Are you interested in a criminal investigation? Do you find the career of a police detective thrilling? Are you already searching about how to become a detective? If the answer is yes to all of these questions, you are reading the right thing. The main job of detectives and criminal investigators is to catch criminals. The types of crimes committed are many and therefore, there are myriad categories of criminal investigators.  The career choices are many within the same field. Let’s explore the possibilities.

Some Major Career Choices in Criminal Investigation

Different things, which you can do:

• Uncover and investigate facts about personal, legal, and financial issues
• Investigate assault, burglar, and other criminal activities
• Work for individuals, businesses, and celebs
• Computer-related crime investigation such as illegal downloading and cyber harassment
• Verifying pre-employment
• Insurance claims and frauds investigation
• Proving and disapproving fidelity
• Child custody problems
• Surveillance
• Solve and stop identity thefts
• Securing a hotel
• Securing a store or market from theft

And the list goes on.

Specializations

As mentioned, the areas of criminal investigation are many. A number of institutions and people look for dedicated and specific investigators. Cities, states, and federal government employ thousands of criminal investigators and detectives. Many prefer private practice. While it is a popular and prevalent notion that investigation is all about surveillance and interviewing people, know that most of the investigation work is mostly on a computer. Thanks to the internet for providing research and search methods online. Due to this amazing amenity, gathering information has become so easy. The detectives can make all the searches and gather all the information in the comfort zone of their office. Know more about steps to become a detective. 

Career Outlook

Do you know that the chances of job growth in the criminal investigation are anticipated to be incredible in the near future? Say during the next decade. The litigation to resolve disputes as well as to claim damages is trending. And litigation essentially requires investigation. According to a survey, there were more than 45,000 private detectives and investigators in 2008. And there were more than 100,000 investigators working exclusively for the government.

Currently, branches like cyber-crime department have a lot of potentials. Cyber-crime and cyber-bullying are becoming prevalent problems of the contemporary internet age. People often experience harassment and bullying on various online platforms. And when they experience them, they seek justice. Cyber-crime investigators can help people resolve these problems. Having a good expertise in computers and internet forums is a plus point for a criminal investigator. There is a dire need for law enforcement personnel who could help in sorting problems like stolen identities, illegal downloading, harassment, and other related problems.

That said, you should know that the competition for a detective’s job is going to be fierce. Highly qualified and sharp individuals are chosen for the best detective jobs. You should know that your competitors for these jobs could be ex-military personnel with a solid experience in investigation and reconnaissance. The competition is going to be huge if you don’t have a college degree and a good investigating experience. If you are aspiring to have a long and secure detective career, add computer skills to your profile.

Salary Forecast

The salary that you get as a detective largely depends on who are you working for. It also depends on the type of job that you are assigned. Your skill set also determines your income. Tracking down criminals is not an easy job. The better the skills the more recognition you will have. Generally, the average income of a criminal investigator or a detective in the United States is around $65,214. However, the typical range is from $48,925 to $71,982. Federal investigators may make over $90,000 annually.

Some Interesting Facts

• You get to use high-end and high-tech equipment and gadgets for work
• Get the authority to put criminals behind the bars
• You earn good
• Surveillance can sometimes become very time consuming and boring
• The job involves constant spying. Even on the people who are not guilty of any crime
• You need to be comprehensive about gathering information and evidence. You have to be careful about the law and rules not just for the people involved but also for your secure career
• Most states need a license to practice as a private investigator or a detective
• Certain parts of the country offer to pay more than other places. Take the instance of Washington D.C., where the average salary of a criminal investigator is above $100,000

Good luck with an amazing police detective career!