scene Investigators has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Crime Scene Investigators is 22% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 36%, with 55% theoretical exposure and 19% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +7 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Crime Scene Investigators are: Analyze fingerprint, DNA, and trace evidence in laboratory (55%), Write detailed forensic reports for court proceedings (48%), Photograph and document crime scene evidence (35%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +6% employment change for Crime Scene Investigators from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 36%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Crime Scene Investigators should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.