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

Dec 11, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increase in crime rate in a city has led to the hiring of a Police Investigator. The Investigator is responsible for conducting investigations into criminal activity, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses. With their expertise in criminal law and investigation techniques, they are able to identify those responsible for criminal activities and bring them to justice.

The presence of an Investigator has a positive impact on the safety of a city by providing residents with a sense of security and reassurance. This has resulted in a decrease in criminal activity and an increase in quality of life for the community as a whole.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most police departments require at least a high school diploma or GED to be considered for a police investigator position.
Enroll in a college degree program. Police departments typically require applicants to have at least some college education, such as an associates degree in criminal justice, in order to qualify for a police investigator position.
Become a police officer. Most police departments require applicants for police investigator positions to have at least a few years of experience as a police officer.
Pass written and physical tests. Police departments typically require applicants to pass written exams and physical fitness tests before they can be considered for a police investigator position.
Undergo an extensive background check. Police departments usually require applicants to undergo an extensive background check, which includes a criminal history check, before they can be considered for a police investigator position.
Complete police investigator training. Police departments typically require applicants to complete specialized training courses in order to become a police investigator. This training can include courses in investigation techniques, criminal law, evidence collection, and other related topics.
Obtain certification. Some states require applicants for police investigator positions to obtain certification from a professional organization, such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police or the International Association of Crime Analysts.

The role of a Police Investigator requires a high level of skill and competence in order to be successful. To achieve this, the investigator must be highly trained and have an extensive knowledge of law enforcement procedures, evidence gathering, interviewing techniques, and criminal justice systems. Furthermore, the investigator must possess excellent communication and analytical skills, as well as the ability to rapidly assess situations and make appropriate decisions in a timely manner.

All of these qualities are essential in order to effectively investigate cases and find the truth. the combination of these skills and knowledge is what makes a Police Investigator both skilled and competent.

You may want to check Mounted POLICE Officer, Police K9 Handler, and Auxiliary POLICE Officer for alternative.

Job Description

Investigate complaints, accidents or incidents to determine causes and to recommend corrective action.
Collect evidence and interview witnesses.
Prepare detailed reports of investigations.
Identify, arrest and process suspects.
Testify in court as an expert witness.
Perform background checks on individuals and organizations.
Monitor surveillance activities.
Maintain records of arrests, charges and dispositions.
Conduct undercover operations.
Analyze data to develop leads and investigative strategies.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to conduct investigations into criminal activity.
Strong knowledge of criminal law and procedures.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to analyze complex evidence and draw logical conclusions.
Skill in gathering and documenting evidence and maintaining accurate records.
Ability to maintain composure in tense situations.
Knowledge of criminal behavior and trends.
Proficient in the use of investigative techniques, including surveillance, undercover operations, and interrogations.
Ability to negotiate successful outcomes with suspects.
Ability to use firearms and other weapons for protection or self-defense.
Computer literacy, including the ability to use databases for investigations and record keeping.

The ability to think critically and creatively is an essential skill for Police Investigators. Being able to recognize patterns and draw conclusions from evidence is key to success. This requires an understanding of criminal behavior, legal procedures, and investigative techniques.

Analytical skills are also important as investigators need to be able to analyze data and evidence, draw reasonable conclusions, and create a case for prosecution. Good communication skills are also essential for Police Investigators to effectively interact with witnesses, suspects, and other law enforcement personnel. Good communication can be the difference between solving a case and letting it go unsolved.

As well, attention to detail is important as investigators need to pay attention to small clues that could be overlooked by others. All of these skills combined result in successful Police Investigators who can bring justice to the community.

Police Communications Operator, Street Crimes POLICE Officer, and Crime Scene POLICE Officer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in conducting criminal investigations?
How have you handled difficult situations while conducting investigations?
How do you stay organized while working on multiple cases at once?
What resources have you used to collect evidence or information during investigations?
What techniques do you use to interview witnesses or suspects?
What strategies do you use to identify suspects in a criminal case?
How have you used technology to assist in criminal investigations?
What have you done to ensure the accuracy of the evidence collected for a case?
How do you handle sensitive or confidential information during an investigation?
How have you collaborated with other law enforcement agencies on joint investigations?

Common Tools in Industry

Surveillance Equipment. Used to monitor a suspect or area (eg: CCTV cameras).
Interview Recording Device. Used to record interviews with suspects or witnesses (eg: digital voice recorder).
Electronic Database Access. Used to search for and access criminal records and other information (eg: NCIC).
Forensic Analysis Tools. Used to analyze evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and other physical evidence (eg: fingerprint identification system).
Computer Forensics Software. Used to analyze electronic data stored on a computer (eg: EnCase).
Digital Voice Recorders. Used to record conversations (eg: digital voice recorder).
GPS Tracking Systems. Used to track the movement of suspects or vehicles (eg: GPS tracking device).
Smartphone Forensics Software. Used to analyze data stored on a smartphone (eg: Cellebrite UFED).
Photographic Equipment. Used to document evidence or suspects (eg: digital camera).
Lie Detector Tests. Used to detect deception in interviews of suspects or witnesses (eg: polygraph machine).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
National Association for Law Enforcement Officers (NALEO)
National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)
International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA)
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA)
Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC)
National Narcotics Officers' Associations Coalition (NNOAC)
National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO)

We also have Police Detective, Police Administrative Assistant, and Police Records Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Evidence. Physical or documentary information relevant to a criminal investigation.
Witness. A person who can give first-hand information about a crime or incident.
Search Warrant. A legal document issued by a court authorizing law enforcement officers to search a specific location for evidence.
Interview. An exchange of questions and answers between an investigator and a witness or suspect.
Interrogation. A more intensive form of interview, involving more pointed questions and more aggressive tactics.
Surveillance. The act of observing or tracking someone for the purpose of gathering evidence or intelligence.
Lab Analysis. The examination of physical evidence by a forensic laboratory using scientific methods and tools.
Database. A digital collection of information that can be searched and analyzed to uncover patterns and trends.
Report Writing. The process of documenting an investigation in a thorough, organized, and accurate manner.
Courtroom Testimony. Oral statements made by a witness or investigator in a courtroom under oath.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are necessary to become a police investigator?

To become a police investigator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and prior law enforcement experience. Depending on the agency, a college degree may also be required.

How long does it take to complete an investigation?

The length of an investigation depends on the complexity of the case and the resources available to investigators. In some cases, investigations can take days, while others may take weeks or even months to complete.

What is the average salary of a police investigator?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for police investigators as of May 2019 was $64,490 per year.

What types of evidence do police investigators collect?

Police investigators typically collect physical evidence such as fingerprints and DNA, surveillance footage, witness statements, and documents.

What other duties are associated with police investigators?

Police investigators are responsible for interviewing suspects and witnesses, conducting searches, analyzing evidence, writing reports, and sometimes testifying in court.