Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Also known as: Air Marshal, Burglary Investigator, Child Support Agent (+68 more)
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
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What You'll Do
- Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
- Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
- Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
- Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
- Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
- Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.
- Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.
- Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
- Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
- Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
- Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
Common styles
Integrity, Self-Control, Dependability, Stress Tolerance, Attention to Detail
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Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Style
Common Styles for This Career
- Integrity (High importance: 4.91/5)
- Self-Control (High importance: 4.67/5)
- Dependability (High importance: 4.64/5)
- Stress Tolerance (High importance: 4.6/5)
- Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.54/5)
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This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.
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Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
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