Becoming an Investigator: Uncovering the Truth

If you love the thrill of solving crimes, a career as an investigator may be just right for you. An investigator is one of the most exciting careers in criminal justice, allowing you to get out in the field and find answers to unsolved mysteries. Types of investigator jobs include:
  • computer forensic investigators
  • corporate investigators
  • financial investigators
  • legal investigators
  • loss prevention agents
  • private detectives and investigators.
 
Although the hours are long, and you may even face danger on the job, you can enjoy the satisfaction of being a force for justice. Read on to learn about the growing field of investigator careers, how to become a private investigator and if this is a job you would enjoy.

Job Description

Investigators gather and analyze information, working with the clues to solve crimes and learn the truth about financial, legal or personal situations. They may work in salaried positions or be self-employed. A few of the many types of cases investigators may be hired to solve include:
  • child custody and protection cases
  • computer crimes such as illegal downloads, harassing e-mails and identity theft
  • criminal and civil liability cases
  • insurance claims and fraud
  • missing persons
  • premarital screening
  • proving or disproving infidelity.
 

Investigations often involve surveillance and searches. Physical surveillance can be done from a car or other location where the investigator can remain inconspicuous. Equipment used in surveillance operations may include:

  • audio recording devices
  • binoculars
  • cell phones
  • still cameras
  • video cameras.
 
To find necessary information, investigators may also interview people openly or work undercover, sometimes even in disguise.
 
Weapons are not generally necessary equipment, as investigators gather information rather than enforce law.
 
Not all investigative work is done in the field. Investigators also rely on computers to solve cases. Investigators may access the criminal records bureau and other sources to uncover:
  • association and club memberships
  • convictions, civil legal judgments and prior arrests
  • motor vehicle registrations
  • telephone numbers.
 
Investigators may also recover relevant deleted documents and e-mails from computers.
 
An investigator might also use the services of the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) if criminal information is requested about suspicious employees, especially those being investigated by schools or any institution involving child safety.

Salary Guide

Salaried investigators have recently earned a median annual income of $33,750. The middle 50 percent of salaries fell between $24,180 and $47,740. The highest 10 percent earned over $64,380 annually and the lowest 10 percent had salaries lower than $19,720.
 
Investor salaries vary widely depending on:
  • employer
  • geographic area
  • specialty.
 

Education, Training and Work Experience

Investigators receive most of their training on the job, learning as they work and improving their skills over time. While many investigator jobs have no specific educational requirements, the majority of professional investigators have at least some college education as well as prior experience in area such as:
  • auditing
  • collections
  • insurance
  • intelligence
  • investigations
  • military
  • paralegal
  • security.
 
Coursework in criminal justice and police science is an advantage when getting started in investigator careers and other jobs in criminal justice. Corporate investigators are usually required to have a bachelor's degree, and in some cases a master's, preferably in a field related to business. Computer forensics investigators find an accounting or computer science degree more useful than a degree in criminal justice.
 
A few colleges have begun to offer specific degrees in computer forensics with more programs expected to become available soon. Some certificate programs in computer forensics are also offered.
 
Most states require investigators and private detectives to be licensed. License requirements vary from state to state and may include:
  • age requirement
  • criminal background check
  • education with specific criminal justice, justice or police science coursework
  • written examination.
 
In all states, investigators who chose to carry a handgun also have to meet firearms permit requirements.

Career Advancement

Since most private detective agencies are small, they offer little room for professional advancement. Often, advancement can be measured in salary raises and the status of assignments. Corporate or legal investigators may be promoted to supervisor or manager of security or investigations. Certification from organizations such as ASIS help experienced investigators by giving them a respected credential in the field.

Related Associations and Groups

For more information on investigator jobs, you may want to contact:
  • ASIS: 1625 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2818.
 
  • National Association of Legal Investigators: 908 21st St., Sacramento, CA 95814-3118.
 
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