A wide knowledge of human behavior and performance is required. IOne must understand the individual differences in ability, personality, and interests in individuals and society. The hunger for learning and motivation is a great trait for criminal investegators. Knowledge of psychological research methods is required and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming can be helpful in this profession but is not required. As in any job, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necissary to become a successful crime investigator. One must be able to determining scope, timing, and direction of current and old investigations. Part of a criminal investigators job is developing relationships with informants in order to obtain information related to crime cases. Examining records in order to locate links in chains of evidence or information.

Criminal Investigators must be able to identifycase issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations. Obtain and use search and arrest warrants. Obtain and verify evidence through interviews and observations of suspects and witnesses, or by analyzing records. Duties can include performing undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, and monitoring authorized wiretaps. Preparing reports that detail investigation findings. Analyzing evidence in laboratories, or in the field. Collaborating with other authorities on activities such as surveillance, transcription and research. Collaborating with other offices and agencies in order to exchange information and coordinate activities. Responsibilities included: collecting and recording physical information about arrested suspects, including fingerprints, height and weight measurements, and photographs. Comparing crime scene fingerprints with those from suspects or fingerprint files to identify perpetrators, using computers. Investigating organized crime, public corruption, financial crime, copyright infringement, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and other violations of federal or state statutes.

Still more responsibilites of a Criminal Investigator are managment of security programs designed to protect personnel, facilities, and information. Recording evidence and documents, using equipment such as cameras and photocopy machines. Searching for and collecting evidence such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment. Serving subpoenas or other official papers. Testifying before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations. Administering counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics reward programs. Issuing security clearances. Providing protection for individuals such as government leaders, political candidates and visiting foreign dignitaries.

Many criminal detectives and crime investigators spend time away from their offices conducting interviews or doing surveillance, but some work in their office most of the day conducting computer searches and making phone calls. When the investigator is working on a case, the environment might range from plush boardrooms to seedy bars. Store and hotel detectives work in the businesses that they protect.Investigators generally work alone, but they sometimes work with others during surveillance or when following a subject in order to avoid detection by the subject. Some of the work involves confrontation, so the job can be stressful and dangerous.

Some situations call for the investigator to be armed, such as certain bodyguard assignments for corporate or celebrity clients. In most cases, however, a weapon is not necessary because the purpose of the work is gathering information and not law enforcement or criminal apprehension. Owners of investigative agencies have the added stress of having to deal with demanding and sometimes distraught clients.Private detectives and investigators often work irregular hours because of the need to conduct surveillance and contact people who are not available during normal working hours. Early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday work is common.

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