What exactly is a retail investigator?

What is the process to become a criminal investigator?

• I am currently in high school and plan to attend a community college. What classes should I take?(examples please) I heard you have to be a police officer first and then apply for criminal investigator. If so how many years. Is the salary a year really much of a difference between a police officer and criminal investigator? Thanks for your answer :)

• Answer:

  How you become a criminal investigator depends on what agency you want to work for. To become a police detective, you have to first become a police officer. Most police departments require officers work patrol for at least 2 years before being eligible to become a detective. Many departments require more time as a patrol officer. You can become a federal criminal investigator without first being a police officer. This usually requires at least a 4 year degree, and more often, an advanced degree. If you want to become a police officer, get at least a 4 year degree. That would be best. After your 2 years at the community college, transfer to a 4 year school. Get the highest grade point average that you can. Choose a major that interests you and that could be useful for police work. Accounting, communications, computer science, a foreign language, forensic science, law, and psychology are examples of good majors for police officers and people that want to become police officers. Salaries vary depending on the department. In some cases, there is no difference in pay between that of a patrol officer. Best of luck!