How to Become a Criminal Investigator

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A criminal investigator — also referred to as a detective or agent — is a specialized law enforcement officer who investigates various types of crimes, gathers and verifies evidence, conducts interviews, maintains surveillance, and compiles comprehensive reports of their findings. Sometimes, they are also expected to provide testimony in court.

Criminal investigator salaries can depend on your level of experience, geographical location, and the type of agency you work for. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for detectives and criminal investigators was $91,100 as of 2023.

This guide will cover what you need to know about becoming a criminal investigator, from the essential skills to the paths you can take to embark on this career.

Becoming a criminal investigator involves earning your degree, passing exams, gaining law enforcement experience, and earning relevant certifications.

Most criminal investigator positions require at least a high school or GED diploma, though some agencies will require at least two years of college courses in criminal justice or a related field. To work for the federal government, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field like criminology, forensic science, or psychology.

To become a criminal investigator, you’ll need to pass a law enforcement entrance exam and complete police academy training. The content and length of these exams can vary based on the jurisdiction and the specific law enforcement agency.

Gaining professional law enforcement experience is an essential part of becoming a criminal investigator. You can do this by working as a police officer or detective. The amount of experience required may vary based on the specific agency or position. In addition to earning on-the-job experience, you should also participate in training programs, workshops, seminars, and other forms of professional development.

While not mandatory for all positions, obtaining certifications can help you specialize in a particular field of criminal investigation. For example, the Certified Legal Investigator certification can help you find work as a private legal investigator, working with attorneys to collect evidence for cases.

Criminal investigators can take many career paths, some of which require specialized education and training. For example, if you have law enforcement experience, you can earn a degree in psychology to become a forensic psychologist. If you prefer to do research and are interested in public policy, you can earn a master’s in applied intelligence to become an intelligence analyst.