Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

Course Advisor, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 43,800 - 138,860; Full time

Job summary

Course Advisor is seeking a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent to investigate laws and regulations in the United States. The role involves analyzing evidence, collaborating with law enforcement, and preparing detailed reports. Ideal candidates should possess strong critical thinking and communication skills. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Office and law enforcement databases is essential. The salary range varies significantly based on location, typically between $43,800 and $138,860 per year.

Qualifications

• Strong logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Ability to analyze evidence and compile detailed reports.

Responsibilities

• Investigate alleged or suspected violations of laws.
• Analyze evidence and develop cases based on findings.
• Collaborate with other authorities for surveillance and information gathering.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Active Listening

Speaking

Complex Problem Solving

Social Perceptiveness

Writing

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Office

Email software

ESRI ArcView

NCIC database

Job description

All About Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Definition Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

A Day in the Life of a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent

• Analyze evidence in laboratories or in the field.
• Develop relationships with informants to obtain information related to cases.
• Collaborate with other authorities on activities, such as surveillance, transcription, and research.
• Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.
• Collect and record physical information about arrested suspects, including fingerprints, height and weight measurements, and photographs.
• Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.

What Every Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Should Know

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Related Job Titles

• Criminal Investigative Agent
• Police Officer
• Federal Air Marshal
• Child Support Agent

Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Job Outlook

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 110,900 jobs in the United States for Criminal Investigator or Special Agent. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Criminal Investigator or Special Agent by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,500 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Criminal Investigator or Special Agent are Nevada, Utah, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Criminal Investigators and Special Agents Salary

The typical yearly salary for Criminal Investigators and Special Agents is somewhere between $43,800 and $138,860.

Criminal Investigators and Special Agents who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.

What Tools & Technology do Criminal Investigators and Special Agents Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Criminal Investigators and Special Agents:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Access
• Email software
• Graphics software
• ESRI ArcView
• Corel WordPerfect
• National Crime Information Center NCIC database
• Law enforcement information databases
• Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
• National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
• Crime mapping software
• Computer aided composite drawing software
• Case management software