How to Become a Crime Scene Sketch Artist
- 1). Inquire with individual police departments about their hiring requirements for crime scene sketch artists. While some stations may require artists to simply have a degree in art, other departments may require candidates to become a police officer first. It is imperative that you know what is required of you before you begin applying for jobs.
- 2). Earn a bachelor's degree. Depending on the police department you wish to work for, you may need a degree in criminal justice, art or forensics. Regardless of what your degree path, a minor in art will help.
- 3). Put together a portfolio of your drawings. Concentrate on drawing faces and locations. To build your portfolio, draw pictures of family and friends and locations you have visited. If you are lacking subjects, use pictures from books and magazines. Once you have mastered the art of drawing from an example, begin to draw pictures from details provided by other people.
- 4). Apply for a position as a crime scene sketch artist at a local police or sheriff's department. Continue to hone your skills while waiting for employment. Volunteering to do sketches may help.
- 5). Apply to the International Association for Identification to receive a forensic artist certificate. You must have a minimum of two years experience as a criminal sketch artist to apply. Besides work experience, forensic art classes, letters of recommendation and additional training are required. Volunteer experience counts toward the two-year work experience requirement. While not all police departments will require a certificate, it may help to have one if you intend on transferring to other stations.
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