If you want to work in this field, you can choose to be a private investigator, police detective, crime scene investigator or even an FBI agent.

However, no matter what you choose, first you will want to find out what they do, how much they earn and what their job outlook for 2013 will be.

Criminal Investigator Duties

The responsibilities of criminal investigators vary broadly depending upon the sector that you may choose to work within. However, the primary goal of most investigators is to locate and collect evidence so that they can solve crimes. This involves collecting physical evidence at crime scenes as well as obtaining verbal accounts of the crime from witnesses.

In addition to collecting evidence, many criminal investigators are also responsible for testifying in court pertaining to any cases they may have worked on. They may conduct interviews with victims, suspects and key witnesses as well. Other duties that criminal investigators may be responsible for include conducting surveillance, clerical tasks, laboratory work, conducting background checks and conducting research.

Criminal Investigator Requirements

No matter what sector you may choose to work within, you will need to earn a minimum of an associate degree in criminal justice. However, it is essential to note that a bachelor or master degree will significantly broaden your employment opportunities. Additionally, you will need a high school diploma or an equivalent to be eligible for entry into a higher education facility.

You will also need to obtain firearms training and a firearms license/permit before you can begin working in the criminal investigation field. Some other requirements you will need to meet include CPR certification, a current driver’s licence, a motor vehicle record check, a credit check and a criminal background check. You may also need to submit to a physical and a drug test.

If you wish to become a private investigator or private detective, most states will require you to apply for a professional license. You can find out if your state has licensing requirements by visiting the Investigator Resources website. If you want to begin your own business, you may need a business license as well. Your local courthouse can help you determine if you will need a business license in your city.

Criminal Investigator Salary

The average salaries for criminal investigators vary significantly depending upon the sector that you choose to work within. However, the overall national average salary for all criminal investigation careers is about $52,000 per year. Some sectors, such as surveillance investigators, police investigators/detectives and private investigators average a bit less at about $32,000 to $38,000 per year.

There are some sectors that pay more than the average including private detectives and fraud investigators, which pay averages of $56,000 and $73,000 per year, respectively. The highest paying sectors are supervisory positions and laboratory positions, which often pay anywhere between $108,000 to as much as $284,000 per year. These figures are as of October, 2012 and were reported by Indeed.com

Job Outlook for Private Investigators and Private Detectives

The Labor Statistics Bureau expects that private detective and investigator careers will increase just over 20 percent for the next eight years. This is seven percent higher than the average for all other jobs today.

Job Outlook for Crime Scene Investigators

While the Labor Statistics Bureau does not keep separate statistics for crime scene investigators, these careers typically fall under the same job descriptions as forensic team members. However, some are similar to criminal investigators. Thus, it can be safe to say that the expected job growth for CSIs will be similar to these two groups, which are expected to increase by about 17 to 20 percent until 2018.

Job Outlook for Forensic Team Members

According to the Labor Statistics Bureau, the demand for forensic team members is expected to increase by about 19 percent until the year 2020. This is five percent higher than the average for all professions today.

Reasons for Increased Demand

The reason for this increased demand is due primarily to an increase in crime all across the nation. With increased crime comes a need for more trained investigators.

Another factor that has encouraged criminal investigation careers to grow is cyber crime. With so many technological advances today, cyber crimes such as identity theft have increased dramatically.

Other factors that have influenced the demand for investigators include internet spamming, internet scams, insurance fraud and other financial fraud. Since most employers require background checks, this has helped increase the need for investigators as well. Technological advances have also increased the need for forensics team members to provide evidence in a timely manner for criminal proceedings.

As you can see, criminal investigation careers offer many terrific benefits. Not only do they pay quite well, but the need for these professionals is expected to grow by 17 to 20 percent for the next several years. Thus, if you are looking for a rewarding and satisfying job, look no further than criminal investigation.

If you want to become a criminal investigator in Nebraska, you can work as a detective for the police force, member of a forensics team, private investigator, crime scene investigator or even a FBI agent.

However, you must meet several requirements as described below before you can begin your new career.

Essential Personal Skills

Your main goal as a criminal investigator will be to look for evidence that will help you solve crimes. This can be in the form of both physical evidence or verbal accounts from witnesses. As such, you will need to have a keen eye for small details, and you should be able to communicate with a variety of people.

Crime scenes can be very unpredictable and even extremely dangerous at times. Tables can turn rather quickly, and while a situation may seem quite calm one minute, it can become very dangerous the next. With that said, you need to be the type of person who is not afraid to face danger or the unexpected.

Educational Requirements

For you to obtain employment in most any criminal investigation career in Nebraska, you should have at least an associate degree in criminal justice. However, if you want to increase your employment opportunities, you may choose to work towards a bachelor degree.

Before you will be able to enroll in any criminal justice program though, you will need to possess a high school diploma. If you did not finish high school, a GED or other equivalent is acceptable as well. Finally, at the time that you apply to a college, you will need to take various college placement tests in key basic education subjects.

Nebraska Schools for Criminal Investigation

Nebraska is a terrific place to earn your criminal justice degree. There are several top-quality schools in the state that offer these programs. Additionally, many of these schools offer both associate and bachelor degrees in the field. A few of these schools are listed below.

• Central Community College – Columbus
• Western Nebraska Community College – Scottsbluff
• Southeast Community College – Lincoln
• ITT Technical Institute – Omaha
• University of Phoenix – Omaha
• College of Saint Mary – Omaha
• Midland Lutheran College – Fremont
• Wayne State College – Wayne
• Nebraska Westleyan University – Lincoln
• Peru State College – Peru

The Basic Education Curriculum

A small part of your criminal justice program will consist of various basic education classes and labs. The actual courses that you will need to complete will depend on the scores you receive on your placement tests. However, the following curriculum is a good example of what you will need to complete.

• English Composition
• Writing and Research
• Public Speaking
• Oral Communication
• College Mathematics
• Natural Science with Lab
• Fine Arts or Humanities
• Social and Behavioral Science
• Computer Science
• Physical Fitness

The Criminal Justice Curriculum

The majority of your criminal justice program will consist of an intense curriculum of occupational-related courses and clinics. This curriculum may vary as well depending upon your area of study and the educational institution you choose to attend. Nevertheless, there are many courses that are common to these programs, and they are as follows.

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Courts and the Judicial Process
• Introduction to Forensic Science
• Criminal Law
• Juvenile Justice
• Criminology
• CPR Certification Training
• Criminal Investigations
• Firearms Training
• Rules of Evidence
• Ethics in Criminal Justice

Do You Need a Professional License?

If you wish to become a private investigator or detective in Nebraska, you will need to apply for a professional’s license. You can apply for your license from Nebraska’s Secretary of State. However, be sure that you meet the following requirements prior to submitting your application.

• Licensing Application
• Criminal Background Check
• Licensing Examination
• Appropriate Licensing Fee
• Fingerprint Card
• Two Recent Passport Size Photos
• 3,000 Hours Experience or College Degree
• $10,000 Surety Bond

Do You Need a Business License?

If you wish to start your own investigation agency in Nebraska, you will need to apply for a business license as well. You can do this through the Secretary of State as well. The requirements for obtaining a business license are much the same as for a professional license.

Nebraska’s Concealed Handgun Permit

Most any criminal investigation position that you choose will require you to carry a handgun. As such, you will need to obtain firearms training and a Nebraska concealed handgun permit. You can apply for your permit from the Nebraska State Patrol. However, you must meet the following requirements before you will be approved for a permit.

• Completed Application
• Criminal Background Check
• No Prior History of Mental Illness
• U.S. Citizen
• Nebraska Citizen for at Least Six Months
• 21 Years of Age or Older
• Completion of Firearms Training
• Notarized Signature
• Recent Photo
• Fingerprints
• $100 Permit Fee
• Eye Exam
• Current Driver’s License or ID

Firearms Training in Nebraska

In many cases, you may be able to acquire firearms training from the college or university that you attend. However, some of these schools do not offer this training. If you need firearms training, the following schools in Nebraska offer NRA courses that will help you obtain your license.

• Nebraska CCW Training
• Midwest Firearms Training
• 88 Tactical
• HAT Firearms
• Gun-Safe Academy
• Archangel Firearms Training
• Professional Firearms Training
• National Safety Council of Nebraska

Miscellaneous Requirements

Depending upon the field of criminal investigation that you choose to work within and the company that hires you, you may need to meet various other requirements. Although these requirements can vary, the following criteria is common to many employers in the work force today.

• Valid Nebraska Driver’s License
• Motor Vehicle Record Check
• Physical Exam
• Credit Check
• Polygraph
• Drug Test
• CPR Certification

CI Careers in Nebraska

Careers in criminal investigation are in high demand all across the U.S., and Nebraska is no exception. Furthermore, they offer terrific starting salaries as well. Additionally, most positions only require a couple of years of training to acquire a position. With all of these great benefits, anyone can see that a career in criminal investigation can be a perfect choice today!

Every day of the year, these professionals work around the clock to help keep the state’s citizens safe.

The role of an investigator can be quite exciting but it can be very dangerous as well.

As such, if you want to become a CI, you will need to know what is required first.

Are You Cut Out for the Job?

Careers in criminal investigation are some of the most unpredictable and dangerous jobs today. With that said, when you arrive on at a crime scene, you must be prepared for danger at any given moment. It is also best if you love people and have good communication skills as you will be speaking with a variety of people every day.

Many of the people you talk to will be very upset, and some of them may even be quite angry. Thus, you will need to know how to calm people down and get them to talk with you. Most of the time while you are working, you will be searching for any clues that will help solve cases. For you to find these clues, you will need a keen eye and excellent observational skills.

Your College Education

There are many branches of criminal investigation you may choose to work within. Some of these branches include crime scene investigators, private investigators, FBI agents, forensics and detectives. Since criminal investigation involves many different branches, there are no programs that are unique to each of these careers.

However, by working towards a degree in criminal justice and focusing on such areas as forensics or investigations, you can obtain most any criminal investigation position you wish. When choosing a degree to work towards, keep in mind that most employers prefer to hire those applicants who present the most experience and/or education.

Criminal Justice Schools in Montana

It is essential to note that you will need a high school diploma or GED before you will be able to attend a criminal justice program in Montana. Presently, there are only four traditional schools in the state that offer these programs. However, there are some fine online schools you can choose among as well. All of these schools are listed here.

• Dawson Community College – Glendive
• Flathead Valley Community College – Kalispell
• Capella University – Minneapolis
• Walden University – Minneapolis
• Tiffin University – Online
• Rasmussen College – Online
• Everest University – Online
• Monmouth University – Online

General Education Classes

A portion of your criminal justice program consists of various general education classes. The exact classes you will need to take will be determined by the scores you receive on your placement tests. However, the following general education curriculum is an excellent example.

• Communications
• College Writing
• American Government
• Public Speaking
• Introduction to Psychology
• Humanities or Fine Arts
• Social and Behavioral Science
• Natural Science with Lab
• College Mathematics
• Computer Applications
• Introduction to Sociology

Criminal Justice Classes

The majority of your criminal justice program will consist of various career-specific classes. These courses often vary as well depending upon the college or university you attend. However, there are many classes that are typical of most criminal justice programs, and they are listed here.

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Criminal Law
• Criminal Evidence and Procedures
• Criminal Justice Ethics
• Introduction to Criminology
• Deviant Behavior
• Handgun Marksmanship
• CPR Certification Training
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Forensic Science
• Crime Scene Investigations
• Courtroom Procedures and Processes

Montana’s Professional Licensing Requirements

If you want to begin a career as a private investigator in Montana, you will need to apply for a professional license. You can apply for an original or renewal license from the Montana Board of Private Security. However, you will want to be sure that you meet the following criteria first.

• A Completed Licensing Application
• $250 Licensing Fee
• High School Diploma or an Equivalent
• Three Years of Experience or College Degree
• $20 Licensing Exam Fee
• Liability Insurance Coverage
• 21 Years Old or Older
• U.S. Citizen
• Criminal Background Check/Fingerprints
• $27.25 Background Check/Fingerprint Fee
• Current Passport-Size Photo
• Driver’s License or Birth Certificate
• Three Character References
• Current Firearms Certification

Obtaining a Business License

Montana does not require all businesses to possess general business licenses so long as they have a professional license. However, if you plan on hiring employees, you will need to have a federal tax identification number. You will also need a state withholding tax ID number and an unemployment tax ID number. Montana’s Department of Commerce can help you determine what you need for your business.

Firearms Training Schools

Just as with any other law enforcement careers, criminal investigators must carry firearms. However, you will need to obtain the proper training from an NRA approved firearms school first. In some cases, you may have received this training while in college. However, if you did not, the following institutions offer excellent training in Montana.

• Montana Tactical
• Montana Armory Training
• Fish Creek Ventures
• Mountain Self Defense

Montana’s Concealed Carry Permit

For you to carry a handgun in Montana, you must have a concealed carry permit. These permits are issued through the Montana Department of Justice. Before you will be approved for a permit though, you will need to meet the requirements outlined below.

• U.S. Citizen
• Completed Permit Application
• Background Check and Fingerprints
• $5 Fingerprint Fee
• $50 Permit Fee
• 18 Years Old or Older
• Resident of Montana for at Least Six Months
• Current Montana Driver’s License or Personal ID
• Completion of Firearms Training Course

Pre-Employment Requirements

Depending upon the employer you choose to work for, you may need to meet various other requirements as well. While this criteria may vary, some common requirements include credit checks, motor vehicle record checks, drug tests, polygraphs, physicals and CPR certifications.

Criminal investigator careers in Montana offer exciting and satisfying jobs to people who love mystery and helping others. Not only that, but they offer excellent salaries as well. If solving crimes and serving your community appeals to you, there is a criminal investigation career waiting for you!

Every day of the year, these trained professionals work to solve crimes and take criminals out of society.

If serving your community sounds like something you would like to do, the following information can help you secure a criminal investigation position.

Do You Have What it Takes?

While criminal investigation careers can be quite exciting, they are not for everyone. These careers can often be very unpredictable and even dangerous. Thus, if you want to work in this field, you must be an assertive person who is not afraid of facing danger head on.

You will also need to know how to talk with people and deal with those who are upset or angry, as is often the case with individuals at crime scenes. In many cases, there may be children present who will be extremely frightened. It will help if you are good with kids.

Finally, the main tasks of investigators are to locate evidence and solve criminal cases. With that said, you must be an observant person who does not miss even the smallest of details. Additionally, patience and persistence will be valuable to you as criminal cases can often take a very long time to solve.

The Degree in Criminal Justice

The field of criminal investigation offers many different sectors that you can choose to work within. Some of the most popular sectors today include CSI agents, private investigators, forensic teams, FBI agents and detectives. With so many sectors available, there are not any programs that are specifically designed for each one.

However, you must always keep in mind that employers usually choose to hire applicants who have college degrees and/or experience. Thus, you should enroll in a college or university and work towards a degree. An associate or bachelor degree in criminal justice is the most favored route to take for any of these careers.

Criminal Investigator Schools in Missouri

If you wish to obtain your criminal investigator training in Missouri, you will have many excellent schools to choose among. All of the following schools in the state offer criminal justice programs, and some of them offer both associate and bachelor degree programs.

• Columbia College – Columbia
• East Central College – Union
• Hannibal University – Hannibal
• Jefferson College – Hillsboro
• North Central Missouri College – Trenton
• Central Methodist University – Fayette
• College of the Ozarks – Point Lookout
• Crowder College – Neosho
• Three Rivers College – Poplar Bluff
• Hickey College – Saint Louis

Basic Education Courses

Two of the most basic requirements you must meet to be accepted into a college or university include possession of a high school diploma or GED and completion of a series of placement tests. Your placement tests will help determine which basic education courses are appropriate for you. While these classes can vary, some typical ones are listed below.

• English Composition
• Introduction to Computer Information Systems
• Fine Arts or Humanities
• General Psychology
• General Sociology
• Oral Communications
• U.S. Government
• Physical Education
• Physical Science and Lab
• College Mathematics

Criminal Justice Courses

The criminal justice program consists of an array of occupational-related courses. Just as with the basic education classes, these courses may vary as well depending upon your area of study and school. However, there are several classes that are typical of criminal justice programs in Missouri, and they are listed here.

• Firearms Training
• CPR Training
• Introduction to Criminal Justice Administration
• Ethics in Criminal Justice
• Criminal Law
• Laws of Criminal Evidence
• Drug Abuse and Crime Control
• Criminal Procedures
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Constitutional Law
• Research Methods

Missouri’s Licensing Requirements

At the present time, Missouri does not require any professional licensing for people who wish to work within the field of criminal investigation. However, if you choose to launch your own investigation agency, you must apply for a business license. The requirements for these licenses vary by city; however, the Missouri Business Portal will help you find out what you need for your unique business.

Firearms Training Schools in Missouri

If the educational facility you attended did not provide firearms training, do not fret. There are several exceptional firearms training schools in Missouri. All of the following schools are NRA approved and will provide you with the training you need for a criminal investigator career.

• Armed Missouri/Firearms Training Service
• Ultimate Defense Training Center
• Canovi and Associates
• APT Firearms Academy
• Missouri Firearms Training Center
• Southwest Missouri Firearms Training
• Maximum Life Expectancy

Missouri’s Firearm Carry Permit

Upon completion of an approved firearms training course, you must then apply for a firearm carry permit. You can find all of the information you need about permits on the Missouri Carry Center website. However, before you will be approved for a permit, the following requirements must be met.

• At Least 21 Years of Age
• Completed Application
• $100 Permit Fee
• Completion of Firearms Training
• Picture ID
• Fingerprints
• Vision and Sign Recognition Test

Pre-Employment Requirements

Depending upon the employer you choose to apply to and the sector you want to work within, you may need to meet various other requirements as well. While these requirements often vary, some common criteria is listed below.

• Drug Test
• Credit Check
• Current Missouri Driver’s License
• Motor Vehicle Record Check
• Polygraph Tests
• Current CPR Certification
• Physical Examination

CI Careers in Missouri

Criminal investigator careers in Missouri are extremely popular today due mainly to the fact that they offer much in the way of satisfaction and job stability. If serving your city and taking criminals off the streets sounds appealing to you, a criminal investigator career will be a perfect choice.

There are many branches of criminal investigation for you to choose from including CSI agents, private investigators, FBI agents and forensics.

Nevertheless, no matter what branch you choose, you must meet the following criteria first.

Basic Skills Required

If you want to begin a career as a criminal investigator in Mississippi, you must not mind hard work and long hours. Criminal investigation can be very exciting, but it requires a lot of research and foot work as well. Many positions also require you to be available around the clock including weekends and holidays.

These jobs involve spending time with a broad range of people. With that said, you will benefit if you have good communication skills. You must also be the type of person who is not afraid of facing danger as many crime scenes can be quite dangerous, indeed. Finally, since you will be spending a lot of time searching for evidence you must have a keen eye, be observant and have excellent organizational skills.

General Education Requirements

To be eligible for entry into a college or university in Mississippi, you need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. If you have one of these, you can apply to the college of your choice. However, as part of the application process, you will need to take a variety of placement exams first.

Typically, you will be tested in such areas as English, mathematics and science. The scores you receive on these tests will help determine what general education courses would be suitable for you. While these classes vary from one student to another, the following courses are common to most first-year curriculums.

• English Composition
• College Algebra
• Natural Science and Lab
• American National Government
• Fine Arts or Humanities
• General Psychology
• Social and Behavioral Science
• Public Speaking
• Occupational Spanish

The Criminal Justice Program

For you to begin a career in any branch of criminal investigation, the best educational path to take is to earn an associate or bachelor degree in criminal justice. Criminal justice programs may vary depending upon your area of study; however, the following classes are quite common to these programs.

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Juvenile Justice
• Criminal Investigations
• Criminal Law
• Evidence
• Criminology
• Firearms Training
• Deviant Behavior
• CPR Certification
• Court Procedures and Processes
• Law Enforcement Systems and Practices

Mississippi Schools for Criminal Investigators

There are many fantastic schools in Mississippi that offer criminal justice programs. Many of them offer both associate and bachelor degrees as well. With so many excellent schools in the state, you should be able to find an institution to suit your educational needs. Some of these schools are listed here.

• Holmes Community College – Goodman
• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – Perkinston
• Northwest Mississippi Community College – Senatobia
• Mississippi State University – Mississippi State
• Mississippi Valley State University – Ittla Bena
• Alcorn State University – Alcorn State
• University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg
• Jones County Community College – Ellisville
• Delta State University – Cleveland
• Mississippi College – Clinton

Licensing Requirements

Mississippi is one of the few states in the country that does not require any professional licensing for criminal investigation careers. However, you will need to apply for a business license if you want to start your own investigation agency. Although the requirements for licensing will vary by city, you can find out what licenses and permits you need by visiting the Business Licenses website.

Firearms Training Centers

As a criminal investigator, you will need to carry a firearm for your own protection. However, you will need to obtain the proper training first. Many criminal justice programs include this training; however, some do not. If you need firearms training, there are many fine facilities as follows that can help.

• Elite Arms Training
• Cliff Cargill
• Mid-South Institute
• You Can Carry
• Total Control Training Institute

Obtaining a Firearms Permit

After completing your firearms training, you will then need to apply for a firearms permit. You can do this through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You will need to fulfill all of the following requirements first though.

• Firearms Training
• Completed Application
• $100 Permit Fee
• Criminal Background Check/Fingerprints
• $32 Fingerprint and Background Check Fee
• Notarized Signature
• Two Forms of Identification
• Recent Head Shot Photo
• U.S. Citizen or Legal Alien
• No History of Mental Instability

Employer’s Requirements

Just as with any other employers in Mississippi, the employment requirements for positions in the criminal investigation field may vary depending upon the company or organization. However, there are some requirements that are common to all law enforcement positions, and they are as follow.

• Mississippi Driver’s License
• Motor Vehicle Record’s Check
• CPR Certification
• Polygraph Test
• Physical
• Credit Check
• Criminal Background Check/Fingerprints

CI Careers in Mississippi

If a career full of excitement and mystery sounds fun to you, a criminal investigator career may be perfect for you. There are many requirements you will need to fulfill; however, when you are finished, all of your hard work will be well worth it.

Additionally, if you want to work in this field, you will need to be available around the clock, even on weekends and holidays.

If you are up for the challenges of a criminal investigation position, the following information can help you start your career.

Innate Skills Required

If you want to become a successful criminal investigator in Minnesota, you must love intrigue and have a strong interest in legal processes. You should also possess a desire to protect the people in your community and get criminals off of the streets. Communication skills will benefit you as well since you will be dealing with many different people daily.

All crime scenes are different, and some of them can be very dangerous. With that said, you must be prepared at all times for the unexpected. It can take several months or even years to solve criminal cases; thus, patience and persistence will benefit you as well. Finally, you need to have a keen eye for you to be able to spot minute pieces of evidence.

Choosing a Degree

There are many different branches of criminal investigation. If you choose to work in this field, you may work as a crime scene investigator, private investigator, detective, FBI agent, homeland security agent or forensics team member. Since there are so many branches of the field, there are no specific educational programs designed for it.

However, just as with most other careers in life, aspiring criminal investigators who have the most training or experience are typically the ones who are hired first. With that said, if you want to work in the field, you should earn a college degree. The most acceptable degrees for criminal investigators include associate or bachelor degrees in criminal justice.

Basic Education Classes Required

Before you can enroll in a criminal justice program, you must possess a high-school diploma. If you do not have a diploma, a GED will be sufficient. You will also need to complete several placement tests which will help place you in the appropriate basic education classes. While these classes can vary, the following courses are quite typical.

• Interpersonal Communications
• Critical Thinking
• Natural Science with Lab
• Social and Behavioral Science
• Humanities or Fine Arts
• College Writing
• Introduction to Sociology
• General Psychology
• Fitness and Conditioning
• College Math
• Computer Science

Career-Related Courses Required

You will also need to complete several career-related courses to earn a criminal justice degree. These classes may differ as well depending upon the educational facility you attend and what branch of investigation you choose to focus on. However, some courses that you will typically need to complete are listed below.

• Criminal Justice and Society
• Criminal Law
• Criminology and Delinquency
• Criminal Investigation
• Criminal Procedure and Evidence
• Report Writing
• Firearms Training
• Ethics in Criminal Justice
• CPR Certification Training
• Constitutional Law
• Court Processes

Criminal Investigator Schools in Minnesota

Minnesota is a great place to train for a criminal investigation career. There are literally dozens of top-quality schools in the state that offer the criminal justice program. Since there are so many schools available in Minnesota, only some of the most popular are listed below.

• Bemedji State University – Bemedji
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College – Moorhead
• Rochester Community and Technical College – Rochester
• Northland Community and Technical College – Thief River Falls
• Normandale Community College – Bloomington
• Vermillion Community College – Ely
• Alexandria Technical College – Alexandria
• Anoka Technical College – Anoka
• Riverland Community College – Austin
• Central Lakes College – Brainerd

Professional Licensing Requirements

Some branches of criminal investigation in Minnesota require you to have a professional license. This is typically true for such branches as private investigators and private detectives. If you would like to work in either of these fields, you can apply for your license from the Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services. However, you must meet the following criteria.

• 18 Years of Age or Older
• Criminal Background Check/Fingerprints
• Surety Bond
• Liability Insurance
• Training in a Related Field or 6,000 Hours of Experience
• Completed Licensing Application
• Licensing Fee (Amount is Determined by Size of Business)

Business Licenses

Minnesota is one of the few states in the U.S. that does not require private investigator or detective agencies to have a business license. However, as stated above, you will need to obtain a professional license. You can find all the information you need on the Board’s website.

Firearms Training Centers in Minnesota

Just as with other law enforcement positions, if you wish to work as a criminal investigator, you must carry a firearm. You may have received firearms training from your college or university. If you did not though, you can get the training you need from any of the facilities listed below.

• Minnesota Firearms Training Center
• Mindsight Firearms Training
• Central Minnesota Firearms Training Center
• Blue Line Defense
• SDI Training Center
• Firearm Training and Safety Classes
• Sand Creek Firearm Training Center

Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit Requirements

Upon completion of a firearms training course, you can then apply for a Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit. You can do this through your local sheriff’s office. However, you can also find an application and all the information you need pertaining to these permits on the USA Carry website. The requirements you must meet to apply are as follows.

• Firearms Training
• Completed Application and Permit Fee
• At Least 21 Years of Age
• Criminal Background Check
• Fingerprints
• Current Driver’s License or Personal ID

Miscellaneous Requirements

Many employers have various employment requirements that you will need to meet before you will be hired. These requirements may vary slightly from one employer to another, but there are some that are commonly enforced. These common requirements are listed below.

• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License
• Motor Vehicle Record Check
• CPR Certification
• Credit Check
• Polygraph Test
• Physical
• Criminal Background Check/Fingerprints

CI Careers in Minnesota

Criminal investigation is a satisfying career that offers many rewards and an excellent salary. When you choose to work in this field, be prepared for a life full of excitement and intrigue. Simply meet the requirements listed herein, and you will be well on the road to your new career.

If you live in Michigan and want to become a criminal investigator, you can choose to work as a private investigator, crime scene investigator, police detective or a FBI agent.

However, before you can launch your new career, you will need to meet several requirements as listed below.

Personal Skills Required

The main tasks of criminal investigators are to locate evidence and find the culprits of crimes. You will need to be very observant for you to locate evidence, taking note of even the smallest of details. Much of the evidence you will collect will be in the form of eyewitness statements. Thus, you will also need to know how to deal with and talk to a variety of people.

When you arrive at a crime scene, you never know what you will be walking into and what may happen while you are there. All crime scenes are unique, and some of them can be extremely dangerous. Some of the people at these scenes will be extremely upset, and some will be very angry. You must be prepared to handle whatever may come your way.

Training Requirements

For you to begin a criminal investigation career in Michigan, you need to have a criminal justice degree. While an associate degree is sufficient for many branches of criminal investigation, a bachelor degree will open up many more employment opportunities to you.

You must have a high school diploma before you can apply to a college or university in Michigan. If you do not have a diploma, a GED is acceptable as well. You will also be required to take placement tests in various general education areas such as math, English and science.

Michigan Schools for Criminal Investigators

Michigan is a great place to train for a career in the criminal investigation field. There are dozens of schools in the state that offer criminal justice programs. Some of these institutions offer associate degrees, and some of them offer bachelor degrees as well. A few of these schools are listed here.

• Michigan State University – East Lansing
• Washtenaw Community College – Ann Arbor
• Oakland Community College – Bloomfield Hills
• Macomb Community College – Warren
• University of Michigan – Dearborn
• University of Detroit – Detroit
• Schoolcraft College – Garden City
• Saint Claire County Community College – Port Huron
• Alpena Community College – Alpena

Basic Education Curriculum

Part of the criminal justice program consists of several basic education courses. The exact basic education courses that you will need to register for will vary depending upon your placement test scores. However, the following basic education curriculum is a good example of what to expect.

• Biochemistry with Lab
• Communications for Public Service
• Computer Science
• Modern Social Problems
• Sociology of Human Behavior
• Introductory Psychology
• Fine Arts or Humanities
• English Composition
• College Math
• Politics
• CPR Certification

Criminal Justice Curriculum

In addition to the basic education curriculum, you will need to complete an intensive criminal justice curriculum as well. The classes within this curriculum may also vary depending upon the school you attend. Nevertheless, the following classes are typical of a criminal justice curriculum.

• Forensic Science
• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Criminal Investigation and Lab Techniques
• Interviewing and Report Writing
• Evidence and Criminal Procedures
• Criminal Law
• CPR Certification Training
• Firearms Training
• Delinquency Prevention and Control
• Court Procedures
• Crime Scene Photography

Obtaining a Professional License

If you choose to become a private investigator in Michigan, you must obtain a professional license. You can find licensing information on the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website. You must meet the requirements listed below to obtain your license.

• U.S. Citizen
• 25 Years Old or Older
• Criminal Background Check
• Fingerprints
• At Least Three Years of Experience in a Related Field or Bachelor Degree
• Surety Bond/Insurance
• Completed Application
• Licensing Fee

Do You Need a Business License?

Michigan is one of the few states that does not require private investigation agencies to have a business license. They must however, have a professional license as described above. For further information, contact the Department of Licensing or visit their website.

Michigan’s Concealed Pistol License

Most all criminal investigation positions will require you to carry a pistol. With that said, you will need to enroll in a firearms training course and apply for a concealed pistol license. You can apply for your license from the Michigan State Police. Be sure to fulfill the following criteria before you apply.

• At Least 21 Years of Age
• U.S. Citizen or Legal Alien
• Completed Application and Fee
• Completion of Firearm Training
• Michigan Resident for at Least Six Months
• No History of Mental Instability
• Criminal Background Check

Firearms Training

Many higher education institutions offer firearms training courses; however, some do not. If your school did not offer this course, you can obtain your training at one of the excellent NRA approved firearms training centers listed below.

• Michigan Defensive Firearms Institute
• Urban Tactical Defense Center
• Wayne County Firearms Training
• RJG Firearms Training Academy
• Triad Tactical Training Center
• Silver Bullet Firearms Training Center
• Sports Layne Firearms Training

Miscellaneous Requirements

Depending upon the position you choose to work within and the employer that hires you, you may need to fulfill various other requirements as well. While these requirements may vary, the following criteria is quite common to most employers.

• Valid Michigan Driver’s License
• Motor Vehicle Record Check
• Physical Examination
• Credit Check
• Polygraph Test
• Drug Screening
• Current CPR Certification

Investigator Careers in Michigan

Criminal investigation careers are in high demand in Michigan, and they offer excellent starting salaries as well. Additionally, for many positions, you can begin working after simply earning an associate degree. If this all sounds fantastic to you, a career in criminal investigation is perfect for you!

Additionally, there are many branches of investigation that you can choose to work within.

Some of the most popular branches today include crime scene investigation, forensics and private investigators.

However, before you can launch a career in investigation, you need to meet the requirements listed below.

Necessary Personal Skills

Crime scenes can be extremely dangerous at times, and you will never know what you may be walking into until you arrive. With that said, you need to be the type of person that is prepared for the unexpected and can handle difficult situations and people. Many of the people you will need to deal with will be very upset, anxious or angry.

You must also have a keen eye and be able to notice even the smallest of details while investigating crime scenes. This is essential to collect evidence that is necessary to solve crimes. Other personal skills that can benefit you in an investigation career include persistence, assertiveness and organizational skills.

The Criminal Justice Degree

Since there are so many different branches of criminal investigation, there are not any guidelines designed specifically for any of these careers. However, just as with any other career, employers prefer to hire those applicants who possess the most experience and/or education. As such, it is best if you enroll in a college or university.

The best educational path for you to take if you want to work in criminal investigation is to enroll in a criminal justice program. While an associate degree is sufficient to begin working in most criminal investigation careers, a bachelor degree will significantly increase your employment opportunities.

General Education Requirements

For you to begin your college career, you must have a high school diploma or an equivalent. You will also need to take a series of placement tests. These tests are designed to ensure that you are placed in the proper general education classes. Although these classes may vary, the following courses are typical to most general education curriculums.

• Computer and Information Literacy
• U.S. Government
• Public Speaking
• Introduction to Sociology
• General Psychology
• English Composition
• College Algebra
• Humanities
• Introduction to Biology with Lab
• Contemporary Social Problems

Criminal Justice Requirements

Your criminal justice curriculum will contain a multitude of occupational-related courses as well. While these classes may differ slightly depending upon the educational institution you choose, the following courses are common to most criminal justice programs.

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Criminal Law
• Firearms Training
• Ethics in Criminal Justice
• Victims’ Rights
• Criminal Court Process
• Introduction to Criminology
• Constitutional Law
• The Criminal Mind
• Juvenile Justice
• CPR Certification Training
• Criminal Investigations

Criminal Investigator Schools in Massachusetts

If you wish to train for a criminal investigation career in Massachusetts, you are in luck! There is a vast array of excellent educational facilities in the state that offer the criminal justice program. Some of the best of these schools are listed below.

• Bay State College – Boston
• Roxbury Community College – Roxbury
• Quincy College – Quincy
• North Shore Community College – Danvers
• Middlesex Community College – Middletown
• Ana Maria College – Paxton
• Suffolk University – Boston
• Bay Path College – Longmeadow
• Fisher College – Boston
• Cape Cod Community College – Hyannis

The Private Detective License

If you choose to begin a private detective career, you will need to apply for a professional license from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. You must fulfill the following criteria to receive your license.

• Completed Licensing Application
• Application Fee
• Criminal Background Check
• Three Character References
• At Least Three Years Experience in Law Enforcement

Obtaining a Business License

If you wish to begin an investigation business in Massachusetts, you must apply for a business license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. You will find all of the information you need pertaining to licenses and permits on the Commonwealth’s website. The requirements you will need to meet and the fees you will need to pay may vary depending upon your business and its location.

Firearms Training Centers

Firearms training is essential to any law enforcement career. Many colleges and universities offer this training; however, some of them do not. If you need this training, do not fret. There are several terrific firearms training centers in Massachusetts, and the following institutions are some of the best.

• Massachusetts Firearms School
• Baystate Training Center
• Massachusetts Firearms Training Center South
• Boston Firearms Training Center
• Downrange Firearms Training
• American Firearms School

Obtaining a Firearms License

In addition to firearms training, you will also need a firearms license. You can apply for a license from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. You can find the licensing application on the Office’s website, and you will need to meet the following criteria to apply.

• Completion of NRA Approved Firearms Training Course
• Completed Application
• Licensing Fee
• U.S. Citizen
• 21 Years Old or Older
• Criminal Background Check
• No History of Mental Illness
• Two Character References

Employer’s Requirements

In many cases, you will need to meet various requirements as set by your employer as well. These requirements may differ from one employer to another; however, there are some that are quite common to most law enforcement positions. These requirements are listed below.

• CPR Certification
• Current Massachusetts Driver’s License
• Motor Vehicle Record Check
• Criminal Background Checks and Fingerprints
• Physical Exams
• Credit Checks
• Polygraph Tests

CI Careers in Massachusetts

While the above requirements may seem a bit extensive, they are put in place for the safety of you and the community you will be serving. If you are able to fulfill these requirements, and a job in criminal investigation sounds appealing to you, consider enrolling in a criminal justice program today!

These careers are quite flexible as well, offering various employment possibilities including private investigators, crime scene investigators, FBI agents, detectives and forensic teams.

However, before you can begin working as any one of these professionals, you will need to meet the requirements described here.

Innate Skills

Careers in criminal investigation can be very dangerous at times. As such, if you think that you would like to begin a career in this field, you must have a strong desire to serve and protect your community. Additionally, you will need to be prepared to face unpredictable situations each day that you work.

You should also know how to deal with people of many different types, backgrounds and moods. While some of the people you will deal with may be quite reasonable, many more of them will not. Finally, for you to be able to spot even the most minute of evidence, you will need a keen eye and excellent observational skills.

Pre-College Requirements

The first step to becoming a criminal investigator is earning a high-school diploma or an equivalent. You will need either one of these to enter into a college or university in Maryland. It is also best if you have a solid foundation in such subject areas as mathematics, English, computers and science.

Most criminal investigation positions will require you to have a current Maryland driver’s license. With that said, the best time to accomplish this is during your time in high-school. Most all high-schools offer free driver’s training courses to their enrolled students.

General Education Curriculum

Since there are so many branches of criminal investigation, there are not any training programs that are unique to the field. However, by earning an associate or bachelor degree in criminal justice, you will receive all of the education and skills you will need for any position in criminal investigation.

The criminal justice program consists of both a general education and career-related curriculum. The general education curriculum may vary depending upon your placement exam scores. However, there are some courses that are often included in criminal justice programs, and they are as follows.

• Intermediate Algebra
• Computer Applications
• Composition and Rhetoric
• Humanities or Fine Arts
• Communications
• Sociology
• Biological Science with Lab
• Personal Health and Fitness
• Physical Science with Lab
• Federal, State and Local Government
• Pre-Calculus

The Criminal Justice Curriculum

The courses in your criminal justice curriculum may vary too depending upon the educational institution you choose to attend. The branch of investigation that you choose to focus on will have a bearing on the courses in your curriculum as well. However, many of the following classes can often be found in typical criminal justice curriculums.

• Firearms Training
• CPR Certification Training
• Forensic Science
• Criminal Evidence and Procedures
• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Introduction to Criminal Investigation
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Criminal Law
• Criminology
• Conflict Management and Resolution
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Criminal Behavior
• Constitutional Law
• Victimology

Maryland’s Criminal Investigator Schools

If you want to begin a criminal investigator career in Maryland, you will have no problems finding a training facility. There are many terrific schools in the state that you can choose among. A few of these excellent institutions are listed below.

• Carroll Community College – Westminster
• College of Southern Maryland – La Plata
• Chesapeake College – Wye Mills
• Hagerstown Community College – Hagerstown
• Garret College – McHenry
• Frederick Community College – Frederick
• Wor-Wic Community College – Salisbury
• Allegany College of Maryland – Cumberland
• Anne Arundel Community College – Arnold
• Prince George’s Community College – Largo
• Harford Community College – Bel Air

The Professional License

In the state of Maryland, if you wish to work as a private detective, you will need to obtain a professional license. You may apply for this license from the Maryland State Police. You can find the application online; however, make sure you meet the following requirements before you apply.

• Electronic Fingerprints
• Two Recent Photos
• $15 Licensing Fee
• Completed Application
• Notarized Signature
• Criminal Background Check
• Completion of Criminal Justice or Similar Program

Obtaining an Agency License

If you wish to start your own private detective agency in Maryland, you will need an agency license in addition to your professional license. You can obtain this from the Maryland State Police as well. All of the requirements are the same as for the professional licenses; however, to obtain an agency license you will also need to have liability insurance and pay a licensing fee of between $200 and $750 depending upon your type of business.

Firearms Training

While many colleges and universities offer firearms training along with their criminal justice programs, there are some that do not. If you need to obtain this training, there are many excellent facilities in Maryland that offer it. Some of these facilities are as follows.

• The Maryland Police Training Commission
• Mid-Atlantic Firearms Training
• Iota Firearms Training Academy
• Maryland Gun Training Center
• Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission
• You Can Carry

Firearms Licenses

Since any law enforcement position can be very dangerous at times, you will need to carry a firearm if you wish to become a criminal investigator. The Maryland State Police regulates the licensing of firearms in addition to professional and agency licensing. You can find the application you need on their website, and you will need to meet the following requirements to be eligible.

• Firearms Licensing Application
• Criminal Background Check
• Fingerprints (electronic)
• Notarized Signature
• Two Passport Size Photos
• $74 Licensing Fee
• Employment Verification
• No History of Mental Illness
• Completion of Firearms Training

Potential Employers

In addition to the above requirements, potential employers may have their own set of requirements for you to meet as well. While these requirements may vary, some of the most common criteria include credit checks, physicals, polygraphs, driver’s licenses and motor vehicle record checks. If you are able to fulfill all of the requirements explained here, you will have no problems beginning a criminal investigator career.

If you love intrigue and you have an inquiring mind, a career in criminal investigation may be perfect for you.

However, before you can secure employment in the field, you must meet several requirements as described below.

Schools, Courses and Training… Start here!

Are You Cut Out for the Job?

All crime scenes are different, and some of them can be extremely dangerous. If you want to be a criminal investigator, you must be prepared for the unexpected at any moment. You will be dealing with a vast array of people each day. While some of these people will be reasonable, many of them will be extremely upset or angry.

With that said, you need to know how to talk with people and calm them down. You must also have excellent observational skills as you will be spending most of your time searching for evidence to help you solve cases. Solving cases can take many months or even years at times. Thus, persistence and patience are beneficial virtues for this career as well.

Educational Path

The field of criminal investigation is a large field that offers several exciting and different employment opportunities in Maine. When you choose to work within criminal investigation, you can work as a police detective, private investigator, forensic team member, crime scene investigator or FBI agent.

Most of these fields simply do not have any educational programs that are designed specifically for them. However, if you opt for a college education, you will increase the employment opportunities that are available to you. Therefore, it is always best for you to obtain a college degree, and the best educational path to take is in criminal justice.

Criminal Investigator Schools in Maine

If you wish to study criminal justice in Maine, you will have no problems finding an appropriate school. There are several great educational facilities in the state that offer criminal justice programs. You will need a high-school diploma, and then you can apply to any of the schools listed below.

• Husson University – Bangor
• University of Maine – Presque Isle
• Southern Maine Community College – South Portland
• Thomas College – Waterville
• University of Maine – Augusta
• Saint Joseph’s College – Standish

General Education Requirements

When applying to a college or university in Maine, you will need to complete several placement exams. These tests will help place you in the proper general education courses during your college career. Although these classes can vary somewhat, some typical courses are listed below.

• English Composition
• College Algebra
• General Psychology
• Principles of Sociology
• United States History
• Professional Communications
• American National Government
• Research Methods
• Humanities
• Science with Lab

Career-Related Courses

In addition to the general education courses listed above, you will need to take various career-related classes as well. These courses may differ too depending upon the educational institution you choose to train within. However, the following courses are often included in most criminal justice curriculums.

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Public Safety
• Introduction to Ethics
• Criminal Laws
• Criminal Procedures
• Juvenile Justice
• Criminology
• Investigations
• Forensics
• Arrest/Search and Seizure
• CPR
• Firearms Training

The Professional Investigator License

In Maine, if you want to become a professional investigator, you must apply for a license from the Maine State Police. There is valuable information on the State Police website; however, you will need to fulfill the following criteria before you apply for your license.

• Surety Bond
• Completed Application for Licensing
• $50 Application Fee
• Criminal Background Check
• $21 Background Check Fee
• $450 Licensing Fee
• Copy of High School Diploma and Transcripts
• College Transcripts
• Copy of Birth Certificate

Obtaining a Business License

If you choose to begin your own investigation business in Maine, you will need a business license in addition to a professional license. The requirements for business licensing varies depending upon the city that you want to work within. You must apply for your license from your local town office. However, if you are not sure where to go, Maine’s Government website can steer you in the proper direction.

Firearms Training in Maine

Since law enforcement positions are so dangerous, you will be required to carry a firearm. Most higher-education facilities offer firearms training; however, there are some that do not. If you need this training in Maine, you can contact the Maine Firearms Training Center. The center is NRA approved and offers some of the best firearms training in the state.

Concealed Handgun Permits

After you have completed your firearms training course, you can then apply for a concealed handgun permit from Maine’s State Police. Before you will be approved for a permit though, you will need to meet the following requirements.

• Completed Permit Application
• $35 Application Fee
• Copy of Birth Certificate
• Passport Sized Photo
• Completion of Training Course
• 18 Years Old or Older
• Criminal Background Check
• No History of Mental Instability
• US Citizen

Employer’s Requirements

There may also be various other requirements that you will need to meet before you can secure a position as a criminal investigator in Maine. This criteria may vary depending upon the position you apply for and the employer you submit your application to. However, some of the most common requirements are listed below.

• Current Maine Driver’s License
• Motor Vehicle Record Check
• Physical Exam
• CPR Certification
• Background Checks and Fingerprints
• Polygraph
• Credit Checks
• Drug Tests

CI Careers in Maine

Criminal investigator careers are very popular in Maine, and they offer a great deal of excitement and intrigue. There are many branches of investigation you can choose among, and you only need to train for about two years. If this sounds fantastic to you, consider training for a career in this lucrative field today!