How to Be Criminal Investigator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 8, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rise in criminal activity has had a direct effect on the increased need for criminal investigators. As crime rates have increased, so has the need for these professionals to help law enforcement agencies investigate and prosecute criminals. Criminal investigators use their specialized skills and knowledge to conduct interviews, analyze evidence, and build cases against suspects.

They also help to identify patterns in criminal behavior and assist with the apprehension of suspects. The increased demand for criminal investigators has created more opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in this field and has made it easier for law enforcement agencies to hire qualified individuals.

Steps How to Become

Earn a College Degree. The most common path to becoming a criminal investigator is to earn a college degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field. Depending on the job youre interested in, some employers may require a bachelors degree while others may accept an associates degree or even a higher-level degree.
Pursue On-the-Job Training. Once youve earned your degree, youll need some on-the-job training to become a criminal investigator. This will typically involve working on criminal investigations as part of a team and learning about investigative techniques and protocols.
Obtain Certification. Depending on the job youre interested in, some employers may require you to be certified as a criminal investigator. Certification is typically offered by professional organizations, such as the International Association of Crime Analysts or the National Association of Investigative Specialists.
Obtain Professional Experience. Many employers look for criminal investigators with experience in the field. This may include working as a detective or police officer, or in another related field such as private investigation or forensic science.
Develop Your Skills. As a criminal investigator, you will need to develop a variety of skills in order to be successful. These skills include critical thinking and problem solving, interviewing and interrogation techniques, evidence collection and analysis, and report writing.

Criminal investigators must possess a unique set of skills in order to be successful in their job. Having a good eye for details and being able to think logically and objectively is essential for any criminal investigator. They must also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure.

they must be able to work independently and as part of a team, as well as having a thorough understanding of the law and legal process. Qualified candidates should also have a strong drive for justice and be able to work long hours and travel when needed. All of these skills are necessary for criminal investigators to be able to investigate complex cases and bring criminals to justice.

You may want to check Corporate Investigator, Financial Investigator, and Financial Crimes Investigator for alternative.

Job Description

Conduct interviews with suspects, witnesses, and victims to collect information related to criminal investigations
Prepare reports and present findings to management or law enforcement personnel
Collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes, including fingerprints, DNA samples, and other physical evidence
Utilize surveillance techniques to observe suspects and monitor their activities
Research and analyze criminal histories, forensic evidence, and legal documents related to criminal cases
Coordinate with other law enforcement entities to ensure successful investigations
Testify in court as an expert witness on matters related to criminal investigations
Develop strategies and plans for complex criminal investigations
Maintain accurate records and documentation related to criminal investigations
Keep up to date on new developments in the field of criminal investigation

Skills and Competencies to Have

Investigative skills to develop and analyze evidence
Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
Ability to effectively use computers and related software
Excellent communication skills to interact with suspects, victims, witnesses and other parties
Ability to make sound decisions and be resourceful in problem solving
Knowledge of criminal psychology
Physical fitness and stamina to work long hours
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently
Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Criminal investigators are tasked with the difficult job of solving complex cases and bringing criminals to justice. For them to be successful in this field, they must possess a special set of skills that will allow them to investigate and get to the bottom of every case they are assigned. The most important skill for criminal investigators is their ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

They must be able to ask the right questions of witnesses and suspects, explain their findings to colleagues, and present their evidence in court. They also need to be able to analyze data and evidence quickly, spot any discrepancies or inconsistencies in a suspect's statements, and draw conclusions from the information they have gathered. Being well-organized, having strong critical thinking skills, and being able to work well under pressure are also important qualities that criminal investigators must possess.

criminal investigators must use their skills and knowledge to connect the dots between different pieces of evidence and build a successful case.

Insurance Investigator, Medical Investigator, and Forensic Investigator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in criminal investigation?
Describe your knowledge of physical, digital, and forensic evidence collection.
How would you handle an uncooperative witness or suspect?
What challenges have you faced while investigating a case?
What strategies do you use to stay organized and prioritize tasks?
How do you maintain the integrity of evidence while conducting investigations?
What processes do you follow when preparing investigative reports?
How do you stay current on legal issues related to criminal investigations?
Tell me about a difficult investigation you successfully completed.
How do you handle competing demands for your time when working on multiple cases?

Common Tools in Industry

Computer Forensics Software. software used to analyze digital evidence on computers, phones, and other devices. (eg: Encase Forensic)
Database Analysis Software. software used to analyze and search for data in databases. (eg: Oracle SQL Developer)
Document Analysis Software. software used to analyze written documents for evidence. (eg: Logikcull)
GPS Tracking Software. software used to track the movements of suspects and analyze patterns. (eg: Google Earth Pro)
Interviewing Software. software used to aid in the interviewing process, such as recording and tracking conversations. (eg: Verint Witness Actionable Solutions)
Network Monitoring Software. software used to monitor a network for suspicious activities. (eg: Wireshark)
Surveillance Equipment. cameras, microphones, and other equipment used to observe suspects. (eg: Closed-Circuit Television Cameras)
Voice Recognition Software. software used to identify voices and detect changes in voice patterns. (eg: Nuance Dragon)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Chiefs of Police
National Association of Professional Investigators
International Association of Professional Security Consultants
International Association for Identification
American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers
Society of Professional Investigators
National Association of Legal Investigators
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
International Homicide Investigators Association
American College of Forensic Examiners Institute

We also have Investigating Officer, Research Investigator, and Loss Prevention Investigator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Forensic Science. The application of science to the criminal justice system, including the collection and analysis of evidence.
Evidence. Any type of physical, visual, or testimonial material used to prove or disprove a fact in a criminal investigation.
Crime Scene Investigation. The process of gathering, preserving, and analyzing evidence at a crime scene.
Interviews. An interaction between a criminal investigator and a witness, suspect, or other person of interest to obtain information related to a case.
Surveillance. The close observation of an individual or location in order to gather evidence or information.
Report Writing. The process of creating an official document summarizing the facts of an investigation or case.
Chain of Custody. The process of maintaining the integrity of evidence by documenting its movement from collection to analysis to presentation in court.
Courtroom Testimony. Oral evidence presented in court by a witness or expert on behalf of either the prosecution or defense.
Criminal Law. The body of law that defines crimes and their punishments, as well as legal procedures relating to criminal investigations and trials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Criminal Investigator?

A Criminal Investigator is a law enforcement professional who investigates crimes, collects evidence, and identifies suspects in criminal cases.

What qualifications are required to become a Criminal Investigator?

Most Criminal Investigators need to have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and several years of experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related field. Depending on the agency, additional qualifications such as a college degree may also be required.

What are some of the duties of a Criminal Investigator?

Criminal Investigators typically conduct interviews, interrogations, and surveillance activities; search for evidence; analyze evidence; and prepare reports. They may also need to make arrests and testify in court.

What type of work environment do Criminal Investigators typically work in?

Criminal Investigators usually work in an office environment as well as in the field. They may also be required to travel to locations related to their investigations.