How to Be Investigative Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 8, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing prevalence of cybercrime has had a significant effect on society, leading to the need for a new type of specialist: the investigative specialist. This individual is trained to investigate cyber-related crimes, using a variety of techniques such as forensics, data analysis, and digital evidence examination. By leveraging their technical skills, investigative specialists are able to identify cyber criminals and help law enforcement apprehend them.

Furthermore, they also help protect businesses and consumers from online fraud and other malicious activities by staying ahead of the latest threats. As a result, the demand for investigative specialists is growing, and many organizations now require their employees to have a solid understanding of cyber security and investigation.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers require investigative specialists to have a bachelor's degree in a field such as criminal justice, investigative studies, or a related field.
Pursue Relevant Work Experience. Obtain relevant work experience by volunteering or working in a criminal justice or investigative position. This could include working for a police department, private investigation firm, or other investigative agency.
Consider Certification. Consider becoming certified through a professional organization such as the International Association of Private Investigators or the National Association of Investigative Specialists.
Obtain Necessary Licensing or Permits. Depending on the state or country you live in, you may need to obtain specific licensing or permits in order to practice as an investigative specialist. Research the requirements of your jurisdiction and obtain the necessary paperwork.
Network with Other Professionals. Network with other professionals in the field to learn more about investigative specialism, stay current with industry trends, and build relationships with potential employers or clients.

Investigative specialists are crucial to finding reliable and efficient solutions to complex issues. They use their knowledge, experience, and resources to analyze data and draw conclusions that can help lead to successful outcomes. Through careful research and analysis, investigative specialists can identify underlying causes of issues and potential solutions that may have otherwise been overlooked.

They also use their skills to uncover potential risks and suggest strategies to minimize them. Furthermore, they can help organizations achieve their goals by providing objective and impartial advice. investigative specialists are essential in the effort to ensure reliable and efficient results.

You may want to check Consumer Investigator, Title Abstractor/Investigator, and Forensic Investigator for alternative.

Job Description

Conduct detailed investigations into criminal activity and provide reports of findings to law enforcement.
Analyze evidence and interview witnesses to determine the facts of a case.
Gather information from a variety of sources, such as police records, court documents, and confidential informants.
Collect and maintain evidence, such as photographs, documents, and physical items.
Prepare detailed reports summarizing investigative activities and findings.
Use computer programs to search databases, compile information, and prepare reports.
Monitor and track suspects through surveillance and other methods of investigation.
Participate in undercover operations and surveillance to obtain evidence.
Prepare search and arrest warrants and testify in court proceedings as an expert witness.
Maintain contact with other law enforcement agencies to exchange information and coordinate investigative efforts.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of investigative processes and techniques
Attention to detail and accuracy
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions
Ability to work independently and in a team
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Computer proficiency, including database management
Understanding of legal procedures and laws
Knowledge of relevant regulations, policies and procedures
Problem-solving skills

Investigative specialists play a critical role in helping to identify, process, and assess data to uncover potential solutions. The most important skill for an investigative specialist to possess is the ability to think critically and analytically. This means having the ability to assess facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions, and identify patterns.

It also entails having strong problem-solving skills to evaluate different scenarios and come up with solutions. Furthermore, investigative specialists must be able to communicate effectively with those involved in the investigation, as well as colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders. Finally, investigative specialists must have a strong attention to detail in order to properly document their findings and ensure accuracy.

With these skills, investigative specialists can help to uncover solutions that could have far-reaching implications for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.

Litigation Support Investigator, Human Resources Investigator, and Professional Background Investigator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in investigative work?
Describe a situation in which you conducted an investigation and the outcome.
What techniques do you use to collect evidence and build a case?
How do you ensure the accuracy and integrity of your investigations?
How do you prioritize tasks when conducting an investigation?
What processes do you use to analyze evidence and draw conclusions?
What strategies do you use to effectively communicate findings?
How do you stay up to date on investigative procedures and laws?
How do you ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information?
How do you handle difficult questions or situations during an investigation?

Common Tools in Industry

Maltego. Maltego is a tool used for open-source intelligence and forensics. It can be used to discover information about people, companies, IP addresses, domains, and more. (eg: Identifying relationships between people and companies)
Whois Lookup. Whois Lookup is a tool that can be used to look up the registration information of any domain name. (eg: Identifying the owner of a website)
Network Scanning. Network Scanning is a tool used to identify devices connected to a network and analyze the security risks they pose. (eg: Analyzing a companys network security)
Data Analysis Software. Data Analysis Software is a tool used to analyze large datasets and determine trends or patterns in the data. (eg: Analyzing customer purchase data for insights)
Database Querying. Database Querying is a tool used to query a database and extract specific information from it. (eg: Retrieving customer records from a database)
Password Cracking. Password Cracking is a tool used to decrypt passwords from encrypted files or databases. (eg: Decrypting passwords from an old system)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
American Society of Evidence-Based Policing
International Association of Forensic Science
International Association of Chiefs of Police
International Association for Identification
National Forensic Science Technology Center
National Institute of Justice
National Public Safety Information Bureau
The High Tech Crime Consortium
The International Association of Counterterrorism and Security Professionals

We also have Research Investigator, Insurance Fraud Investigator, and Intelligence Investigator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Forensic Science. The application of scientific principles and techniques to the investigation of criminal activity.
Evidence Collection. The process of gathering, preserving, and analyzing physical evidence from the crime scene.
Crime Scene Reconstruction. The process of piecing together the events that occurred at a crime scene to help explain what happened.
Criminal Profiling. The process of using behavioral analysis to identify possible suspects.
Interviewing Witnesses. The process of interviewing people who may have witnessed a crime or have some knowledge about it.
Surveillance Techniques. The process of using physical surveillance, electronic surveillance, and other techniques to observe people or places for investigative purposes.
Criminal Database Research. The process of researching and accessing criminal databases to find information on suspects or criminal activity.
Chain of Custody. The process of tracking and maintaining custody of evidence collected during an investigation.
Courtroom Testimony. The process of providing testimony in court regarding the evidence collected during an investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Investigative Specialist?

An Investigative Specialist is a professional who specializes in gathering information, evidence, and other data to help solve complex issues, often related to legal or criminal matters.

What qualifications are needed to become an Investigative Specialist?

To become an Investigative Specialist, one typically needs to have a background in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related field. They may also need to have additional special certifications, such as a Private Investigator License.

What responsibilities does an Investigative Specialist have?

An Investigative Specialist is responsible for conducting investigations and gathering data from a variety of sources. This includes interviewing witnesses, gathering physical evidence, analyzing records, and conducting surveillance.

How long does it take to become an Investigative Specialist?

The amount of time it takes to become an Investigative Specialist varies depending on the individual's experience and educational background. Generally, it takes several years of experience in the relevant field before one can become certified as an Investigative Specialist.