Criminal investigators work on crimes that range from misdemeanors to felonies. A criminal investigator's top priority is to gather information in relation to a crime. Investigators question witnesses, follow leads, and analyze evidence to establish its relevance to a crime. The investigator will examine every piece of evidence until they find its specific place in the crime. It is crucial to the justice system for criminal investigators to examine each piece of evidence thoroughly. read more [+]
The duties of a criminal investigator vary directly to the field a person specializes in and the experience the investigator has.
Browse our Criminal Investigation schools by State:
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Strayer University
Bachelor
BSCJ: Computer Security and Forensics
Alabama, North Carolina, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Utah, West Virginia, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi
Kaplan University
Associate, Bachelor, Certificate
Associate of Applied Science: Computer Forensics, BS in Criminal Justice/Computer Crime, Crime Scene Technician Certificate, BS in Criminal Justice/Crime Scene Investigation
Maryland, Online School
Westwood College
Bachelor
Bachelor Degree - Information Technology: Major in Computer Forensics
Virginia, Georgia, Colorado, California, Texas
Rasmussen College
Associate
Criminal Justice Associates - Crime Scene Evidence
Illinois, North Dakota, Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin
Southwest Florida College
Diploma
Crime Scene Investigation, Diploma - Crime Scene Investigation
Florida
Kaplan University International
Bachelor
BSCJ/Computer Crime, BSCJ/Crime Scene Investigation
Online School
Utica College
Bachelor, Master
Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity - Information Assurance, Executive Masters in Economic Crime Management, Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Economic Crime Investigation, Online Bachelor of Economic Crime Investigation
Online School
Kaplan Career Institute
Associate
Associate in Specialized Business: Criminal Justice / Cybercrime
Pennsylvania
Rasmussen College Online
Associate, Bachelor
Criminal Justice Associate - Crime Scene Evidence, Criminal Justice BS Degree - Investigation/Law Enforcement Emphasis
Online School
As a new criminal investigator, job duties may consist of examining records, assisting the preparation of pre-trial evidence for prosecutors, conducting investigations, and testifying in court. As a criminal investigator gains experience in the field, their responsibilities as a criminal investigator increase.
The job of a criminal investigator requires commitment from the individual, and attention to detail and a strong moral character are very important. Formal education and a degree relating to criminal justice are beneficial. Science, psychology, or sociology are also good choices. Being a criminal investigator can wear on a person and his or her emotions — dealing with the everyday violence in the world can really get to a person. On the other hand, knowing that you are helping put an end to some of the violence can turn out to be a rewarding career. However, there are some branches of criminal investigation that do not deal directly with violence. The Internal Revenue Service has a criminal investigation program that deals specifically with tax fraud and tax-related crimes. No matter which field a person interested in criminal investigation gets into, it is sure to be an exciting challenge.