Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
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  Careers / Criminal Investigators and Special Agents  
       
 
Summary Description
Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.
 
Sample Job Titles

1.

Agent

2.

Air Marshal

3.

Border Police

4.

Child Support Agent

5.

Child Support Investigator

6.

Child Support Officer

7.

CIA Agent (Central Intelligence Agency Agent)

8.

Counter Intelligence Agent

9.

Crime Analyst

10.

Crime Investigator Special Agent

11.

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

12.

Criminal Analyst

13.

Criminal Investigative Agent

14.

Criminal Investigator

15.

Criminal Profiler

16.

Cyber Special Agent

17.

Deputy Sheriff

18.

Deputy United States Marshal

19.

Detective

20.

Detective Sergeant

21.

Drug Enforcement Administration Agent (DEA AGENT)

22.

Drug Enforcement Agent

23.

FBI Field Agent (Federal Bureau of Investigation Field Agent)

24.

FBI Investigator (Federal Bureau of Investigation Investigator)

25.

FBI Sharpshooter (Federal Bureau of Investigation Sharpshooter)

26.

FBI Special Agent (Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent)

27.

Federal Air Marshal

 

28.

Gang Investigator

29.

Identification Officer

30.

Intelligence Officer

31.

Investigation Officer

32.

Investigative Analyst

33.

Investigator

34.

Major Case Detective

35.

Master Police Detective

36.

Missing Persons Investigator

37.

Narcotics Agent

38.

Narcotics Detective

39.

Police Detective

40.

Police Inspector

41.

Police Officer

42.

Postal Inspector

43.

Secret Service Agent

44.

Special Agent

45.

Special Crimes Investigator

46.

Special Inspector

47.

Spy

48.

State Trooper

49.

Undercover Cop

50.

Unemployment Examiner

51.

Unemployment Inspector

52.

Unemployment Insurance Fraud Investigator

53.

United States Marshal (US Marshal)

54.

Violent Crimes Detective

 
Job Tasks

Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.

  • Prepare investigation or incident reports.

Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.

  • Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.
  • Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence.
  • Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.

Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.

  • Investigate accidents to determine causes.

Investigate organized crime, public corruption, financial crime, copyright infringement, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and other violations of federal or state statutes.

  • Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.

Record evidence and documents, using equipment such as cameras and photocopy machines.

  • Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.

Obtain and use search and arrest warrants.

  • Serve court ordered documents.

Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.

  • Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.

  • Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.

Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.

  • Determine operational procedures.

Collect and record physical information about arrested suspects, including fingerprints, height and weight measurements, and photographs.

  • Record information about suspects or criminals.

Analyze evidence in laboratories or in the field.

  • Analyze crime scene evidence.

Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.

  • Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information.

Develop relationships with informants to obtain information related to cases.

Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.

  • Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.

Collaborate with other authorities on activities such as surveillance, transcription, and research.

  • Collaborate with outside groups to develop programs or projects.

Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.

  • Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.

Compare crime scene fingerprints with those from suspects or fingerprint files to identify perpetrators, using computers.

  • Use databases to locate investigation details or other information.
  • Analyze crime scene evidence.

Manage security programs designed to protect personnel, facilities, and information.

  • Direct security operations.

Provide protection for individuals, such as government leaders, political candidates, and visiting foreign dignitaries.

  • Provide security escorts for officials, jury members, or other individuals.

Serve subpoenas or other official papers.

  • Serve court ordered documents.

Administer counterterrorism and counternarcotics reward programs.

  • Direct law enforcement activities.

Issue security clearances.

  • Issue permits or other legal documents.
 
Work Activities
Importance Work Activity
97
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
92
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
89
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
89
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
86
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
85
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
84
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
81
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
77
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
77
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
76
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
76
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
74
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
74
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
72
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
72
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
69
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
67
Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
65
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
65
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
59
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
59
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
59
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
58
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
57
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
56
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
56
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
56
Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
54
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
50
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
48
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
47
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
44
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
43
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
42
Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
36
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
30
Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
 
 
 
Nature of the Work
(Abstract from Career Articles)
Police and Detectives

Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.

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Working Conditions
(Abstract from Career Articles)
Police and Detectives

Police and detective work can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous. Police officers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Working around the clock in shifts is common.

Read More >>

 
 
 
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  Source: MyPlan.com, LLC, 2019; includes information from the O*NET 20.3 database, 2016, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-2024 Edition. O*NET™ is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.  

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