What Do Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Do?
Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Definition Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.
A Day in the Life of a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent
- Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
- Compare crime scene fingerprints with those from suspects or fingerprint files to identify perpetrators, using computers.
- Serve subpoenas or other official papers.
- Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.
- Collaborate with other authorities on activities, such as surveillance, transcription, and research.
- Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.
What a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent Should Know
These are the skills Criminal Investigators and Special Agents say are the most useful in their careers:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles
- Criminal Investigative Agent
- Master Police Detective
- Crime Investigator Special Agent
- State Trooper
- Gang Investigator
Job Opportunities for Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 110,900 jobs in the United States for Criminal Investigator or Special Agent. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Criminal Investigator or Special Agent by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,500 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Criminal Investigator or Special Agent are Nevada, Utah, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent
The typical yearly salary for Criminal Investigators and Special Agents is somewhere between $43,800 and $138,860.
Criminal Investigators and Special Agents who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Criminal Investigators and Special Agents make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,750 |
| Alaska | $118,360 |
| Arizona | $81,810 |
| Arkansas | $60,340 |
| California | $107,120 |
| Colorado | $87,280 |
| Connecticut | $90,470 |
| Delaware | $89,930 |
| District of Columbia | $122,460 |
| Florida | $76,560 |
| Georgia | $66,430 |
| Hawaii | $107,010 |
| Idaho | $73,510 |
| Illinois | $87,470 |
| Indiana | $75,150 |
| Iowa | $73,320 |
| Kansas | $62,260 |
| Kentucky | $71,300 |
| Louisiana | $65,090 |
| Maine | $70,620 |
| Maryland | $102,370 |
| Massachusetts | $101,800 |
| Michigan | $86,580 |
| Minnesota | $76,640 |
| Mississippi | $64,150 |
| Missouri | $70,860 |
| Montana | $81,210 |
| Nebraska | $73,480 |
| Nevada | $87,680 |
| New Hampshire | $80,370 |
| New Jersey | $102,600 |
| New Mexico | $77,890 |
| New York | $91,250 |
| North Carolina | $60,810 |
| North Dakota | $84,340 |
| Ohio | $75,310 |
| Oklahoma | $66,130 |
| Oregon | $93,840 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,730 |
| Rhode Island | $86,580 |
| South Carolina | $60,420 |
| South Dakota | $72,050 |
| Tennessee | $71,940 |
| Texas | $79,950 |
| Utah | $80,840 |
| Vermont | $83,060 |
| Virginia | $98,850 |
| Washington | $85,440 |
| West Virginia | $86,340 |
| Wisconsin | $76,590 |
| Wyoming | $81,750 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Criminal Investigators and Special Agents may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Graphics software
- ESRI ArcView
- Corel WordPerfect
- National Crime Information Center NCIC database
- Law enforcement information databases
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
- National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
- Crime mapping software
- Computer aided composite drawing software
- Case management software
Becoming a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent
Learn what Criminal Investigator or Special Agent education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent?
Who Employs Criminal Investigators and Special Agents?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Criminal Investigator or Special Agent might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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