Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

Other names for Criminal Investigators and Special Agents: Air Marshal, Border Police, Child Support Investigator, Child Support Officer, CIA Agent (Central Intelligence Agency Agent), Counter Intelligence Agent, Crime Analyst, Crime Investigator Special Agent, Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), Criminal Investigator, Criminal Profiler, Deputy Sheriff, Deputy United States Marshal, Detective, Drug Enforcement Agent, FBI Investigator (Federal Bureau of Investigation Investigator), FBI Sharpshooter (Federal Bureau of Investigation Sharpshooter), FBI Special Agent (Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent), Fraud Analyst, Identification Officer, Intelligence Officer, Investigation Officer, Investigative Analyst, Investigator, Missing Persons Investigator, Narcotics Agent, Police Detective, Police Inspector, Police Officer, Postal Inspector, Secret Service Agent, Special Agent, Spy, State Trooper, Undercover Cop, Unemployment Examiner, Unemployment Inspector, Unemployment Insurance Fraud Investigator, United States Marshal (US Marshal),

• Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses, or by analyzing records.
• Record evidence and documents, using equipment such as cameras and photocopy machines.
• Examine records in order to locate links in chains of evidence or information.
• Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
• Collaborate with other offices and agencies in order to exchange information and coordinate activities.
• Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
• Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.
• Analyze evidence in laboratories, or in the field.
• Investigate organized crime, public corruption, financial crime, copyright infringement, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and other violations of federal or state statutes.
• Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.
• Obtain and use search and arrest warrants.
• Serve subpoenas or other official papers.
• Collaborate with other authorities on activities such as surveillance, transcription and research.
• Develop relationships with informants in order to obtain information related to cases.
• Search for and collect evidence such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.
• Collect and record physical information about arrested suspects, including fingerprints, height and weight measurements, and photographs.
• Compare crime scene fingerprints with those from suspects or fingerprint files to identify perpetrators, using computers.
• Administer counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics reward programs.
• Provide protection for individuals such as government leaders, political candidates and visiting foreign dignitaries.
• Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.
• Manage security programs designed to protect personnel, facilities, and information.
• Issue security clearances.

• Still cameras
• Surveillance video or audio recorders
• Hazardous material protective apparel
• Biological evidence collection kits
• Body armour
• Bullet proof vests
• Rulers
• Tape measures
• Desktop computers
• Digital cameras
• Surveillance video or audio recorders
• Measuring wheels for distance
• Narcotic test kits
• Weapons or explosives detectors
• Masks or accessories
• Fingerprint latent print kits
• Footprint lifters
• Instant print cameras
• Notebook computers
• Metal detectors
• Handcuffs
• Notebook computers
• Night sticks
• Personal computers
• Handcuffs
• Police vehicles
• Police or security shotguns
• Physiological recorders
• Protective gloves
• Riot shields
• Handguns
• Handguns
• Fingerprint equipment
• Two way radios
• Ultraviolet UV lamps
• Digital camcorders or video cameras
• Surveillance video or audio recorders

Project management software

Office suite software

Graphics or photo imaging software

Word processing software

Spreadsheet software

Data base user interface and query software

Internet browser software

Electronic mail software

Map creation software