This report presents a job description for a criminal investigator working for a public law enforcement agency such as a local police department. It also examines a typical "day in the life" of these professionals within the criminal justice system. Finally, a description of the general tenets of the Code of Ethics for this profession will be provided.
The specific tasks undertaken by criminal investigators include:
. determining the scope, timing, and direction of investigations
. developing relationships with informants and examining records to locate links in chains of evidence
. identifying case issues and evidence needed
. obtaining and use search and arrest warrants
. verifying evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses
. preparing reports that detail investigation findings, collect/ record information about suspects
. collaborating with other authorities and testify at criminal trials and other legal hearings (Career planner, 2008).
The ability requirements for criminal investigators include inductive reasoning, oral expression and comprehension, written expression and comprehension, speech clarity, near and far vision, information ordering, and flexibility of closure (Career planner, 2008). Specific activities undertaken by these professionals include getting information; analyzing data; documenting/recording information; communicating effectively with supervisors, peers, and subordinates; making decisions and solving problems; organizing, planning, and prioritizing work; interpreting the meaning of information for others; and monitoring processes, materials, or surroundings (Career planner, 2008).
Criminal investigators must be skilled in listening, speaking, thinking, writing, reading, and decisionmaking. They must possess a sound background in forensic science. Most jurisdictions require that investigators possess a minimum of Bachelor's deg...