Detectives and Criminal Investigators
CID experience developing investigative plans, interviewing witnesses and suspects, evaluating physical evidence, and preparing investigation reports directly overlaps civilian criminal-investigation work.
How to prepare: Ask a target agency to assess your CID experience against its direct-entry investigator requirements or prior police-service route, since detectives typically begin as police officers. Appointment requirements vary by agency: most police and detectives complete agency academy and on-the-job training plus physical and personal screening, education ranges from a high-school diploma to a college degree, and federal agencies may require a bachelor's degree and extensive agent training.
What the civilian work involves
- Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
- Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
- Microsoft Office software