Question 1

Can you become a criminal investigator without being a cop?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a criminal investigator without being a cop. Doing so means working in the private sector instead of being hired by a department.

If you want to pursue a career as a criminal investigator without going through the police academy and working as an officer first, then your only option is to become a private investigator (PI).

Question 2

How to become a criminal investigator without a degree

Accepted Answer

You will need to graduate from a police academy and then gain experience in order to become a criminal investigator without a degree.

Police academies generally require a GED or high school diploma to begin training. There are not any formal degree requirements after that, but police academies do have difficult qualifications, such as physical testing, that may require preparation to pass.

After graduating from the academy, prospective criminal investigators will begin their careers as police officers. As it is not an entry-level career, it is important to gain experience beforehand. Generally, it will take at least two years to begin moving up until you can transition to the role of investigating significant and major crimes.

Police academy acceptance and the promotion to becoming a criminal investigator can both be competitive, and in some cases having a degree could be beneficial. However, it is also possible to stand out from the competition through your own dedication.

There may be certifications in your state that can help you to stand out. Working hard is essential, but it gives you that extra boost.

Question 3

What are careers in criminal investigation?

Accepted Answer

Detectives, forensic psychologists, and private investigators are careers in criminal investigation. Criminal investigation lends itself to many different careers with many different educational requirements, so there are many different paths to take depending on personal interests and skill sets.

Question 4

What is the difference between a detective and a criminal investigator?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a detective and a criminal investigator is that detectives work on cases involving homicides and felonies, while criminal investigators work on a range of criminal and civil cases, such as fraud and missing persons.

Question 5

What is the highest salary for a criminal investigator?

Accepted Answer

The highest salary for a criminal investigator is over $100,000 a year. Factors such as the company you work for and the City impact whether or not you'll be able to make six figures as a criminal investigator

Question 6

How do I become a criminal investigator in NYC?

Accepted Answer

Becoming a criminal investigator in NYC will depend on the crime scene investigator position. A certificate, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or graduate degree may be required in some cases.

Question 7

Is it hard to find a job as a criminal investigator?

Accepted Answer

No, it's not hard to find a job as a criminal investigator. It depends on the type of criminal investigator you want to become, your educational and work experience, and your location.

Some criminal investigators, known as private investigators, work for their own clients rather than law enforcement agencies.

Frequently asked questions about criminal investigators

Questions about becoming a criminal investigator