Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

1. Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.

2. Record evidence and documents, using equipment such as cameras and photocopy machines.

3. Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.

4. Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.

5. Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.

6. Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.

7. Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.

8. Analyze evidence in laboratories or in the field.

9. Investigate organized crime, public corruption, financial crime, copyright infringement, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and other violations of federal or state statutes.

10. Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.

11. Obtain and use search and arrest warrants.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

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.

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.

Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

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.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Criminal Investigators and Special Agents. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Criminal Investigators and Special Agents, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$42,110 for entry level workers, and $79,770 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 10,190 Criminal Investigators and Special Agents employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 11,300  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 110 job(s) each year, and a total of 220 job openings each year.

Police and detectives - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Police and detectives - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Insurance Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators - Investigate, analyze, and determine the extent of insurance company's liability concerning personal, casualty, or property loss or damages, and attempt to effect settlement with claimants. Correspond with or interview medical specialists, agents, witnesses, or claimants to compile information. Calculate benefit payments and approve payment of claims within a certain monetary limit.

Licensing Examiners and Inspectors - Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for, conformity with, or liability under licenses or permits.

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators - Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

Fire Inspectors - Inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce state and local regulations.

Fire Investigators - Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.

Police Detectives - Conduct investigations to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases.

Immigration and Customs Inspectors - Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.

Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs - Enforce law and order in rural or unincorporated districts or serve legal processes of courts. May patrol courthouse, guard court or grand jury, or escort defendants.

Transit and Railroad Police - Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.

Private Detectives and Investigators - Detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment, or seek, examine, and compile information for client.