Detectives and Investigators

Career summary

This description also includes information on customs inspectors (who are also called customs and border protection officers), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents, and immigration inspectors.

#3/18/19 lh

Detectives and investigators work for:

• State police
• Local police
• Federal agencies

The specific tasks of detectives and investigators depend on the size and type of the agency they work for. A detective on a small city police force would perform very different tasks than an FBI agent. All detectives have many duties in common.

Detectives receive cases and gather data. They interview witnesses, suspects, and others who might have information. They review and analyze records and case files.

Some types of detectives visit crime scenes to find fingerprints and collect other evidence. This can include blood, hair, fibers, or weapons. They make sure that evidence is not disturbed. They keep potential suspects and witnesses at the scene. They may take them into custody or interview them.

Detectives may observe the activities of suspects without their knowledge. Sometimes detectives get court orders for searches or wiretaps. They record evidence with:

• Audio recordings
• Photos
• Videotape

Detectives keep files on suspects and write reports of their findings. Records must be detailed and accurate since they are often used in court. They make arrests when they have enough evidence to prosecute suspects. They often testify before the court or a grand jury.

Some investigators work on task forces and must coordinate their work with other task force agencies. FBI agents investigate crimes that violate federal laws, such as bank robbery. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents enforce laws relating to illegal drugs. These agents must keep local police departments informed of their activities.

Immigration inspectors interview people who are seeking entrance to the United States. They issue or deny permits for visitors or residency. They also:

• Explain laws
• Check documents
• Process applications for residence

Customs inspectors enforce laws that control imports and exports. They check cargo, luggage, and items carried by people as they enter or leave the US. They also seize prohibited or smuggled items.

Related careers

This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Border Patrol Agents
• Compliance Officers and Inspectors
• Corrections Officers
• Fire Inspectors
• Fire Investigators
• Fish and Game Wardens
• Forensic Accountants
• Forensic Science Technicians
• Insurance Adjusters and Examiners
• Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
• Police and Detective Supervisors
• Police Patrol Officers
• Private Detectives and Investigators
• Secret Service Agents
• Sheriffs
• Sketch Artists
• Transportation Security Screeners

Military careers

• Law Enforcement and Security Officers
• Law Enforcement and Security Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to detectives and investigators.

• Secure crime scene to prevent tampering of evidence. Alert appropriate medical and police officers, requesting assistance if needed.
• Preserve, store, and analyze evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects.
• Interview witnesses, suspects, and others who have information.
• Examine records, case files, and other documents. Determine if more information is needed.
• Organize and inspect crime scenes to gather evidence, or inspect collected evidence.
• Observe the activities of suspects through surveillance, searches, or wiretaps.
• Record evidence with photographs, recordings, or videotape.
• Record progress of investigations, maintain files on suspects, and write reports of findings.
• Make arrests or assist with arrests and raids.
• Prepare assigned cases for court and testify before court or grand jury.
• Report information to, and coordinate activities with, other offices or agencies.
• Prevent illegal aliens or prohibited goods from entering the country.
• Interpret and explain laws and regulations. Process applications and issue or deny permits.
• Set up and maintain surveillance of crimes scenes or suspects.

Common work activities

Detectives and investigators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Document and record information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Use computers
• Perform for or work with the public
• Evaluate information against standards
• Process information
• Analyze data or information
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Think creatively
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Teach others
• Perform administrative tasks
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Develop and build teams
• Schedule work and activities
• Assist and care for others
• Develop goals and strategies

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, detectives and investigators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. Detectives in some agencies have a high level of social contact.
• Communicate with others by telephone, in person, and e-mail. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations where they must deal with angry or unpleasant people.
• Deal directly with suspects, witnesses, and others involved with cases.
• Sometimes deal with physical aggression of violent suspects.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers.
• Are responsible for the safety of the community.
• May occasionally deal with people who may become physically violent or aggressive.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, but sometimes work outdoors.
• Sometimes wear a special uniform. Many detectives are "plainclothes investigators."
• May sometimes wear protective or safety attire, such as latex gloves or bulletproof vests.
• Some detectives may be exposed to contaminants or diseases and infections from blood or other bodily fluids found at a crime scene.
• Are sometimes exposed to loud or distracting sounds and noise levels.
• May work in very hot or very cold weather.
• Often travel to surveillance sites in a car, truck, or van.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could have serious safety consequences for self, other detectives, and the public.
• Must be constantly aware of frequently changing events, especially while making arrests.
• Make decisions daily that have major impacts on the image of the department or company and on subordinates.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting tasks and goals.
• Work in a competitive environment.
• Meet strict daily and weekly deadlines.
• Repeat the same physical or mental activities.

Hours/travel

• Are usually scheduled to work a 40-hour week, but often work overtime.
• May work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May work long hours during investigations.
• Sometimes travel a great deal, especially federal agents.

Physical demands

Detectives and investigators frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for detectives and investigators to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for detectives and investigators to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Detectives and investigators need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Law Enforcement and Police Science

Other programs of study to consider

• Cyber-computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
• Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation
• Forensic Science
• Homeland Security
• Security Studies

Training

To work as a detective or investigator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• pass a physical exam and background check;
• complete police academy training;
• have three to five years of work experience as a police officer;
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training; and
• pass a written exam.

To work as an FBI agent, you typically need to:

• be between 23 and 37 years old when you start the job;
• have a bachelor's degree from an approved school;
• have training in accounting, computer science or information technology, foreign language, or law;
• have at least three years of professional work experience;
• have a valid driver's license; and
• be available for assignment anywhere in the FBI's jurisdiction.

Education after high school

You need at least a high school diploma for police work. However, most detectives and investigators have college training and at least an associate degree. Many community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities offer programs in law enforcement or criminal justice.

Work experience

You must have three to five years of experience as a police officer before you can be promoted to detective or investigator. You need to demonstrate you have the skills to work as a detective. Some police departments require officers to pass a written exam and an interview before they can be promoted.

Fluency in a second language is very helpful.

On-the-job training

Most police departments have training programs for newly hired or promoted detectives and investigators. These programs last from a few months to a year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be law enforcement and security officers or specialists. Experience in either of these military occupations can prepare you to be a detective or investigator.

Training for specialists lasts five to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. You need at least a bachelor's degree to enter the officer occupation. Training lasts seven to 28 weeks. Additional training for both occupations is on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Criminal Justice Assisting
• Legal System
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require detectives and investigators to be US citizens and at least 20 years of age. Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Law enforcement agencies may prefer applicants who have college-level training. Federal and most state agencies require a bachelor's degree.

Employers require applicants to meet strict physical and personal qualifications. Physical exams often include tests of vision, hearing, strength, and agility. Most departments also give psychological interviews, drug tests, and background checks.

Personal traits such as honesty, judgment, integrity, and responsibility are very important in law enforcement. Senior officers interview applicants and check their backgrounds with these traits in mind. In some agencies, candidates are interviewed by a psychologist or psychiatrist, or given a personality test.

The FBI requires applicants for special agent positions to be a graduate of an approved law school or a college graduate with a major in accounting. The FBI also considers applicants with college degrees who are fluent in a foreign language or have three years of full-time work experience. Applicants for other federal agent jobs must have a college degree and work experience.

Some employers hire people from the federal Outstanding Scholar Program. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have graduated from college with a bachelor's degree and a minimum GPA of 3.5, or have been in the upper ten percent of their graduating class or of a major university subdivision such as a College of Arts and Sciences. They must also make a good impression on agency recruiters regarding their experience and abilities during an interview.

Tips

Experience analyzing information and writing reports is helpful.

#Verified information on Outstanding Scholar Program 4/12/04 at http://www.opm.gov/employ/luevano-archive.asp  4/12/04. CJ

#Checked scholarship info again & added bit about university subdivision, 3/22/06, CJ. Added info about interview 3/17/10, cj. Checked that OSP still in existence 3/26/12 & 3/3/14, 4/4/16, 3/26/18 cj.

Licensing/certification

Applicants for customs and border protection officers must be high school graduates, US citizens, undergo a polygraph exam, personal background check and physical examination and fitness test, and have no police record. Entry-level workers must have three years of experience which includes the ability to meet and deal with people, and learn and apply a body of facts. Depending on where workers are stationed, they may also be required to speak Spanish or another language.

Those who wish to enter this field at a slightly higher pay grade level must have solid experience in import/export or compliance/regulatory work. Applicants may replace the work experience requirements with courses taken at an accredited college or university.

Candidates must pass a national training course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and have government status or pass a written test and an oral video-based test. They must also have firearms training and a valid driver's license. Medical and drug screening is required for new workers and for promotions. Random drug testing takes place on the job.

#Changed training course from 9-week to 15-week per job description off of ( http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/careers/customs_careers/officer/  ). See description in file folder. CJ, 4/24/06.

#Checked customs website to compare info we have 3/20/08, cj. Checked as best could again 3/17/10; seems to be accurate, cj. Checked info 3/26/12 & 3/4/14 cj. Info in general seems ok, seeing different training lengths at FLET Center; not sure it it is 89 days so removed that specific reference, 4/4/16 cj.

#https://www.fletc.gov/training-catalog 

#Info still appears to be correct 3/26/18 cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Criminal Investigators and Special Agents 
• Immigration and Customs Inspectors 
• Police Detectives 
• Police Identification and Records Officers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Total earnings for detectives who work for state and local government agencies often exceed the salary displayed because of overtime pay. Federal law provides special salary rates for federal law enforcement agents. This is because they are required to work a set number of overtime hours. They receive an additional 25 percent of their regular salary for overtime.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Wages also vary by the detective's rank or level of education.

Full-time detectives and investigators usually receive benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. They also receive life insurance and excellent retirement plans. Many retire at half-pay after 20 or 25 years of service.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to increase slower than average. Most hiring is tied to state and local budgets. Some job growth will occur due to concerns about public safety and crime rates.

Job openings will still occur as people retire. Job prospects are best for people who have a bachelor's degree in law enforcement and related experience such as the military. Candidates who can speak more than one language also have more job opportunities.

Other resources

Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences 

American Academy of Forensic Sciences 
410 North 21st Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
719.636.1100

Careers in Plant Pathology 
(from The American Phytopathological Society)

Federal Bureau of Investigation 
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20535
202.324.3000

National Treasury Employees Union 
1750 H Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
202.572.5500

United States Secret Service 
Office of Government & Public Affairs
245 Murray Lane
Washington, DC 20223
202.406.5708

US Department of Justice 

References

Career cluster

• Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Career path

• Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net  occupations

• Criminal Investigators and Special Agents (33-3021.03) 
• Immigration and Customs Inspectors (33-3021.05) 
• Police Detectives (33-3021.01) 
• Police Identification and Records Officers (33-3021.02) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Child Support Officer (195.267-022) 
• Customs Import Specialist (168.267-018) 
• Customs Inspector (168.267-022) 
• Detective (375.267-010) 
• Detective, Narcotics and Vice (375.267-014) 
• Fingerprint Classifier (375.387-010) 
• Identification Officer (377.264-010) 
• Immigration Inspector (168.167-022) 
• Investigator, Internal Affairs (375.267-034) 
• Investigator, Narcotics (375.267-018) 
• Investigator, Vice (375.267-022) 
• Opener-verifier-packer, Customs (168.387-010) 
• Police Officer III (375.267-038) 
• Police Officer, Identification and Records (375.384-010) 
• Special Agent (375.167-042) 
• Special Agent, Customs (188.167-090) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Conventional/Enterprising/Realistic
• Conventional/Realistic/Investigative
• Enterprising/Investigative/Conventional
• Enterprising/Investigative/Realistic

COPSystem

• Service Skilled