Detectives and Criminal Investigators

• Summary

• Details

Work Activities

• Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.
• Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
• Notify command of situation and request assistance.
• Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
• Secure persons at scene, keeping witnesses from conversing or leaving the scene before investigators arrive.
• Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.
• Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
• Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.
• Organize scene search, assigning specific tasks and areas of search to individual officers and obtaining adequate lighting as necessary.
• Summon medical help for injured individuals and alert medical personnel to take statements from them.
• Notify command of situation and request assistance.
• Participate or assist in raids and arrests.
• Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and tests to be performed.
• Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
• Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.
• Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
• Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.
• Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
• Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.
• Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
• Summon medical help for injured individuals and alert medical personnel to take statements from them.
• Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.
• Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
• Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.
• Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
• Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.
• Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.
• Maintain surveillance of establishments to obtain identifying information on suspects.
• Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.
• Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
• Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
• Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
• Block or rope off scene and check perimeter to ensure that entire scene is secured.
• Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.
• Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
• Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.
• Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.
• Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.
• Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.

Skills

• Programming
  • Writing computer programs.
• Quality Control Analysis
  • Testing how well a product or service works.
• Systems Evaluation
  • Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
• Equipment Selection
  • Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
• Judgment and Decision Making
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
• Operations Monitoring
  • Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
• Complex Problem Solving
  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
• Management of Material Resources
  • Managing equipment and materials.
• Speaking
  • Talking to others.
• Mathematics
  • Using math to solve problems.
• Management of Financial Resources
  • Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
• Operation and Control
  • Using equipment or systems.
• Critical Thinking
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
• Troubleshooting
  • Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
• Persuasion
  • Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
• Writing
  • Writing things for co-workers or customers.
• Social Perceptiveness
  • Understanding people's reactions.
• Monitoring
  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
• Active Learning
  • Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
• Repairing
  • Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
• Management of Personnel Resources
  • Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
• Reading Comprehension
  • Reading work-related information.
• Learning Strategies
  • Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
• Service Orientation
  • Looking for ways to help people.
• Operations Analysis
  • Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
• Technology Design
  • Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
• Time Management
  • Managing your time and the time of other people.
• Coordination
  • Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
• Systems Analysis
  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
• Installation
  • Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
• Equipment Maintenance
  • Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
• Instructing
  • Teaching people how to do something.
• Active Listening
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
• Science
  • Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
• Negotiation
  • Bringing people together to solve differences.

Abilities

• Peripheral Vision
  • Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
  • Keeping your arm or hand steady.
• Speed of Closure
  • Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
• Static Strength
  • Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
• Visual Color Discrimination
  • Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
• Fluency of Ideas
  • Coming up with lots of ideas.
• Gross Body Coordination
  • Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
• Sound Localization
  • Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
• Depth Perception
  • Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
• Reaction Time
  • Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
• Perceptual Speed
  • Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
• Time Sharing
  • Doing two or more things at the same time.
• Information Ordering
  • Ordering or arranging things.
• Explosive Strength
  • Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
• Speech Recognition
  • Recognizing spoken words.
• Problem Sensitivity
  • Noticing when problems happen.
• Visualization
  • Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
• Hearing Sensitivity
  • Telling the difference between sounds.
• Near Vision
  • Seeing details up close.
• Trunk Strength
  • Using your lower back and stomach.
• Written Comprehension
  • Reading and understanding what is written.
• Stamina
  • Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
• Manual Dexterity
  • Holding or moving items with your hands.
• Control Precision
  • Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
• Memorization
  • Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
• Night Vision
  • Seeing at night or under low light.
• Number Facility
  • Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
• Speed of Limb Movement
  • Quickly moving your arms and legs.
• Speech Clarity
  • Speaking clearly.
• Auditory Attention
  • Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
• Oral Comprehension
  • Listening and understanding what people say.
• Multilimb Coordination
  • Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
• Response Orientation
  • Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
• Selective Attention
  • Paying attention to something without being distracted.
• Wrist-Finger Speed
  • Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Originality
  • Creating new and original ideas.
• Spatial Orientation
  • Knowing where things are around you.
• Glare Sensitivity
  • Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
• Deductive Reasoning
  • Using rules to solve problems.
• Dynamic Flexibility
  • Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
• Oral Expression
  • Communicating by speaking.
• Extent Flexibility
  • Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
• Written Expression
  • Communicating by writing.
• Mathematical Reasoning
  • Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
• Dynamic Strength
  • Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
• Inductive Reasoning
  • Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
• Finger Dexterity
  • Putting together small parts with your fingers.
• Gross Body Equilibrium
  • Keeping your balance or staying upright.
• Far Vision
  • Seeing details that are far away.
• Flexibility of Closure
  • Seeing hidden patterns.
• Rate Control
  • Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
• Category Flexibility
  • Grouping things in different ways.

Knowledge

• Food Production
  • Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
• English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Physics
  • Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
• Administrative
  • Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
• Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Law and Government
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Production and Processing
  • Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Design
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Public Safety and Security
  • Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Transportation
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
• History and Archeology
  • Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
• Sociology and Anthropology
  • Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
• Economics and Accounting
  • Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
• Personnel and Human Resources
  • Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
• Therapy and Counseling
  • Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
• Education and Training
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Telecommunications
  • Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
• Medicine and Dentistry
  • Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
• Biology
  • Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Sales and Marketing
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
• Administration and Management
  • Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Philosophy and Theology
  • Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
• Communications and Media
  • Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Fine Arts
  • Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
• Psychology
  • Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Foreign Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
• Chemistry
  • Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Geography
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
• Building and Construction
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
• Mechanical
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Education

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Work Experience

Less than 5 years work experience

Training

1 to 12 months on-the-job training

Education and Training Opportunities

×

Education and Training Opportunities

• Big Bend Community College
  7662 Chanute St NE, Moses Lake WA 98837-3299
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  1,000 - 4,999

  Financial Aid 509-793-2222
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,No graduate offering
  Website

  https://www.bigbend.edu/
  Program Name
  Criminal Justice/Police Science
  Length
  2 years
  Award Level
  Associate's degree
  Save

  ---

• Central Washington University
  400 East University Way, Ellensburg WA 98926
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  5,000 - 9,999

  Financial Aid 509-963-1111
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,Graduate degree or certificate offering
  Website

  http://www.cwu.edu/
  Program Name
  Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
  Length
  Less than one year
  Award Level
  Post-master's certificate
  Save

  ---

• Centralia College
  600 Centralia College Blvd., Centralia WA 98531-4099
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  1,000 - 4,999

  Financial Aid 360-736-9391
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,No graduate offering
  Website

  http://www.centralia.edu/
  Program Name
  Criminal Justice/Police Science
  Length
  2 years
  Award Level
  Associate's degree
  Save

  ---

• City University of Seattle
  521 Wall Street, Suite 100, Seattle WA 98121
  School Type

  Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  1,000 - 4,999

  Financial Aid 888-422-4898
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,Graduate degree or certificate offering
  Website

  http://www.cityu.edu/
  Program Name
  Criminal Justice/Police Science
  Length
  4 years
  Award Level
  Bachelor's degree
  Save

  ---

• Everett Community College
  2000 Tower Street, Everett WA 98201
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  5,000 - 9,999

  Financial Aid 425-388-9100
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,No graduate offering
  Website

  http://www.everettcc.edu/
  Program Name
  Criminal Justice/Police Science
  Length
  2 years
  Award Level
  Associate's degree
  Save
  Program Name
  Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
  Length
  Certificates of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 year
  Award Level
  Certificates of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 year
  Save

  ---

• Grays Harbor College
  1620 Edward P Smith Drive, Aberdeen WA 98520-7599
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  1,000 - 4,999

  Financial Aid 360-532-9020
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,No graduate offering
  Website

  https://www.ghc.edu/
  Program Name
  Criminal Justice/Police Science
  Length
  At least one but less than two years
  Award Level
  Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years, Associate's degree
  Save

  ---

• Green River College
  12401 SE 320th St, Auburn WA 98092-3622
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  5,000 - 9,999

  Financial Aid 253-833-9111
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,No graduate offering
  Website

  https://www.greenriver.edu/
  Program Name
  Criminal Justice/Police Science
  Length
  At least one but less than two years
  Award Level
  Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years, Associate's degree, Certificates of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 year
  Save

  ---

• North Seattle College
  9600 College Way North, Seattle WA 98103-3599
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  5,000 - 9,999

  Financial Aid 206-934-3600
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,No graduate offering
  Website

  https://northseattle.edu/
  Program Name
  Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation
  Length
  Certificates of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 year
  Award Level
  Certificates of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 year
  Save

  ---

• Seattle University
  900 Broadway, Seattle WA 98122-4340
  School Type

  Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  5,000 - 9,999

  Financial Aid 206-296-6000
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,Graduate degree or certificate offering
  Website

  http://www.seattleu.edu/
  Program Name
  Criminalistics and Criminal Science
  Length
  4 years
  Award Level
  Bachelor's degree
  Save
  Program Name
  Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysis
  Length
  Less than one year
  Award Level
  Post-master's certificate, Postbaccalaureate certificate
  Save

  ---

• Skagit Valley College
  2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon WA 98273
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  1,000 - 4,999

  Financial Aid 360-416-7600
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,No graduate offering
  Website

  https://www.skagit.edu/
  Program Name
  Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services
  Length
  Certificates of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 year
  Award Level
  Certificates of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 year, Associate's degree
  Save

  ---

• Spokane Community College
  1810 North Greene Street, Spokane WA 99217-5399
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  5,000 - 9,999

  Financial Aid 509-533-8400
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,No graduate offering
  Website

  https://scc.spokane.edu/
  Program Name
  Criminal Justice/Police Science
  Length
  2 years
  Award Level
  Associate's degree
  Save

  ---

• University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
  1900 Commerce St, Tacoma WA 98402-3100
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  1,000 - 4,999

  Financial Aid 253-692-4400
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,Graduate degree or certificate offering
  Website

  https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/
  Program Name
  Criminal Justice/Police Science
  Length
  4 years
  Award Level
  Bachelor's degree
  Save

  ---

• Wenatchee Valley College
  1300 Fifth St, Wenatchee WA 98801-1799
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  1,000 - 4,999

  Financial Aid 509-682-6800
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,No graduate offering
  Website

  https://www.wvc.edu/
  Program Name
  Criminal Justice/Police Science
  Length
  2 years
  Award Level
  Associate's degree
  Save

  ---

• Yakima Valley College
  South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima WA 98907-2520
  School Type

  Public, 4-year or above

  Admissions
  School Size

  1,000 - 4,999

  Financial Aid 509-574-4600
  Other Degrees Offered

  Undergraduate degree or certificate offering,No graduate offering
  Website

  https://www.yvcc.edu/
  Program Name
  Criminal Justice/Police Science
  Length
  Certificates of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 year
  Award Level
  Certificates of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 year, Certificates of less than 12 weeks
  Save

  ---

Close

Pay

Washington Annual Salary

116450/yr

Washington Hourly Wage

55.99/hr

Washington Employment Trends

Currently Employed

2,010

Yearly Projected Openings

170

Personality

Investigative: People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out. They do well at jobs that need:

• Integrity
• Self Control
• Dependability
• Stress Tolerance
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability/Flexibility

Tools

• Alcohol analyzers
• Binocular light compound microscopes
• Biological evidence collection kits
• Body armour
• Bullet proof vests
• Desktop computers
• Dictation machines
• Digital camcorders or video cameras
• Digital cameras
• Fingerprint equipment
• Fingerprint latent print kits
• Flares
• Footprint lifters
• Footwear covers
• Gas generators
• Goggles
• Hand sprayers
• Handcuffs
• Handguns
• Hazardous material protective apparel
• Infrared lamps
• Instant print cameras
• Lasers
• Masks or accessories
• Measuring wheels for distance
• Metal detectors
• Military rifles
• Mobile medical services automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles
• Mobile medical services first aid kits
• Narcotic test kits
• Night sticks
• Notebook computers
• Personal computers
• Physiological recorders
• Police or security shotguns
• Police vehicles
• Protective gloves
• Radarbased surveillance systems
• Riot batons
• Riot helmets
• Riot shields
• Rulers
• Still cameras
• Surveillance video or audio recorders
• Tape measures
• Two way radios
• Ultraviolet UV lamps
• Weapon or explosives detectors and supplies

Technology

• Analytical or scientific software
• Data base user interface and query software
• Desktop publishing software
• Electronic mail software
• Geographic information system
• Graphics or photo imaging software
• Internet browser software
• Map creation software
• Network monitoring software
• Office suite software
• Operating system software
• Presentation software
• Process mapping and design software
• Project management software
• Spreadsheet software
• Word processing software