Description of a Government Criminal Investigator Position
Criminal investigators are also known as detectives and are usually employed by a government agency. Criminal investigators investigate individuals who are suspected of breaking the law and performing criminal activities. Investigators are responsible for collecting evidence, reporting cases accurately, and many times pursuing and arresting individuals.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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Criminal investigators' responsibilities include pursuing and arresting individuals, collecting evidence, surveillance, examinations of suspects and witnesses, and maintaining complete and accurate case files.
Requirements
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Although each government agency may differ slightly in their requirements, the basic requirements are that the applicant is at least 20 years of age, a U.S. citizen, possess either a high school diploma or equivalent, meet and pass any physical test that are administered, and meet any other personal qualification set forth by the governmental agency.
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Skills
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To become a criminal investigator, agencies generally require a candidate to possess intelligence, have the ability to think and respond quickly, mental and emotional stability, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Education
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Depending on the governmental agency, a college education consisting of an associate's degree or bachelor's degree with courses in criminal justice may be required as well.
Training
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Additional training is usually given to new investigators that consists of learning the use of firearms, self-defense tactics, emergency and first-aid techniques, and surveillance techniques.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Cliff
