Criminal Justice Career Option - Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
Tasks
1. Assists in determining scope, timing, and direction of investigation.
2. Examines records to detect links in chain of evidence or information.
3. Obtains and uses search and arrest warrants.
4. Develops and uses informants to get leads to information.
5. Testifies before grand juries.
6. Serves subpoenas or other official papers.
7. Photographs, fingerprints, and measures height and weight of arrested suspects, noting physical characteristics, and posts data on record for filing.
8. Reports critical information to and coordinates activities with other offices or agencies when applicable.
9. Presents findings in reports.
10. Maintains surveillance and performs undercover assignments.
11. Compares crime scene fingerprints with those of suspect or fingerprint files to identify perpetrator, using computer.
Skills
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Knowledge
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.
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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.
Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education
Education: Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
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