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Summer
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
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Would I need to be physically fit to be a crime scene detective?
I'm in 10th grade and I want to be a crime scene detective.
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey again Summer,
Well, this is a great question! Short answer: you don’t need to be a full-on athlete, but being in decent shape definitely helps.
Here’s why: Crime scene detectives (also called crime scene investigators or forensic investigators) don’t just sit at desks all day. You’ll be out in the field a lot, and crime scenes can be anywhere—inside, outside, in the middle of the night, in the rain, up a flight of stairs, or out in the woods. Sometimes you’ll be crouching for a long time to collect evidence, standing for hours processing a scene, or even climbing over stuff to get to certain areas. So yeah, being physically fit *definitely* makes the job easier.
That said, you don’t need to be some kind of superhero. No one’s asking you to run a marathon or bench press a suspect (that’s more for cops and detectives who do the chasing). You just need to have enough stamina to handle long shifts, sometimes in tough conditions.
Here are some things that can help:
-Basic endurance– You might be on your feet for hours at a crime scene, so being able to stay active without getting exhausted is a plus.
- Strength for lifting/moving things– Evidence can be heavy. Think about lifting fingerprint kits, camera equipment, or even body bags (yeah, it’s part of the job).
- Good mobility/flexibility– You’ll be bending, crouching, and stretching into awkward positions to collect evidence. Being able to move easily makes things way less frustrating.
- Mental stamina – Crime scenes can be draining, not just physically but mentally. Some are gruesome, and you’ll need the focus and emotional strength to handle it.
If you’re not super fit right now, don’t worry! You’ve got time to build up stamina and strength. Even small things—like walking more, stretching, or light strength training—can help. The goal isn’t to be in crazy shape, just to be *prepared* for the physical parts of the job.
So, while no one’s gonna ask you to run sprints or lift 200 pounds to get hired, being in decent shape makes your life way easier. And honestly, it just helps you feel better in general. If this is the career you want, start getting comfortable with movement now, and future-you will thank you!
A starting good health is better than later struggling with a joint pain. Good luck Summer hope this helps buddy!
Well, this is a great question! Short answer: you don’t need to be a full-on athlete, but being in decent shape definitely helps.
Here’s why: Crime scene detectives (also called crime scene investigators or forensic investigators) don’t just sit at desks all day. You’ll be out in the field a lot, and crime scenes can be anywhere—inside, outside, in the middle of the night, in the rain, up a flight of stairs, or out in the woods. Sometimes you’ll be crouching for a long time to collect evidence, standing for hours processing a scene, or even climbing over stuff to get to certain areas. So yeah, being physically fit *definitely* makes the job easier.
That said, you don’t need to be some kind of superhero. No one’s asking you to run a marathon or bench press a suspect (that’s more for cops and detectives who do the chasing). You just need to have enough stamina to handle long shifts, sometimes in tough conditions.
Here are some things that can help:
-Basic endurance– You might be on your feet for hours at a crime scene, so being able to stay active without getting exhausted is a plus.
- Strength for lifting/moving things– Evidence can be heavy. Think about lifting fingerprint kits, camera equipment, or even body bags (yeah, it’s part of the job).
- Good mobility/flexibility– You’ll be bending, crouching, and stretching into awkward positions to collect evidence. Being able to move easily makes things way less frustrating.
- Mental stamina – Crime scenes can be draining, not just physically but mentally. Some are gruesome, and you’ll need the focus and emotional strength to handle it.
If you’re not super fit right now, don’t worry! You’ve got time to build up stamina and strength. Even small things—like walking more, stretching, or light strength training—can help. The goal isn’t to be in crazy shape, just to be *prepared* for the physical parts of the job.
So, while no one’s gonna ask you to run sprints or lift 200 pounds to get hired, being in decent shape makes your life way easier. And honestly, it just helps you feel better in general. If this is the career you want, start getting comfortable with movement now, and future-you will thank you!
A starting good health is better than later struggling with a joint pain. Good luck Summer hope this helps buddy!
Kevin Czora
Law enforcement
37
Answers
Amherst, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Summer,
That question has answers that depend on where you work. I'll answer it as if you are referring to an average to smaller size department.
First, most crime scene detectives for these sized agencies worked up through the ranks. They started as patrol officers, then were promoted to detective. So, by default, you need to be in good shape just from previously working as patrol.
Being in shape is important to the daily activities of a detective. I say "detective", because often a detective will work their own crime scenes. In my department, I processed my own scenes, from collecting evidence, to photography, to searching for fingerprints, etc. I would often have to go into tight spaces, climb into attics, crawl spaces, even up fire truck aerial ladders. It can also take many hours to work a scene, which can take a toll on your back and feet.
Also, on many occassions, I had physical confrontations with suspects. This included foot chases and struggles during arrest. You need to remember that a crime scene detective is a sworn officer and has arrest powers. That means you are obligated to act.
Lastly, many crime scenes are very intense. There could be large amounts of blood, signs of extreme struggle, and often death. Every scene must be processed, so you will see it all. The mental and emotional affects can be tremendous. Being in good shape helps your body handle the stress that comes with those tasks.
I hope this sheds some light on your question. Best of luck!
Kevin Czora
That question has answers that depend on where you work. I'll answer it as if you are referring to an average to smaller size department.
First, most crime scene detectives for these sized agencies worked up through the ranks. They started as patrol officers, then were promoted to detective. So, by default, you need to be in good shape just from previously working as patrol.
Being in shape is important to the daily activities of a detective. I say "detective", because often a detective will work their own crime scenes. In my department, I processed my own scenes, from collecting evidence, to photography, to searching for fingerprints, etc. I would often have to go into tight spaces, climb into attics, crawl spaces, even up fire truck aerial ladders. It can also take many hours to work a scene, which can take a toll on your back and feet.
Also, on many occassions, I had physical confrontations with suspects. This included foot chases and struggles during arrest. You need to remember that a crime scene detective is a sworn officer and has arrest powers. That means you are obligated to act.
Lastly, many crime scenes are very intense. There could be large amounts of blood, signs of extreme struggle, and often death. Every scene must be processed, so you will see it all. The mental and emotional affects can be tremendous. Being in good shape helps your body handle the stress that comes with those tasks.
I hope this sheds some light on your question. Best of luck!
Kevin Czora