Detective Training

Detectives and criminal investigators are uniformed or plainclothes officers who gather facts and collect evidence related to criminal cases. Private detectives’ and investigators’ work settings may depend on their assignment or case. For example, they may spend time in offices to research cases, or they may work in the field while doing surveillance.

Gather information on people of interest.
Perform background checks, investigate suspects, and prove or disprove theories.
Obtain and analyze data such as online activities, and court records.
Interview persons, in order to verify facts they discover.
Conduct surveillance, take photographs, often from a hidden position.
Write reports detailing investigation findings.

They conduct interviews, examine records, monitor suspects, and participate in raids and arrests. Detectives typically investigate serious crimes, such as assaults, robberies, and homicides. In large police departments, detectives usually specialize in investigating one type of crime, such as homicide or fraud. They are typically assigned cases on a rotating basis and work on them until an arrest and trial are completed or until the case is dropped.

Required Education

Federal law enforcement agents undergo extensive training, usually at the US Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, or at a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, sometimes called special agents, investigate and pursue criminal cases that violate federal law. FBI agents are responsible for crimes against public agencies, such as Medicare fraud, or that cross state lines.

Criminal Law and Procedure covers the fundamental principles of criminal law, including criminal offenses, legal definitions, and the constitutional rights of suspects and defendants. Investigative Techniques topics may include crime scene management, evidence collection and preservation, forensic techniques, witness interviews and interrogation, surveillance methods, and case documentation.

Effective written communication is crucial for documenting investigative findings, preparing reports, and presenting evidence in court. This course teaches officers how to write clear, concise, and accurate reports that comply with departmental standards and legal requirements. Further, investigating officers must be skilled in conducting interviews and interrogations to obtain information from witnesses, victims, and suspects. This course covers techniques for building rapport, asking effective questions, detecting deception, and obtaining truthful and admissible statements.

Investigator Certification

Defensive Tactics Certification equips law enforcement officers with the skills needed to protect themselves and others during physical altercations. This training includes techniques for blocking, striking, grappling, and controlling resisting subjects. Officers learn how to safely subdue suspects using minimal force while minimizing the risk of injury to all parties involved. Regular training and practice are essential to maintain proficiency in defensive tactics.

Position	Skills Required	Certification or Exam
Police Sergeant	Leadership, supervisory skills, operational management	Police Sergeant Promotional Exam (varies by jurisdiction)
Fraud Investigator	Financial analysis, investigative techniques, fraud detection	Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Exam by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
Financial Crimes	Forensic accounting, cybercrime investigation	CFCI Exam by the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI)
Vice Squad	Undercover operations, surveillance, investigation of prostitution, gambling, drug trafficking	Vice and Narcotics Investigations Certification by IACP
Homicide Detective	Crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, interviewing and interrogation	Certification by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
Internal Affairs	Investigations, ethics, compliance, administrative law	Certification by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

Hostage Negotiation Certification prepares law enforcement officers to effectively communicate with individuals in crisis situations, such as hostage-taking or barricaded suspects. This training emphasizes active listening, empathy, rapport-building, and de-escalation techniques. Negotiators learn to assess the motivations and emotional states of individuals involved in high-stress situations and work toward peaceful resolutions without resorting to violence.

Field Experience: After graduating from the police academy, officers typically spend several years gaining experience in patrol duties, responding to calls for service, and interacting with the community. This field experience is invaluable for developing practical skills, understanding police procedures, and building familiarity with local laws and neighborhoods.

Read Body Language

Former FBI agent and body language expert Joe Navarro breaks down the various ways we communicate non-verbally.

The FBI Files

In Lincoln County, Nebraska, a fugitive drug dealer engaged in a shootout with state troopers, and eluded capture after a high-speed chase.

The Art of Disguise

Former Chief of Disguise for the CIA, Jonna Mendez, explains how disguises are used in the CIA, and what aspects to the deception make for an effective disguise.

Deposition - Personal Injury

A deposition is a statement taken of a party or a witness, under oath, in front of a court reporter. All statements given may be used in court. It is one of the most important tools that lawyers use to gather evidence and preliminary information about a case.

Investigator Training

Criminal Law

Criminal Law: Elements of criminal offenses and legal procedures.
Crime Scene Management: Procedures for securing, processing, and analyzing crime scenes.
Evidence Collection and Preservation: Techniques for collecting and preserving physical and digital evidence.
Forensic Science Applications: Use of forensic science in criminal investigations.
Interview and Interrogation: Strategies and techniques for conducting effective interviews.

Investigation

Homicide Investigations: Techniques for investigating homicides and suspicious deaths.
Robbery and Burglary Investigations: Strategies for solving property crimes.
Sexual Assault Investigations: Investigative procedures for sexual crimes.
Drug and Narcotics Investigations: Methods for investigating drug-related offenses.
Financial Crimes Investigations: Investigating fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes.

Undercover Operations

Undercover Operations: Techniques for gathering intelligence and evidence covertly.
Surveillance Tactics: Methods for conducting surveillance and counter-surveillance.
Covert Communications: Secure communication methods and protocols.
Informant Handling: Recruiting, managing, and protecting confidential informants.
Undercover Scenario Training: Practical exercises in simulated undercover operations.

Crisis Management

CPR and First Aid: Basic life support techniques and emergency medical response.
Hostage Negotiation: Strategies for negotiating and resolving hostage situations.
Crisis Intervention: Techniques for de-escalating high-stress situations.
Active Shooter Response: Tactics for responding to active shooter incidents.
Disaster Management: Planning and response to natural and man-made disasters.

Forensic Science

Forensic Evidence: Understanding forensic analysis and its role in investigations.
Digital Forensics: Techniques for examining digital evidence.
Ballistics and Firearms Analysis: Investigating firearm-related incidents.
Fingerprint Analysis: Methods for identifying individuals through fingerprint evidence.
Crime Lab Procedures: Working with crime lab experts and interpreting forensic reports.

Legal Issues

Search and Seizure: Legal standards for obtaining and processing evidence.
Witness Testimony: Preparing witnesses and presenting testimony in court.
Case File Management: Organizing and maintaining investigative files.
Courtroom Procedures: Presenting evidence and preparing for trial.
Legal Updates: Staying current with changes in criminal law and case law.

Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

Ask yourself if you can see yourself as a federal investigator. If challenge and excitement fit the bill, then you may trade off on danger and personal risk. While classes and internships will prepare you well, certain innate qualities that you bring to bear will help you succeed.

Special Agents

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is the nation's premier foreign intelligence agency, responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence to support national security objectives. The CIA operates globally, working to identify and counter threats to the United States and its interests abroad.

National Security Agency (NSA) is responsible for signals intelligence (SIGINT) and information assurance activities, aiming to gather and analyze foreign communications. It conducts electronic surveillance and cybersecurity operations to detect and prevent threats to national security.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is tasked with investigating and enforcing federal laws, protecting and defending the country against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats. The FBI investigates a wide range of criminal activities, including terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, civil rights violations, and white-collar crime.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) works in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and international partners to disrupt drug trafficking organizations and reduce the availability of illicit drugs. It conducts investigations, arrests, and seizures related to drug trafficking, distribution, and abuse.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is tasked with enforcing federal laws related to the regulation of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and arson. The agency works to combat violent crime by investigating illegal firearms trafficking, arson, and explosives incidents.