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Career Details : Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

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Description

Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

Experience

A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks

  • Obtains and verifies evidence or establishes facts by interviewing, observing, and interrogating suspects and witnesses and analyzing records.
  • Testifies before grand juries.
  • Serves subpoenas or other official papers.
  • Photographs, fingerprints, and measures height and weight of arrested suspects, noting physical characteristics, and posts data on record for filing.
  • Reports critical information to and coordinates activities with other offices or agencies when applicable.
  • Presents findings in reports.
  • Maintains surveillance and performs undercover assignments.
  • Develops and uses informants to get leads to information.
  • Compares crime scene fingerprints with those of suspect or fingerprint files to identify perpetrator, using computer.
  • Obtains and uses search and arrest warrants.
  • Searches for evidence, dusts surfaces to reveal latent fingerprints, and collects and records evidence and documents, using cameras and investigative equipment.
  • Examines records to detect links in chain of evidence or information.
  • Assists in determining scope, timing, and direction of investigation.
  • Analyzes charge, complaint, or allegation of law violation to identify issues involved and types of evidence needed.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Consequence of Error
    • Objective or Subjective Information
    • Frustrating Circumstances

    Related Majors

    Major Add to MyFSA
    Administration of Justiceadd Administration of Justice to MyFSA
    Criminal Justice/Law Enforcementadd Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement to MyFSA
    Law Enforcementadd Law Enforcement to MyFSA
    Pre-educationadd Pre-education to MyFSA
    Pre-electrical Engineeringadd Pre-electrical Engineering to MyFSA
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