Description:

• Conduct investigation to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases. Examine crime scenes to obtain clues and evidence. Provide testimony as a witness in court. Analyze completed police reports to determine additional information and investigative required. Organize scene search, assigning specific tasks, and areas of search to officers.

Salary Range*:

• $38,000 - $63,000.

Job Growth:

• 17.3% from 2006-2016.

Education Required:

• High school diploma minimum.

Job Requirement(s):

• Previous investigative experience in police department; entrance exam.

Relevant Military Job:

• Law enforcement and Security Specialists.

Branch of Service Offering Job:

• Air Force; Army; Coast Guard; Marines; Navy.

Core Skills:

• Case preparation, obtaining facts and statements from witnesses, examine records and files, and writing detailed reports.

Examples of Employers:

• City and state police departments.

Job Openings:

• 42,000 total from 2006-2016.

Difficulty for Entry:

• Medium high, due to required experience in investigative work and desirability of position.

Sources: PayScale; Bureau of Labor Statistics.

*Note: Salaries will vary based on years of relevant work experience,
education, and other employer requirements.