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

The increase in cybercrime has led to the need for special investigators to trace and analyze criminal activities. Special investigators are professionals with extensive knowledge of digital crime, computer forensics, and the law. They are able to identify patterns in data and uncover evidence that can be used to prosecute those responsible for criminal activities. As cybercrime continues to rise, it is becoming increasingly important for law enforcement agencies to hire these specialized investigators in order to keep up with technological advances and protect citizens from cybercrime.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree. Most special investigators need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a criminal justice-related field. Examples of relevant majors include criminology, law enforcement, and criminal justice.
2. Obtain Certification. Certification is not required, but it can help special investigators gain more credibility. The Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) offers a certification program for special investigators in Oklahoma.
3. Gain Relevant Experience. Special investigators should have some experience with criminal investigations and investigation techniques. This could include working in law enforcement or as a private investigator.
4. Apply for the Job. Once the applicant has the necessary education and experience, they can apply for a job as a special investigator. Job postings can be found on job search engines and career websites.
5. Pass a Background Check. Special investigators must pass stringent background checks before they can be hired. This includes criminal history, drug tests, and reference checks.
6. Attend Training. Once hired, special investigators are usually required to attend additional training courses to learn about investigation techniques and other related topics.

Being efficient and staying ahead requires a combination of planning, organization, and focus. Developing a plan and setting achievable goals can help prioritize tasks and allocate time to get the most out of each day. Staying organized and maintaining a tidy workspace can also help to improve efficiency, as it allows for more time to be spent on actual work rather than searching for items.

Lastly, being able to stay focused and avoid distractions is essential for staying ahead; this can be done by setting aside a specific period of time for focused work, as well as taking regular breaks to ensure productivity. With the right balance of planning, organization, and focus, one can stay ahead and efficient.

You may want to check Investigative Specialist, Process Service Investigator, and Consumer Investigator for alternative.

Job Description

1. Investigate criminal or civil matters related to fraud, corruption, financial misconduct, or other violations of the law.
2. Gather evidence through interviews, surveillance, and other investigative techniques.
3. Analyze data, documents, and other evidence to identify suspicious activity and possible violations of the law.
4. Prepare detailed reports of findings and recommendations for further action.
5. Testify in court or other legal proceedings as an expert witness.
6. Collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
7. Develop and maintain contacts with informants to stay informed about ongoing criminal activity.
8. Participate in undercover operations to gather evidence and apprehend suspects.
9. Maintain detailed records of all investigations and activities.
10. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Investigative and analytical skills
2. Interpersonal and communication skills
3. Attention to detail and accuracy
4. Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations
5. Ability to work independently
6. Conflict resolution skills
7. Research and data collection skills
8. Computer proficiency
9. Strategic thinking
10. Professionalism
11. Discretion and confidentiality

Investigating is a complex task that requires a variety of skills, but perhaps the most important skill for a Special Investigator to have is the ability to think critically and analytically. This skill is essential in order to identify patterns, connect disparate pieces of information, and draw meaningful conclusions. An investigator must also be able to think on their feet, remain resilient in the face of obstacles and be open to different interpretations of evidence.

Furthermore, effective communication and collaboration is key for a Special Investigator as they will usually need to coordinate with other members of a team or build relationships with potential informants. Lastly, an Investigator needs to be able to work independently and remain organized in order to effectively manage their workload. All of these skills are necessary for a Special Investigator in order to be successful in their role.

Arson Investigator, Digital Forensic Investigator, and Internal Investigator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• How did you become interested in the field of Special Investigation?
• What experience do you have with conducting investigations?
• Are you comfortable working independently and making decisions without direct supervision?
• Describe a situation in which you successfully identified and resolved an issue.
• What strategies do you use when interviewing witnesses and suspects?
• How do you handle difficult or uncooperative individuals during an investigation?
• Are you familiar with the laws and regulations related to special investigation?
• Describe an instance in which you had to exercise discretion when handling sensitive information.
• How do you stay up-to-date on best practices and industry standards in special investigation?
• What steps do you take to ensure accuracy and completeness of your reports?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Data Analysis Software. Allows investigators to analyze large amounts of data quickly, such as correlations and trends (e. g. Excel).
2. Databases. Stores large amounts of data for easy retrieval (e. g. Oracle).
3. Digital Forensics Tools. Extracts and analyzes digital evidence from computers, cell phones, and other devices (e. g. EnCase).
4. Graphic Design Software. Creates visual displays of data to make complex concepts easier to understand (e. g. Adobe Illustrator).
5. Interviewing Techniques. Helps investigators get to the truth in an effective and efficient manner (e. g. Cognitive Interviewing).
6. Investigative Research Tools. Gathers information from public records and other sources (e. g. LexisNexis).
7. Investigative Writing Software. Documents investigative findings in a clear and consistent format (e. g. Microsoft Word).
8. Mobile Forensics Tools. Extracts and analyzes digital evidence from mobile phones (e. g. Oxygen Forensic Suite).
9. Presentation Software. Presents investigative findings to internal and external stakeholders (e. g. PowerPoint).
10. Surveillance Equipment. Monitors people and places for investigative purposes (e. g. CCTV cameras).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Society of Criminology
2. International Association of Chiefs of Police
3. National Association of Professional Investigators
4. International Association of Professional Security Consultants
5. National White Collar Crime Center
6. International Association of Financial Crime Investigators
7. National Council of Investigation and Security Services
8. American Academy of Forensic Sciences
9. International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association
10. National Association of Legal Investigators

We also have Patent Investigator, Forensic Investigator, and Investigative Consultant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Forensic Science. The application of scientific methods to the investigation of criminal activity.
2. Crime Scene Investigation. The process of examining a crime scene to collect evidence and draw conclusions about the incident.
3. Evidence Collection. The process of collecting physical evidence from a crime scene for use in a criminal investigation.
4. Interviews. Speaking with people involved in or affected by the crime to gain information and insight into the case.
5. Surveillance. Monitoring an individual or location to observe activities or gather evidence.
6. Analysis. The evaluation of evidence and other data to draw conclusions or provide expert opinions.
7. Report Writing. Communicating the results of an investigation in a clear and concise manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Special Investigator?

A Special Investigator is a law enforcement professional who is tasked with investigating complex and sensitive cases that require specialized knowledge and expertise.

What types of cases do Special Investigators handle?

Special Investigators typically handle cases involving white-collar crime, financial fraud, organized crime, terrorism, public corruption, and other violations of federal laws.

What qualifications are required to become a Special Investigator?

The qualifications for becoming a Special Investigator vary from agency to agency, but generally include a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field, several years of experience in law enforcement or investigative work, and specialized training in investigation techniques.

How many Special Investigators are employed by the FBI?

The FBI currently employs approximately 4,000 Special Investigators.

What is the salary range for Special Investigators?

The salary range for Special Investigators varies depending on the agency and location, but can range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year.

What are jobs related with Special Investigator?

• Environmental Investigator
• Fraud Investigator
• Technical Investigator
• Legal Research Investigator
• Insurance Claims Investigator
• Insurance Fraud Investigator
• Financial Investigator
• Title Abstractor/Investigator
• Corporate Security Investigator
• Professional Investigator

Web Resources

• Special Investigation Unit Investigator – Career Center careers.usc.edu
• Special Investigations | Police | Offices | WPI www.wpi.edu
• Special Investigations | Internal Audit | University of Pittsburgh www.audit.pitt.edu