Criminal Investigators and Special Agents Go Back to List Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

Tasks
	Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
	Record evidence and documents, using equipment such as cameras and photocopy machines.
	Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.
	Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
	Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.
	Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
	Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.
	Analyze evidence in laboratories or in the field.
	Investigate organized crime, public corruption, financial crime, copyright infringement, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and other violations of federal or state statutes.
	Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.

Skills
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	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.
	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.
	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Knowledge
	Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
	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.
	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.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	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.
	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.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	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.
	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.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related Experience:   Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $100,361.00 $48.25  $36.61  $40.61 - $48.87  Bridgeport/Stamford $101,667.00 $48.87  $41.83  $46.27 - $47.77  Hartford $94,968.00 $45.65  $34.83  $37.36 - $48.26  New Haven $118,035.00 $56.74  $39.09  $42.85 - $75.79  New London/Norwich $99,619.00 $47.89  $36.50  $39.79 - $51.35

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   67   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer somewhat limited job opportunities.

Related Occupations
	Airfield Operations Specialists
	Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs
	First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
	Fire Inspectors
	Fire Investigators
	Correctional Officers and Jailers
	Police Detectives
	Police Patrol Officers
	Social and Human Service Assistants

	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.