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Crime Scene Investigator Intern Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

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Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$285K - $464K/yr

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Crime Scene Investigator Intern information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$25.9K

$49.3K

$80K

How much do crime scene investigator intern jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for crime scene investigator intern in Rio Rancho, NM is $49,282.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,700.00 and $53,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect as a crime scene investigator intern?

As a Crime Scene Investigator Intern, you can expect to participate in a variety of practical tasks such as assisting with evidence collection, documenting crime scenes, and learning proper preservation techniques. You'll often shadow experienced investigators, gaining insight into real-world protocols and procedures used at active crime scenes. Collaboration with law enforcement officers, laboratory staff, and other forensic professionals is common, providing a well-rounded view of the investigative process. This exposure not only builds technical skills but also helps interns understand the importance of meticulous attention to detail and teamwork in achieving successful case outcomes.

What does a crime scene investigator intern do?

A crime scene investigator intern (CSI intern) is a student who trains alongside professional crime scene investigators in order to learn the ropes of this complicated career. Your duties as an intern vary depending on the details of the program in which you participate. The overall goal of a CSI internship is to put your classroom skills to use on real crime scenes. You assist CSIs with the collection, documentation, and analysis of evidence at the scene and in a lab setting. Temporary internship positions are available at law enforcement agencies and police departments, but your school may be able to help you find an appropriate opening.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crime scene investigator intern?

To thrive as a Crime Scene Investigator Intern, you need a background in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, often supported by coursework or relevant internships. Familiarity with evidence collection tools, digital photography, and crime scene documentation software is typically expected. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills are vital soft skills for this position. These abilities are crucial for ensuring accurate evidence handling, thorough investigations, and effective collaboration with law enforcement teams.

What does a crime scene investigator intern do?

A Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Intern assists experienced investigators in collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence at crime scenes. Their responsibilities often include photographing scenes, packaging physical evidence, taking notes, and sometimes assisting in laboratory analysis. Interns learn proper procedures for handling evidence and may also help with administrative tasks, report writing, and observing autopsies. The internship provides valuable hands-on experience and insight into the daily work of a crime scene investigator.

What is the difference between Crime Scene Investigator Intern vs Crime Scene Technician?

AspectCrime Scene Investigator InternCrime Scene Technician
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of criminal justice, forensic science, or related fieldTypically has a degree or certification in forensic science or criminal justice
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, assisting with scene processing under supervisionFull-time role in crime labs or law enforcement agencies, performing scene processing
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, internships for studentsPolice departments, forensic labs, crime scene units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a Crime Scene Investigator Intern is typically a student or recent graduate gaining hands-on experience under supervision, while a Crime Scene Technician is a full-time professional responsible for processing crime scenes independently. Interns focus on learning, whereas technicians perform essential, routine scene processing tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Crime Scene Investigator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Crime Scene Investigator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Crime Scene Investigator Intern jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Crime Scene Investigator Intern jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Crime Scene Investigator Intern jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Crime Scene Investigator Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Crime Scene Investigator Intern job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,282 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Crime Scene Technician PO

City of Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho, NM • On-site

$49K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


City Of Rio Rancho rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

448th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Summary Crime Scene Technician performs technical work photographing, measuring and diagramming crime scenes, collecting and classifying evidence and latent prints, and preparing detailed reports in support of law enforcement activities. Education, Training, Experience, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations Education / higher education: AA Degree For required college degrees, applicable field(s) of study: Criminal justice, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physical science or a related field. Minimum number of years of related experience: One (1) year of experience in photography, digital and video camera operation, fingerprint classification, public safety/ crime scene investigation or crime scene evidence collection.

In lieu of the required education, a qualified candidate may possess a HS diploma and three (3) years of related experience. Education and/or experience preferences: Associates degree in criminology. Driver's License requirement: Infrequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License Required Endorsements: None Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards.

Required certifications, licenses or registrations: Basic fingerprint and photography training. Time given after hire/promotion to obtain certification or licenses: One (1) year Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: Advanced training in equivocal death, crime scene processing, blood spatter analysis, or firearms reconstruction. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge: Methods and techniques of crime scene investigations Fingerprinting processes and classification; rules of evidence, police procedures, and photo taking; DNA processing methods and evidence collection procedures.

Knowledge of personal computers and proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop and any other computer software for fingerprinting, digital and video camera operations, photographic techniques and procedures. Skills: Must be able to type rapidly and accurately enough to accomplish the essential functions of the job; Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications; Respond to requests and inquiries; communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in written format. Attentiveness and intensity is critical to ensure accuracy and minimize errors.

Organize, plan, and prioritize investigations. Work effectively with all types of crime and accident scenes with the Office of the Medical Examiner. Must be able to organize large amounts of information in a methodical and logical manner.

Abilities: Ability to use photographic techniques and procedure under various lighting conditions. Process crime scene evidence with accuracy and attention to detail. Analytical thinking abilities; capacity to recognize patterns or connections between situations/events that aren't obviously related; Identify key or underlying issues in complex cases, or use creative conceptual, methodical, and/or inductive reasoning to develop case hypothesis.

Ability to cope with stressful situations calmly, fairly, tactfully and with respect for the public and co-workers. Ability to operate police vehicles and equipment. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to adhere to established policies and procedures. Maturity of judgment and ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including professional agencies and the general public.

Provide expert testimony in administrative, civil, criminal, or other proceedings concerning investigative findings. Essential Functions The following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position.

Other duties may be required and assigned. Travels to crime scenes to process and investigate crime scenes. Gather, locate, photograph, record, document, collect and preserve evidence.

Use digital cameras, video equipment and measurement and diagramming techniques following established methods and procedures. Searches for and recovers latent fingerprint evidence for personal identifications. Collects, preserves, and packages different types of evidence in accordance with established procedures.

Attends autopsies at the Office of the Medical Examiner to document and collect any potential evidence. Produces print/impression evidence by casting and/or photographing to scale impressions to use physical evidence as investigative aids. Processes evidence using powders, chemicals, and alternative light source for latent prints.

Enters, retrieves and searches by means of computer equipment and software in support of law enforcement efforts to resolve crimes. Conducts quality control operations involving fingerprint cards. Performs manual verification of 10-print cards for identification and latent reverse searches.

Enters latent fingerprints and palm prints into computers. Performs fingerprint activities for staff and general public. Performs fingerprint identification of deceased individuals.

Attends fingerprint training on new procedures and updated technology enhancements. Performs yearly proficiency fingerprint tests. Performs DNA collection through various non-evasive methods.

Prepare and present a variety of technical, written and verbal reports. Provide testimony as required. Maintain appropriate custody of evidence and confidentiality of case information.

Evaluate and recommend changes to establish policies and procedures. Communicate, coordinate and cooperate with other forensic investigators, forensic units and organizations. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

Prepares and presents various special and recurring reports. Assists with training other staff in the methods of police photography and gathering latent fingerprints at crime and accident scenes. Prepare and present a variety of technical, written and verbal reports.

Provide testimony as required. Maintain appropriate custody of evidence and confidentiality of case information. Evaluate and recommend changes to establish policies and procedures.

Communication, coordinate and cooperate with other forensic investigators, forensic units and organizations. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures. Respond to public and law officials' inquiries in a professional and courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment.

Attend and participate in professional group meetings and trainings. Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of crime scene investigations. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.


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