California Colleges

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Career Profile

Criminal Investigator and Special Agent

What They Do
Just the Facts
Insider Info

Investigates alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local

laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.
This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security cluster
Law Enforcement Services pathway.

Dig into the details and check out what

people in this job have to say about their
work.

Insider Info

Related Careers
A person in this career:

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Police Detective
Private Investigator
Immigration and Customs Inspector
Police Patrol Officer
Police Identification/Records Officer
Police Supervisor
Sheriff/Deputy Sheriff
Accountant
Auditor
Financial Examiner

Prepares reports that detail investigation findings.

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Obtains and verifies evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and
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witnesses, or by analyzing records.
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Identifies case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges,
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complaints, or allegations of law violations.
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Investigates organized crime, public corruption, financial crime, copyright
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infringement, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping,
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and other violations of federal or state statutes.
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Records evidence and documents, using equipment such as cameras and
photocopy machines.
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Obtains and uses search and arrest warrants.
Determines scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
Multimedia
Searches for and collects evidence, such as fingerprints, using
investigative equipment.
Watch a one-minute video showing what it's
Determines scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
like to work in this career or related careers
Collects and records physical information about arrested suspects,
including fingerprints, height and weight measurements, and photographs.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
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Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

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You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or
pulling.
Exposed to disease and infections more than once a month through work such as patient care, laboratory work, and
sanitation control
Conditions are very hot (above 90 F) or very cold (under 32 F)
Exposed to hazardous equipment such as saws, machinery, or vehicular traffic more than once a month
Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time
Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

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Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
Seeing clearly at a distance
Seeing clearly up close
Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

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Irregular hours
Overnight travel
Overtime work
Rotating shift work
Weekend work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:
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Air Marshal -- Responsible not only for the security of aircraft but for national security as it pertains to all aspects of
transportation and the country's critical infrastructure.
CIA Agent (Central Intelligence Agency Agent) -- Conducts sensitive and high profile inquiries into possible violations of
laws, rules, and regulations; mismanagement; gross waste of funds; abuse of authority; or substantial and specific danger to
the public health and safety.
Counter Intelligence Agent -- Investigates activities of enemy agents, collaborationists or other specified personnel known
or suspected to have knowledge or record of counterintelligence information.
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) -- Processes crime scenes and gathers evidence during a criminal investigation.
Criminal Profiler -- Creates a psychological profile of a criminal suspect, which can then be used to help catch the suspect.
Deputy United States Marshal -- Enforces law and order under jurisdiction of federal courts.
Detective -- Carries out investigations to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases.
Drug Enforcement Agent -- Responsible for controlling and enforcing laws regarding drugs within the country.
FBI Special Agent (Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent) -- Conducts surveillance, monitors court-authorized
wiretaps, investigates white-collar crime, and carries out undercover assignments, as primary investigators for the
government.
Narcotics Detective -- Investigates and apprehends persons suspected of illegal sale or use of narcotics.
Police Officer -- Patrols assigned beat on foot, on motorcycle, in patrol car, or on horseback to control traffic, prevent
crime or disturbance of peace, and arrest violators.

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