Criminal investigator
Also known as: crime scene investigator, forensic science officer, forensic officer, fingerprint officer, scenes of crime officer
About this occupation
Criminal investigators examine and process the scenes of crimes and the evidence found in them. They handle and protect the evidence compliant with rules and regulations, and isolate the scene from outside influence. They photograph the scene, ensure the maintenance of the evidence, and write reports.
Essential skills and knowledge
- forensic intelligence
- crime scene preservation
- examine crime scenes
- handle evidence
- restrict access to crime scene
- photograph crime scenes
- write work-related reports
- document evidence
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Detectives and Criminal Investigators (O*NET 33-3021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
- Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
- 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 facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
- Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, Reading Comprehension, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$93,790 a year (2025), 114,430 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentExtremely important (4.6)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (4.1)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- Police Identification and Records Officers
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Intelligence Analysts
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Coroners
- Transit and Railroad Police
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.