How to Become a Criminal Investigator: A Comprehensive Guide

Author: University of North Dakota
August 1, 2024

From crime novels to detective movies, crime investigation captivates us with its blend of suspense and intellectual challenge.

However, the real world of crime investigation is just as fascinating and crucial.

Competent investigators play a vital role in uncovering the truth and ensuring justice, especially in light of recent developments. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has emphasized the need for a more thorough and unbiased approach to investigating crimes, particularly sexual violence and intimate partner violence. This shift aims to ensure that victims' accounts are taken seriously and that legal fallacies and stereotypes do not hinder the pursuit of justice. To meet these challenges, criminal investigators must be well-prepared and equipped with the right skills and knowledge. In this blog, we provide a guide on how to become a criminal investigator, including the essential requirements, skills, and knowledge needed to excel in this role.

What is a Criminal Investigator? 

Criminal investigators are law enforcement professionals crucial in solving crimes by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working closely with forensic experts. These professionals employ their investigative acumen and analytical skills to piece together the facts of a case, often working on complex investigations ranging from violent crimes to white-collar fraud. Their work is essential for bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring that the legal process is based on solid evidence.

Criminal investigators may work at various levels of law enforcement, including local police departments, state agencies, or federal entities such as the FBI or the Department of Justice. They are often the most important people during criminal investigations, combining their knowledge of the law with meticulous investigative techniques to uncover the truth.

How to Become a Criminal Investigator

Pursuing a career as a criminal investigator requires a combination of education, practical training, and relevant experience. Below, we'll provide a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Education Requirements

While a high school diploma or GED is technically the minimum requirement, most law enforcement agencies prefer candidates with at least an undergraduate degree in criminal justice, criminology, forensic science, psychology, or some other relevant field. An associate's degree typically takes two years to complete, while a bachelor's degree takes four.

Get Trained

The curriculum at a police academy is designed to provide training in various aspects of law enforcement. Key courses include:

• Criminal Law: Understand the legal framework and statutory requirements that govern criminal behavior and law enforcement procedures
• Crime Scene Management: Learn the methods for securing and processing crime scenes to preserve evidence integrity
• Firearms Training: Gain proficiency in handling and using firearms safely and effectively
• Physical Fitness: Engage in rigorous physical training to ensure that officers are in peak physical condition and capable of handling the physical demands of the job
• Defensive Tactics: Train in self-defense and the appropriate use of force to ensure officer safety and the safety of others

Recruits also receive practical training in areas like firearms, defensive tactics, and physical fitness. However, while police academies provide essential foundational training, the hands-on field training with direct supervision and real-world application typically takes place after they are hired.

The combination of rigorous academic training and practical field experience ensures that police academy graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of law enforcement. This training is crucial for developing the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a criminal investigator, providing a solid foundation for further specialization in criminal investigations.

Gaining Relevant Experience

Gaining practical experience in law enforcement is a crucial step in becoming a successful criminal investigator and often includes roles such as police or detective. This way, most criminal investigators begin their careers as police officers, where they acquire essential skills and knowledge that form the foundation of their investigative abilities. 

Starting as a police officer allows individuals to engage in routine patrols, respond to incidents, and assist in initial crime scene investigations. This hands-on experience is invaluable as it exposes future investigators to real-world scenarios, helping them understand the dynamics of crime scenes, evidence collection, and law enforcement protocols.

As police officers gain experience and demonstrate their investigative acumen, they can seek promotion to the role of detective. Promoted detectives are often tasked with more complex and challenging cases, requiring advanced investigative techniques and a deeper understanding of criminal behavior. 

Earn a Relevant Certification

While certification is not always mandatory, it can significantly enhance your qualifications, demonstrating your commitment and expertise to potential employers.

Here are two prestigious certifications that can boost your career:

Professional Certified Investigator 

Offered by ASIS International, the PCI certification is designed for investigators who specialize in security and case management. To qualify, you must have:

• Three to five years of investigative experience, depending on your educational background, including at least two years of experience in case management or security investigations
• Full-time employment in a security-related position
• No criminal convictions that would adversely impact the security profession, ASIS, or the certification program
• Agreement to sign and adhere to the ASIS Certification Code of Conduct
• Agreement to comply with the policies of ASIS Certification programs as detailed in the Certification Handbook

Certified Legal Investigator

The CLI certification, created by the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI), is tailored for professionals who assist attorneys in preparing cases. Requirements include:

• Five years of investigative experience or a combination of education and experience
• Being licensed, if required by the state where the applicant is practicing or employed
• A 1,000-word research paper on an investigative topic
• A minimum passing score of 70% in both written and oral exams

Skills

To excel as a criminal investigator, you need a blend of technical and interpersonal skills, such as:

• Understanding the legal framework and procedural requirements of investigations
• Familiarity with investigative software, databases, and digital forensic tools
• Ability to process information, identify patterns, and draw logical conclusions
• Precision in documenting evidence, reports, and observations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interviewing witnesses, writing reports, and testifying in court
• Ability to work with diverse teams, including forensic experts, legal professionals, and fellow officers
• Adequate physical strength and stamina to handle the demands of fieldwork and apprehend suspects if necessary.

Work Environment

Criminal investigators operate in a variety of settings that reflect the diverse nature of their work. Their work environments often include:

• Crime scenes: At crime scenes, investigators meticulously collect evidence, document the scene, and reconstruct events to understand how crimes were committed. This aspect of the job can be both physically demanding and mentally taxing, requiring attention to detail and resilience in often distressing situations.
• Police stations: Within police stations, investigators sometimes analyze collected evidence themselves, while other times, they send evidence to crime labs for analysis. Once the crime labs provide their reports, investigators review these findings. They also interview witnesses and suspects and collaborate with other law enforcement personnel. This environment demands strong communication and teamwork skills, as investigators must effectively coordinate with forensic experts, legal advisors, and fellow officers to piece together cases.
• Courtrooms: In courtrooms, criminal investigators present their findings and provide testimony to support the prosecution's case. This setting requires thorough preparation and the ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently.

Salary 

Criminal investigators are well-compensated for their expertise and dedication. Data shows that the mean annual wage for detectives and criminal investigators is $95,930. However, salaries can vary significantly based on various factors. One of these factors is location, as the top-paying states include:

• Alaska: $121,770
• Hawaii: $121,000
• Maryland: $119,900
• New York: $118,350
• California: $115,910

Similarly, the industry also plays a significant role in determining the salary. Some of the highest-paying ones are:

• Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation): $121,770
• Postal Service (Federal Government): $111,930
• Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals: $89,490

Conclusion

All in all, becoming a criminal investigator requires a commitment to education, rigorous training, and a passion for justice. By following these steps and continuously developing your skills, you can build a successful career in law enforcement, making a significant impact in solving crimes and upholding the law. 

Ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in criminal investigation? Join UND and explore our criminal justice programs. Whether you choose our Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Studies, Master's in Criminal Justice Studies, accelerated Criminal Justice degree, or a major in Forensic Science, UND offers the education and training you need to excel and advance in this field. So join us, uncover the truth, uphold justice, and make a difference with a career as a criminal investigator.

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