Criminal Investigator Business & Administration Technicians
SaveWhat Does a Criminal Investigator Do?
Criminal investigators examine and process the scenes of crimes and the evidence found in them. They handle and protect the evidence compliant with rules and regulations, and isolate the scene from outside influence. They photograph the scene, ensure the maintenance of the evidence, and write reports.
Resource recommendations may include affiliate links. Learn more
Where Do I Start?
Crime Scene Preservation
The methods involved in the preservation of a crime scene so that the evidence and information that can be gathered from it for an investigation is uninfluenced by outside factors.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Criminal Investigator
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
-
EssentialCrime Scene Preservation knowledge
The methods involved in the preservation of a crime scene so that the evidence and information that can be gathered from it for an investigation is uninfluenced by outside factors.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialForensic Intelligence knowledge
The procedures and methodology of gathering and analysing forensic intelligence and data for investigative purposes.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialDocument Evidence skill
Document all evidence found on a crime scene, during an investigation, or when presented in a hearing, in a manner compliant with regulations, to ensure that no piece of evidence …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialHandle Evidence skill
Handle evidence important for a case in a manner compliant with regulations, in order to not affect the state of the evidence in question and to ensure its pristine condition …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialWrite Work-related Reports skill
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialExamine Crime Scenes skill
Examine crime scenes upon arrival to ensure they are not tampered with, and to perform the initial assessments and analyses of what may have occurred, as well as examining the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPhotograph Crime Scenes skill
Photograph (possible) crime scenes in a manner compliant with regulations, to ensure that all information necessary for the further investigation of the case is gathered and recorded.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialRestrict Access To Crime Scene skill
Restrict public access to a crime scene by marking boundaries and ensuring officials are stationed to inform the public of access restriction and respond to potential attempts at crossing the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 19 displayed)
-
OptionalCriminology knowledge
The study of criminal behaviour, such as its causes and nature, its consequences, and control and prevention methods.
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalCriminal Law knowledge
Th legal rules, constitutions and regulations applicable for the punishement of offenders.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalAssess Contamination skill
Analyse evidence of contamination. Advise on how to decontaminate.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalComply With Legal Regulations skill
Ensure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalMaintain Operational Communications skill
Maintain communications between different departments of an organisation, between the staff, or during specific operations or missions, to ensure that the operation or mission is successful, or that the organisation …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalPerform Laboratory Tests skill
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalPerform Risk Analysis skill
Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalPresent Evidence skill
Present evidence in a criminal or civil case to others, in a convincing and appropriate manner, in order to reach the right or most beneficial solution.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalPromote Human Rights skill
Promote and respect human rights and diversity in light of the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of autonomous individuals, taking into account their opinions, beliefs and values, and the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalThink Analytically skill
Produce thoughts using logic and reasoning in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalUndertake Inspections skill
Undertake safety inspections in areas of concern to identify and report potential hazards or security breaches; take measures to maximise safety standards.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalUse Different Communication Channels skill
Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAnalyse Blood Patterns skill
Analyse the patterns of blood splatters and remains on a crime scene in order to document them, and formulate conclusions as to the causes and the events which have occurred …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalClean Crime Scenes skill
Clean the crime scenes after they have been thoroughly investigated and all potential evidence is gathered and documented, in a manner compliant with health and safety regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalDetect Finger Prints skill
Detect the presence of finger prints on a crime scene using the appropriate materials, and recording them in order to obtain evidence for the investigation of the events which have …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalDrug Investigations skill
Perform investigations to try and halt the distribution of drugs through illegal and criminal measures, as well as arrest the distributors of illegal drugs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalEvaluate Forensic Data skill
Evaluate the data gathered during the forensic investigation of a crime scene or other scene where such investigation is necessary, in order to assess its usability for the ensuing investigation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalInvestigate Forgery Cases skill
Investigate the illegal altering, copying or imitation of articles or goods (for example currency, public records or works of art) used for criminal purposes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalPerform Forensic Examinations skill
Perform forensic examinations on a scene or in a laboratory of gathered data, in a manner compliant with forensic procedures, and to analyse the data using forensic methods.
Course recommendations coming soon.