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How do I Become a Criminal Investigator?
Criminal investigators help to solve important cases using information gathered from crime scenes, witness testimonies, interrogations, and searches. Some investigators work in laboratories, analyzing evidence and recreating crime scenes, while others talk to suspects and perform covert surveillance operations. Depending on a person's interests and abilities, there are several paths he or she may take to become a criminal investigator.
A high school student who wants to become a criminal investigator can prepare by taking advanced science, computer, psychology, and English courses. Science classes such as biology, chemistry, and physics are important to introduce students to DNA studies and related subjects pertaining to criminal investigations. A background in psychology allows a student to better understand a criminal's mind and how to put that understanding to use in solving cases and performing interrogations. Computer science courses help prospective investigators become comfortable entering data and performing searches. Students who excel in English classes will have an easier time writing reports and presenting information to judges and other officials.
Some investigator jobs can be obtained upon receiving a high school diploma, though many people choose to pursue college degrees. Those hoping to work in forensic crime labs frequently major in biological sciences to learn about laboratory testing techniques and applications of scientific research. Persons who wish to engage in surveillance or interviewing investigative work typically pursue degrees in criminal justice or police science. In general, a bachelor's degree qualifies a person to work in most police organizations and government agencies. A person who wants to become a criminal investigator at the federal level, or lead an investigative division, may choose to pursue a master's degree in order to improve his or her credentials and academic knowledge of the profession.
Most law enforcement offices prefer to hire criminal investigators with experience in the field. Previous work as a security guard, loss prevention manager, hotel investigator, police officer is helpful when applying to become a criminal investigator. Preference is frequently given to military servicemen and women, who have received expert training on the tools and techniques involved surveillance and investigative work.
One to three years of supervised work are usually required to become a criminal investigator. New investigators typically act as assistants to established professionals, learning more about the job firsthand while performing less essential investigative tasks. Once a person completes the training period, he or she is given the freedom to operate independently and take on more difficult cases.
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![Biologic science training helps provide a background for crime lab work.]()
By: Leah-Anne ThompsonBiologic science training helps provide a background for crime lab work. -
![A crime scene investigator examines the crime scene and gathers evidence to solve a crime.]()
By: corepicsA crime scene investigator examines the crime scene and gathers evidence to solve a crime. -
![A criminal investigator is responsible for interrogating suspects.]()
By: donserhioA criminal investigator is responsible for interrogating suspects. -
![Prior experience, like working as a security guard, can prepare someone to be a criminal investigator.]()
By: LsantilliPrior experience, like working as a security guard, can prepare someone to be a criminal investigator. -
![A criminal investigator may be responsible for following someone's movements.]()
By: endostockA criminal investigator may be responsible for following someone's movements.
Discussion Comments
My name is Olatoye and I am from Nigeria in west Africa.
I've an ambition of becoming a criminologist, especially a criminal investigator, but I don't know how to go about it. I would appreciate if anybody can help me in studying criminology.
The military is also a good place for this kind of work. They have a lot of law enforcement jobs, and a lot of investigators. You could work your way into a job like this in much the same way you'd do it in a civilian job, and then transfer to a federal agency when you retire from the military.
Of course, if you want to do investigations right away, you could try to be a federal agent. Agencies like the FBI, ATF, DEA don't really do a lot of what you would call "police work", they do investigations, either in plain clothes or undercover.
So if that kind of work interests you, maybe that would be a good place to go. Of course, they normally want to see law enforcement experience first, but it would still be quicker than working your way up to detective in a local department.
I sometimes sit on the hiring boards for the local sheriff's department, and one thing that can be a negative on an application is a person coming in for an interview and going on and on about how they want to be an investigator, or on the SWAT team, or a crime scene investigator (especially if they mention "CSI"), or a "profiler" (whatever that is).
It isn't that we don't need people in those jobs, but if you are a new applicant, especially with no training or experience, and suddenly you want to be G.I. Joe before you even have proved yourself as an officer, it can be damaging to your application.
You have to earn those positions, and you earn them by going out and doing your job in a sustained superior fashion. So just keep that in mind. Even if you have a job you want to do that is the only thing you want to do, keep it to yourself and work toward it once you're in.
And don't ever mention "CSI"
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