Careers in Criminal Investigations
Criminal investigation jobs are not just for actors on television drama sets. Instead, students can pursue degrees in criminology and criminal justice to prepare them for a variety of careers in the field. Those with medical or science degrees may also take part in the criminology field. Some careers allow individuals to find criminals and bring them to justice, while others focus on determining how a crime was committed.
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Forensic Scientist
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Forensic scientists study evidence from crime scenes to identify crucial details about the crime, helping police track down criminals and allowing prosecutors bring them to justice. Their daily duties involve analyzing evidence and writing reports that discuss the analysis. They often serve as witnesses in criminal trials. Forensic scientists use science, math and problem-solving skills to uncover the mysteries behind crime-scene evidence. A career as a forensic scientist begins with a bachelor's degree in fields such as chemistry, biology, forensic science or physics. Forensic scientists made an average hourly wage of $23.97 in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Police Detective
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Though not all police officers help with criminal investigations, some focus solely on this side of the law enforcement field. Police officers who take on roles as detectives are responsible for heading up criminal investigations, coordinating with forensic scientists and prosecutors to find the guilty parties. Detectives gather facts about the crime, often by interviewing suspects and witnesses, and collect evidence from the crime scene. They evaluate this evidence, with the help of forensic scientists, to track down perpetrators. Aspiring police detectives must complete high school, and many go on to earn associate or bachelor's degrees in fields like criminology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that detectives' salaries averaged $60,910 in 2008.
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Medical Examiner
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Medical examiners conduct autopsies on crime victims to determine the cause of death. The autopsy can narrow down information like the time of death, which can help detectives focus in on suspects. Thus, medical examiners play an integral role in criminal investigations. They might visit crime scenes to view the victim's body before taking it to the morgue for a more thorough autopsy. Medical examiners must earn a bachelor's degree, followed by a medical degree. Their salaries average $97,044, according to CB Salary as of February 2011.
Private Investigator
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Private investigators work for individuals or businesses, rather than the state, to conduct criminal investigations. PIs are often self-employed, running their own investigation businesses. They work independent of other law enforcement officials, and their criminal investigations might run concurrently with state investigations. Families of crime victims -- or victims themselves -- might hire a private investigator if they feel that the state-run investigation is insufficient or not producing results. Although private investigators do not have any basic educational requirements, many opt to earn bachelor's degrees in criminology. Their average salary was $41,760 in May 2008.
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References
- Florida State University; Advice About a Career in Forensic Science; Dale Nute
- Bureau of Labor Statistics; Forensic Scientists: A Career in the Crime Lab; Hall Dillon; 1999
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Police and Detectives
- Fulton County Medical Examiner: The Practicing Physician and the Medical Examiner
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Private Detectives and Investigators
- Slippery Rock University: Criminology and Criminal Justice Frequently Asked Questions
