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Military police officer vs criminal investigator

The differences between military police officers and criminal investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a criminal investigator has an average salary of $54,520, which is higher than the $38,080 average annual salary of a military police officer.

The top three skills for a military police officer include crowd control, order operations and patrol. The most important skills for a criminal investigator are investigative reports, resourcefulness, and firearms.

Military police officer vs criminal investigator overview

Military Police OfficerCriminal Investigator
Yearly salary$38,080$54,520
Hourly rate$18.31$26.21
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs122,4875,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4044
Years of experience--

What does a military police officer do?

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.

What does a criminal investigator do?

A criminal investigator is a law enforcement professional who endeavors to solve felony crimes. Criminal investigators may work alone or as a member of an investigative team whose goal is to uncover the certainty of a case and potentially keep suspects to prevent the ensuing criminal activity. Their tasks and responsibilities depend on various job functions and specialties. They may specialize in the information and evidence of a crime scene, conduct interviews and searches, or perform surveillance.

Military police officer vs criminal investigator salary

Military police officers and criminal investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Military Police OfficerCriminal Investigator
Average salary$38,080$54,520
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $56,000Between $34,000 And $85,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-National Railroad Passenger Corporation
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between military police officer and criminal investigator education

There are a few differences between a military police officer and a criminal investigator in terms of educational background:

Military Police OfficerCriminal Investigator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Bakersfield-

Military police officer vs criminal investigator demographics

Here are the differences between military police officers' and criminal investigators' demographics:

Military Police OfficerCriminal Investigator
Average age4044
Gender ratioMale, 78.9% Female, 21.1%Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 3.3% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%9%

Differences between military police officer and criminal investigator duties and responsibilities

Military police officer example responsibilities.

  • Lead basic reconnaissance operation and report enemy movement to the platoon sergeant.
  • Manage the collection effort, supervise all-source analysis and ensure combat information and intelligence are disseminated rapidly to army units.
  • Perform law enforcement and garrison duties on military installations to include service during combat operations.
  • Investigate suspicious persons and situations along with safety hazards, unusual or illegal activity within the appointed patrol area.
  • Maintain weapons such as the M9 pistol and the M4 rifle.
  • Fulfill a range ofMP duties for both combat and peacekeeping missions.
  • Show more

Criminal investigator example responsibilities.

  • Conduct joint planning and manage AFOSI's criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations in northern Italy.
  • Close accounts and file SAR's with FinCEN as warranted.
  • Write suspicious activity reports (SAR).
  • Follow up on sub reviews and documentation require information for FinCEN reporting.
  • Coordinate and conduct firearms training.
  • Examine discovery, prepare subpoenas, and review pertinent documents.
  • Show more

Military police officer vs criminal investigator skills

Common military police officer skills
  • Crowd Control, 26%
  • Order Operations, 25%
  • Patrol, 15%
  • Public Safety, 6%
  • Emergency Calls, 4%
  • Law Enforcement Patrols, 3%
Common criminal investigator skills
  • Investigative Reports, 13%
  • Resourcefulness, 11%
  • Firearms, 11%
  • Treasury, 9%
  • Investigative Techniques, 8%
  • IRS, 6%

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