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Special investigator vs crime scene investigator

The differences between special investigators and crime scene investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a special investigator and a crime scene investigator. Additionally, a crime scene investigator has an average salary of $59,391, which is higher than the $50,623 average annual salary of a special investigator.

The top three skills for a special investigator include law enforcement agencies, background checks and child abuse. The most important skills for a crime scene investigator are physical evidence, criminal justice, and law enforcement agencies.

Special investigator vs crime scene investigator overview

Special InvestigatorCrime Scene Investigator
Yearly salary$50,623$59,391
Hourly rate$24.34$28.55
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs14,7994,621
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

What does a special investigator do?

A special investigator is responsible for gathering information and analyzing evidence to identify criminal activities and law-violating instances. Special investigators review surveillance devices, interview witnesses, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies to collect related reports. They sort and store documents securely on databases for reference, confirm statements, and assist in court procedures for in-depth investigation. A special investigator must be highly communicative and observational, especially in organizing materials and verifying information to support claims and file the appropriate legal actions.

What does a crime scene investigator do?

A crime scene investigator uses specialized equipment and processes to examine crime scenes physically and visually. Scene investigators may be given authority to gather materials and evidence to solve crimes. They assist the detectives to solve crimes as they sort details and evidence so prosecutors in case building. Their job also includes fingerprint lifting and collecting. Also, they collect and document trace DNA evidence.

Special investigator vs crime scene investigator salary

Special investigators and crime scene investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special InvestigatorCrime Scene Investigator
Average salary$50,623$59,391
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $80,000Between $30,000 And $113,000
Highest paying CityLompoc, CA-
Highest paying stateMaryland-
Best paying companyCity of Los Angeles-
Best paying industryInsurance-

Differences between special investigator and crime scene investigator education

There are a few differences between a special investigator and a crime scene investigator in terms of educational background:

Special InvestigatorCrime Scene Investigator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college--

Special investigator vs crime scene investigator demographics

Here are the differences between special investigators' and crime scene investigators' demographics:

Special InvestigatorCrime Scene Investigator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 63.5% Female, 36.5%Male, 61.0% Female, 39.0%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between special investigator and crime scene investigator duties and responsibilities

Special investigator example responsibilities.

  • Gather and analyze pertinent documentation, collect recorded statements, report fraud, and manage data in support of subsequent litigation.
  • Gather and analyze pertinent documentation, collect recorded statements, report fraud, and manage data in support of subsequent litigation.
  • Complete a DMV check to verify applicant identity.
  • Conduct in-depth financial investigations to determine patient's eligibility for Medicaid.
  • Ensure compliance of all plans and documentation by researching employment history, criminal records, civil filings, and DMV records.
  • Use specify techniques to safeguard PII including daily case document check out and bi-weekly case retention manifests.
  • Show more

Crime scene investigator example responsibilities.

  • Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
  • Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
  • Review wire transfers and apply regulatory reporting and banking requirements to ensure compliance with BSA/AML and OFAC rules and regulations.
  • Conduct OFAC alert investigation using global standard policies, procedures and tools aim at meeting internal and external regulatory requirements.
  • Serve as firstresponder for accidents and disasters, applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life- saving procedures as needed.

Special investigator vs crime scene investigator skills

Common special investigator skills
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 11%
  • Background Checks, 9%
  • Child Abuse, 7%
  • Insurance Claims, 5%
  • SIS, 5%
  • Local Law Enforcement, 4%
Common crime scene investigator skills
  • Physical Evidence, 17%
  • Criminal Justice, 10%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
  • Laboratory Analysis, 5%
  • Patrol, 5%
  • AML, 4%

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