Detectives and Criminal Investigator

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  Career Profile

Detectives and Criminal Investigator

What they do

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

Also Called: Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), Criminal Investigator, Detective, Fugitive Detective, Fugitive Investigator, Investigator, Narcotics Detective, Narcotics Investigator, Police Detective, Special Agent, Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), Criminal Investigator, Detective, Fugitive Detective, Fugitive Investigator, Investigator, Narcotics Detective, Narcotics Investigator, Police Detective, Special Agent

$50,670
Starting Salary (2023)
$91,100
Median Salary (2023)
1.5%
Projected Job Growth
106,730
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.
Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Self-Control
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
Attention to Detail
Adaptability/Flexibility

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Complex Problem Solving

Expected Knowledge

Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

More Info

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