Criminal Investigator
Quick Facts
Median Salary$65,297
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+19.35%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Criminal Investigator works on criminal cases either as a police detective or private investigator. Investigates people accused of crimes, gathers evidence from crime scene or other searches, reviews evidence gathered by other law enforcement officials. Collects information that may be used for criminal prosecution.
Core Tasks:
- Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.
- Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
- Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
- Testify in court and present evidence.
- Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.
- Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.
- Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
- Package, store and retrieve evidence.
- Process film and prints from crime or accident scenes.
- Take fingerprints.
- Perform emergency work during off-hours.
- Serve as technical advisor and coordinate with other law enforcement workers or legal personnel to exchange information on crime scene collection activities.
- Create sketches and diagrams, by hand or computer software, to depict crime scenes.
- Coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services, such as citizen police academy classes and crime scene training for other officers.
What to expect as a Criminal Investigator
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
57% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Criminal Investigator related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
691 openings for Criminal Investigators
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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