What Jobs Can a Criminal Investigator Do?
A criminal investigator, also known as a detective, is an investigator who conducts investigations on crimes and is responsible for gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to solve the case. The job requires a thorough understanding of legal procedures, investigative techniques, and experience in collecting and analyzing evidence. In this article, we will explore the different jobs that a criminal investigator can do, the education and training required, and the skills necessary to be successful in this field.
Types of Criminal Investigator Jobs
Criminal investigators can work in a variety of roles, depending on their location, training, and expertise. Some common types of criminal investigator jobs include:
- Law Enforcement Investigators: They work for police departments and conduct investigations into crimes committed within their jurisdiction.
- Federal Investigators: They work for federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and IRS and conduct investigations into crimes that involve interstate and international crimes.
- Private Investigators: They are privately hired to investigate crimes such as fraud, theft, and other forms of commercial or personal malfeasance.
- Forensic Investigators: They specialize in collecting and analyzing physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and trace evidence.
Education and Training Required
To become a criminal investigator, an individual must typically have:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field
- Post-secondary education or training in law enforcement or a related field is highly recommended
Additional Training and Qualifications
In addition to formal education, criminal investigators may be required to have:
- Basic Peace Officer’s Certification: Most law enforcement agencies require criminal investigators to have a basic peace officer’s certification
- Specialized Training: May be required in areas such as forensic evidence collection and analysis, and interview techniques
- Certification: May be required through organizations such as the Association of Certified Criminal Investigators or the International Association of Professors of Police Science
Key Skills
To be a successful criminal investigator, one must have:
- Strong Observational Skills: The ability to observe details and witness statements accurately
- Effective Communication Skills: Ability to interview witnesses and evidence experts effectively
- Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze evidence and connect the dots to form a coherent investigation
- Physical Abilities: Physical fitness and agility to gather evidence and make arrests (where necessary)
- Continuing Education: The desire to stay current with changes in laws and investigative techniques
Typical Investigation Tasks
A criminal investigator may be required to conduct a variety of tasks such as:
• Crimes Scene Processing: Inspect and gather evidence at crime scenes
• Witness Interviews: Conduct in-person and telephone interviews with witnesses
• Investigation Reports: Write clear, concise reports summarizing investigations
• Evidence Processing: Collect, analyze and process physical and digital evidence
• Case Strategy: Develop effective strategies to solve cases and gather additional evidence
Table of Typical Investigation Tasks
| Investigation Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Crimes Scene Processing | Inspect and gather evidence at crime scenes |
| Witness Interviews | Conduct in-person and telephone interviews with witnesses |
| Investigation Reports | Write clear, concise reports summarizing investigations |
| Evidence Processing | Collect, analyze and process physical and digital evidence |
| Case Strategy | Develop effective strategies to solve cases and gather additional evidence |
Conclusion
As a criminal investigator, the job requirements can vary widely depending on the agency or organization an individual works for. But in general, a strong education and training in criminology and law enforcement, combined with key skills such as strong observational, analytical, and communication abilities, are essential for a successful career.
