CFChooseField
Public Safety

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
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Median pay

$93,580
Median annual pay for Detectives and Criminal Investigators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-0.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

7,800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

117,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience; Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Law and Government
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5Psychology
  6. 6Computers and Electronics

Abilities

  1. 1Inductive Reasoning
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Deductive Reasoning
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Stress Tolerance
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Integrity
  4. 4Attention to Detail
  5. 5Cautiousness
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Documenting/Recording Information
  5. 5Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  6. 6Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Work context

  1. 1Telephone Conversations
  2. 2E-Mail
  3. 3Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

Representative tasks

  • Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
  • Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
  • Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
  • Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
  • Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
  • Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
  • Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
  • Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandLinux · hot technologyAdobe Photoshop · hot technologyStructured query language SQL · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologySAS · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Visio · hot technologyNational Crime Information Center (NCIC) database

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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