A criminal investigator is a person who studies and analyzes crimes in order to apprehend criminals and prevent future crimes. There are numerous types of criminal investigator jobs available, allowing both private and public law enforcement investigators to tailor their careers to their individual education. Criminal investigator jobs can span the entire criminal justice system, from laboratory analysis to expert witness testimony.
A professional’s education may influence the types of criminal investigator jobs he or she is qualified to do. Those with a biology or chemistry background may be drawn to jobs that require scientific evidence analysis. This research could aid in the detection of DNA or the chemical composition of substances such as drugs or explosives. Working as an analyst may not sound as exciting as chasing criminals through the streets in the dead of night, but it is an important step in turning raw evidence into a criminal case. Law enforcement agencies and private companies may have jobs available for criminal investigators who specialize in laboratory or forensic analysis.
Private criminal investigators, also known as private detectives or private eyes, have the advantage of working with clients and cases of their choosing. Many offer background checks, surveillance, and the tracking down of missing people. While private criminal investigator jobs may not require a specific educational background, many regions have specific licensing requirements, including written tests. Many private investigators are former law enforcement officers who work closely with law enforcement to conduct surveillance and sting operations.
A crime scene investigator goes to places where crimes are suspected to have occurred and looks for important details that could lead to evidence. These professionals frequently have a criminal justice background and must have a keen sense of analysis in order to find important details while ignoring minor ones. Working as a crime scene investigator also necessitates adhering to all applicable legal guidelines for the handling and examination of evidence. If evidence is tainted, obtained illegally, or handled incorrectly, it may be ruled inadmissible by the court, leading to the dismissal of important cases.
Expert witness work can be done by both private and law enforcement-affiliated investigators. This enables them to act as paid consultants hired by lawyers to provide a professional opinion or testify based on an independent analysis of crime scene evidence. In order for the court to give their opinion due weight, expert witnesses must have a long history of experience and a good reputation.