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Public Safety

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

Annual openings

194

Median wage

$105,480

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+9%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

2-5 years work experience as a Police Officer or related experience is expected.

Detectives and Criminal Investigators can be employed by federal, state, or local law enforment organizations.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsMay vary

Interests it draws on

  • Law Enforcement

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
  2. Block or rope off scene and check perimeter to ensure that entire scene is secured.
  3. Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
  4. Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.
  5. Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
  6. Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.
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