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
BLS median wage
$105,480
Typical education
Flexible / varies by employer
10-year growth
+9%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
Flexible / varies by employer
Credential requirement
No specific credential listed yet
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
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
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
- Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
- Block or rope off scene and check perimeter to ensure that entire scene is secured.
- Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
- Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.
- Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.