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Jan 5, 2024 · Learn about the education, experience and certification requirements for criminal investigators. Find out the skills, salary and job outlook for this criminal justice career.
- Overview
- What does a criminal investigator do?
- How to become a criminal investigator
- Criminal investigator skills and qualifications
- Average salary for a criminal investigator
- Job outlook for a criminal investigator
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A criminal investigator works with law enforcement agencies to collect evidence that's useful for solving cases. If you want to work in the law enforcement field, you may consider becoming a criminal investigator. Understanding the requirements to pursue this career path can help you decide whether it's right for you.In this article, we explain how...
A criminal investigator is a law enforcement officer who collects evidence and solves crimes. They collaborate with other law enforcement specialists to gather evidence, recreate crime scenes and use witness and victim statements to help them understand the context of a crime. This teamwork lets them determine who participated in a crime and what steps they followed to commit illegal acts. Criminal investigators typically work for local, state or federal law enforcement agencies. Some of their responsibilities include:
•Examining medical, personal and criminal records
•Collecting evidence from forensics experts
•Investigating misdemeanor and felony criminal cases
•Providing testimony in court based on evidence
•Interviewing witnesses, potential suspects and victims
1. Earn your degree
After you've earned your high school diploma or an equivalent degree, such as a General Educational Development (GED) credential, you can work toward earning an associate's or bachelor's degree. Employers typically require at least an associate's degree or 60 college credits for this position. Candidates often pursue degrees in criminology or criminal justice, which allow them to take relevant courses, such as crime scene investigation, forensics, psychology and sociology.Related: 15 Top Criminal Justice Degree Jobs (With Salaries)
2. Obtain law enforcement experience
Most aspiring criminal investigators have a background in law enforcement. You can obtain law enforcement experience by attending a police academy and completing the necessary requirements. Once you complete the training and pass the relevant exams, you can begin working as a police officer.Related: 12 High-Paying Law Enforcement Jobs (With Salaries)
3. Update your resume
Before you begin a job search, update your resume so it includes relevant information on your current strengths and achievements. Ensure your contact information is correct, especially your phone number and email address. You can then write a new professional summary outlining your credentials and add qualifications you've received since you last applied for jobs. These might include your work experience, professional skills, degrees and certifications. Remember to proofread your resume before applying for a job.Related: Tips for Writing a Police Officer Resume Objective (With Examples)
Employers often prefer candidates who are detail-oriented and excel at solving complex challenges. They may use these skills to organize their work, communicate with team members about cases and investigate crimes effectively. Criminal investigators use hard and soft skills to help them succeed in their roles. Hard skills are the knowledge and proficiencies they have that are specific to a criminal investigator role or the law enforcement field. Technical skills include:
•Practical application of criminal laws
•Identification and examination of evidence
•Interrogation and interviewing skills
•The ability to adhere to investigative standards
•Proficiency in specialized software, such as databases
The national average salary for a criminal investigator is $63,018 per year. Your earning potential may vary depending on factors like your experience and education level. Your geographic location and your specific employer can also influence how much you earn.For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link provided.Relate...
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment for all police officers and detectives to grow by 3% between 2021 and 2031, which is comparable to the 5% expected growth for all occupations. Individuals who work as private investigators instead of as criminal investigators with a law enforcement agency may experience a higher job outlo...
Learn the steps, skills and qualifications to pursue a career as a criminal investigator with law enforcement agencies. Find out the average salary, job outlook and FAQs for this role.
Apr 4, 2024 · Learn the education, experience, and certification requirements for criminal investigator jobs in local, state, and federal law enforcement. Find out the key skills, duties, and salary of CIs and explore related programs and resources.
- Investigators usually work at least 40 hours a week and must be willing to work various shifts, including holidays, nights, and weekends. Overtime...
- Because technology constantly evolves, CIs must keep up with the latest industry news and developments. However, the continuing education or traini...
- Some common tools within the criminal investigation field include polygraph machines, wiretapping equipment, and surveillance equipment. Investigat...
The Home Team School of Criminal Investigation (HTSCI) was established as a specialist unit under the Singapore Police Force (SPF) to serve the investigation training needs of the Police and the Home Team.
Investigators work with law enforcement agencies, individuals, and/or organisations to conduct investigations. They gather information, collect and examine evidence, and interview relevant persons. In some cases, they may also search for missing persons or lost or stolen property.
Apr 16, 2024 · Learn about the education, exams, experience, and certifications required to become a criminal investigator. Explore the career paths, salaries, and FAQs for this law enforcement field.
Get the right Criminal investigation job with company ratings & salaries. 22 open jobs for Criminal investigation.
