Criminal Investigator
Denisse Balseca Period. 7/8
Tasks
Investigator, either a member of a police agency or a private person
- Being prepared
- Verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects
- Record evidence and documents
- Search and collect evidence
- Collect and record physical evidence
Knowledge/Skills
- Law and Government-Knowledge of Laws
- Public Safety and Security- Knowledge of equipment and laws
- English Language- Knowledge of structure and and content
- Education and training- Knowledge of principals and methods
Skills
- Critical thinking
- Active listening
- Complex problem solving
- Judgement and decision making
- Coordination
Working Environment
- Investigators generally work alone, but work with others while conducting surveillance or following a subject
- Others spend more time in the field, conducting interviews or doing surveillance.
- Some of the work involves dangerous and stressful situations
- Private detectives and investigators often work irregular hours because they need to conduct surveillance and to contact people outside of normal work hours.
Wages
- The salaries of crime scene investigators usually depend on how much education and experience they have obtained
- Average salaries are usually between $25,000-55,000 a year
- All crime scene investigators earn $76,440 a year
Education
- High school diploma
- Some college or no degree
- Associates degree
Job Outlook
- Employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to grow 21 percent
- Technological advances have led to an increase in cyber crimes, such as identity theft and spamming
- Background checks will continue to be a source of work
Job Prospects
- Competition is usually expected for many jobs like criminal investigators because they attract many qualified people and young retirees from law enforcement or military careers
- People with related work experience, as well as those with interviewing and computer skills can find more opportunities