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What does a lead investigator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted expert
John Lajoie CLI

Lead investigators are responsible for gathering information from both eyewitnesses and suspects. They have to untangle the crime scene for possible clues like DNA, fingerprints, physical evidence, and more. They document the scene by taking photos or by using Leica scanners to capture every detail of the crime scene. Also, they take evidence, processed them, preserve records, and then present the evidence to courts. Additionally, they, at times, procure supplies and items essential for an investigation like identifications apparatus. Lead investigators must know the state, federal, and local laws regarding police operations, investigative procedures as well as evidence safekeeping and demolition.

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Lead investigator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead investigator resumes:

  • Manage corporate-wide document production relative to complex litigation cases.
  • Require to testify at court appearances in response to research pertaining to various types of subpoenas.
  • Develop procedures for and review incoming referrals from internal departments and subpoenas to determine if a full investigation are warranted.
  • Ensure effective prioritization of investigation through supervision and monitor & review investigative activity and outcomes using CCTV & by running reports.
  • Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
  • Generate records by interrogatories or name, date of birth and social security number.
  • Draft complaints, discovery demands, and responses to interrogatories, and prepare exhibits for witness depositions.
  • Conduct informational interviews and submit comprehensive reports on investigations per OPM guidelines.

Lead investigator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Lead Investigators are proficient in Law Enforcement Agencies, Background Investigations, and Data Analysis. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Empathy, and Good judgment.

We break down the percentage of Lead Investigators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 9%

    Brief federal and local law enforcement agencies on ongoing NYPD investigation Monitor global events related to terrorism.

  • Background Investigations, 9%

    Conducted background investigations for purposes of employment suitability and security clearance determinations under limited supervision.

  • Data Analysis, 8%

    Conduct Investigations by way of written inquires, fundamental data analysis and the interrogation of registered representatives and potential witnesses.

  • Corrective Action, 8%

    Determined and implemented corrective/preventive actions.

  • Criminal Justice, 7%

    Led a statewide criminal justice agency, responsible for conducting detailed and complex financial investigations into unlicensed or illegal activities.

  • Loss Prevention, 7%

    Receive and report confidential details to Regional Loss Prevention Director and Area Loss Prevention Manager to assist internal investigation.

Common skills that a lead investigator uses to do their job include "law enforcement agencies," "background investigations," and "data analysis." You can find details on the most important lead investigator responsibilities below.

Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a lead investigator to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "private detectives and investigators must listen carefully and ask appropriate questions when interviewing a person of interest." Lead investigators often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "maintained regular communication with other agencies involved in investigative matters, including federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. "

Most common lead investigator skills

The three companies that hire the most lead investigators are:

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Compare different lead investigators

Lead investigator vs. Officer

An officer is responsible for managing the daily operations of the assigned area, ensuring its peace and security by monitoring and reporting unusual and suspicious activities. Officers are the ones enforcing strict safety protocols and procedures to maintain the order within the premises. They also coordinate with law enforcement agencies in conducting appropriate investigations for any violating cases. An officer must be highly-knowledgeable of the law policies, as well as possessing excellent leadership skills to manage the members under the officer's patrol.

If we compare the average lead investigator annual salary with that of an officer, we find that officers typically earn a $7,554 lower salary than lead investigators make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both lead investigator and officer positions are skilled in law enforcement agencies, bank secrecy act, and anti-money laundering.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a lead investigator are more likely to require skills like "background investigations," "data analysis," "corrective action," and "criminal justice." On the other hand, a job as an officer requires skills like "patrol," "customer service," "public safety," and "emergency situations." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

On average, officers reach similar levels of education than lead investigators. Officers are 0.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Lead investigator vs. Deputy

The duties of a deputy vary on their line of work or place of employment. In law enforcement, a deputy is primarily in charge of conducting investigations on crimes and arresting criminals, performing regular patrols on streets, responding to calls of distress, and assisting citizens in calamities, disasters, accidents, or any forms of threat. There are also instances when a deputy must serve court documents, transport detainees or suspected criminals, and monitor courtrooms. Furthermore, a deputy reports to higher-ranking officers such as a sheriff.

Deputy positions earn lower pay than lead investigator roles. They earn a $6,378 lower salary than lead investigators per year.A few skills overlap for lead investigators and deputies. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "law enforcement agencies," "court proceedings," and "anti-money laundering. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real lead investigator resumes. While lead investigator responsibilities can utilize skills like "background investigations," "data analysis," "corrective action," and "criminal justice," deputies use skills like "patrol," "public safety," "transport inmates," and "emergency situations."

Deputies earn a lower average salary than lead investigators. But deputies earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $53,877. Additionally, lead investigators earn the highest salaries in the pharmaceutical with average pay of $91,673 annually.In general, deputies achieve similar levels of education than lead investigators. They're 0.7% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for lead investigators in the next 3-5 years?

John Lajoie CLIJohn Lajoie CLI LinkedIn profile

National Director, President of Lajoie Investigations, Inc, of MA, NALI - National Association of Legal Investigators

Remote computer applications; cybersecurity; cell phone applications that do just about anything work-related and track locations; and advances in hardware and wireless applications. Any technology that will help employers and employees become faster and better communicating and selling will be significant. The biggest will be in the social media arena, as working from home creates a void for in-person social interaction. So the next best thing to many is electronic social media.

Lead investigator vs. Military police officer

A military police officer is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the areas assigned for their duly protection. Military police officers monitor their premises efficiently, inspecting suspicious individuals within the territory, and enforcing strict legislation protocols and military regulations for everyone's compliance. They locate security breaches, assist with law enforcement investigations, provide battlefield support, and coordinate with other law institutions and citizens for security enhancement. A military police officer must have extensive knowledge with state procedures and military rules, performing various duties, and maintaining peace and order.

On average scale, military police officers bring in lower salaries than lead investigators. In fact, they earn a $21,980 lower salary per year.lead investigators and military police officers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "criminal cases," "incident reports," and "domestic violence," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from lead investigator resumes include skills like "law enforcement agencies," "background investigations," "data analysis," and "corrective action," whereas a military police officer is more likely to list skills in "crowd control," "order operations," "patrol," and "public safety. "

When it comes to education, military police officers tend to earn lower degree levels compared to lead investigators. In fact, they're 5.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Lead investigator vs. Detective

A detective is responsible for conducting in-depth investigations for criminal activities, potential threats, and other law-violating incidents, coordinating closely with law-enforcement agencies and crime intelligence analysts. Detectives often work on the field, gathering data and related evidence to support claims and connect the timeline of events. They keep an organized record of their findings for further validation before reporting it to the authority. A detective must have excellent investigative and critical-thinking skills, especially on solving puzzles and security solutions.

Detectives typically earn lower pay than lead investigators. On average, detectives earn a $2,076 lower salary per year.While both lead investigators and detectives complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like law enforcement agencies, background investigations, and insurance fraud, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A lead investigator uses "data analysis," "corrective action," "criminal justice," and "loss prevention." Detectives are more likely to have duties that require skills in "patrol," "public safety," "burglary," and "arrest warrants. "In general, detectives hold similar degree levels compared to lead investigators. Detectives are 3.8% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.6% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of lead investigator

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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