Criminal Investigation?

A List of Jobs in Criminal Investigation

• Answer:

  If you've ever seen the TV show "CSI," you might think criminal investigators have thrilling careers full of drama, excitement and witty punch lines. Although in reality the career is far less glamorous than its TV depiction, criminal investigation is still a fascinating and essential field. It encompasses a large number of careers, each of which interlocks with the others to provide a comprehensive investigation of criminal acts. Crime Lab Analyst or Technician If you've watched CSI, you know that evidence testing and analysis are performed by highly specialized technicians and analysts. These professionals include forensic specialists, police evidence technicians, firearms technicians and DNA analysts. Although most technicians and analysts work exclusively in the laboratory, they sometimes assist with data collection in the field or provide testimony at court trials. Technicians typically hold advanced degrees in their field. FBI Agent FBI special agents investigate violations of U.S. law, including extortion, espionage, robbery, sabotage and kidnapping. Their investigation procedures include questioning witnesses, observing suspects and conducting raids. To be an FBI agent, you must have a college degree, typically in accounting or law. Agents also go through extensive on-the-job training before becoming special agents. Police Detective Police detectives are highly specialized police officers. Although nonspecialized police officers may conduct investigations of some minor crimes, most criminal investigations are delegated to police detectives. Police detectives must have at least a high school diploma, although some police agencies require them to have a college degree, as well, typically in criminal justice or a related field. Psychological Profiler Psychological profilers study the behavior, background, and motives of suspects and offenders. In criminal investigations, they identify characteristics of behavior evident in violent crimes -- including methods used in crime, such as body disposal in murder cases -- to identify characteristics of the criminal that can help identify the true perpetrator from those in a suspect pool. Psychological profilers typically hold advanced degrees in psychology.