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Are there too many or too few people in the field of criminal investigating?

#robertolozano #interested #criminology #criminal-justice #law

law criminal-justice criminology interested robertolozano
Thank you comment icon Not enough! Criminals and crimes are constantly evolving, so there are always be opportunities for investigators to pursue. If you have the right mindset for investigations, go for it! Susan Rowe
Thank you comment icon not enough! criminology is essential for our society fremery carole
Thank you comment icon I have always wanted to go into criminology. Everywhere it tells me there is a good scope! But after some research, it seems that there are barely any job as compared to certain other fields. So, I don't know what to say! If you truly love it and are determined, go into it, you should be able to get a job! Aria
Thank you comment icon There is a perception based off fear depending on a situation where many believers don't see what other law enforcement agencies are doing to prevent or disrupt criminal activity within local communities. Adding social media to the mixture to point out or blame wuthout fact based scenarios can lead people as a whole to believe that criminal investigations (or investigators) haven't done their jobs. Yet, investigations are time consuming and takes away from the home and family life. But for those who are interested in going into the field of investigation have the upmost respect from their community, family and friends who know what difference it makes as a whole when everyone is involved. Mr. H
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Ramesh’s Answer

There are not enough GOOD, dedicated investigators in the field. Investigating a major crime (homicide, sexual battery, robbery, arson) usually requires a TEAM, not just one person, and that team has to work together, trust each other's commitment, and be focused on the goal of resolving the important questions in the case. Egos are not helpful for this kind of work. Good communication skills are!
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Bob’s Answer

There is always a need for good, professional investigators. Many areas available to get the experience and employment. Spent 38 years in law enforcement and corporate security. The best way to achieving your goal is to be focused working towards your goals, and once there, dedicated to doing the best job possible; stand out above the rest.
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Jesse’s Answer

There is not enough criminal investigators! Police officer to civilian population in a city with fewer than 10,000 residence is 3.5 to 1,000. It is no better in a city that has more than 10,000 with the ratio being only 3.4 per 1,000. To agree with Jack Montesantos answer, quality is needed over quantity. In some cities in America unfortunately, the quantity over quality ratio varies greatly which can lead to numerous problems in cities, communities and agencies.
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McCoy’s Answer

More criminal investigators are needed. There is a myriad of specializations under criminal investigations where more people are needed. Arson, cyber crimes, sex trafficking, fraud and anti-terrorism are a few specialty investigations that are not highlighted as much as others. The criminal justice field needs good people to take an interest and serve. It is rewarding when you are responsible for taking dangerous people out of our communities or, preventing a crime from occurring.

McCoy recommends the following next steps:

Come and join the ranks of the finest
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Jack’s Answer

I don’t feel we can ever have too many people in the field of criminal investigations. With that said, quantity does not make up for quality. I’ll take 10 dedicated, hardworking and knowledgeable investigators over 50 people who don’t 100% to their community. Hope this helps.
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Tammy’s Answer

Never enough criminal investigators! This career definitely offers job security as long as you keep your nose clean and stay out of trouble. There will always be "bad guys". Getting into the Federal criminal investigative field can be somewhat daunting. Check usajobs.gov for the series code "1811" to see the job openings across the Federal government.
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Cheryl’s Answer

In my country we have a vast variety of criminal investigators ranging from cyber crimes, sexual offenses and high profile crimes. Everyone of us is a specialist in our field of investigation and we compliment each other’s skills by working together to solve these criminal offenses. There can never be too much criminal investigators , we will always need more dedicated members in this field to be the voice of our victims and give closure to those affected by criminal offenses.
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Rey’s Answer

Very few I mean these criminals are getting away with millions
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Nicolas’s Answer

We need more! What's great about being an investigator is that there are several routes you can go. Investigating persons crimes is one route and takes good, solid investigation skills coupled with empathy and understanding. Fraud and forgery is another route. This type of investigator requires a specific skill set that might include business training, accounting, and cyber security.

These specialties, along with several more, are needed at all levels - local, state, and federal. But, whatever level or specialty you chose, be the investigator that cares, has an appreciation for the impact the crime had on the victim, and is always working to build competence in your field.

Be the voice for the voiceless.
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Lynn’s Answer

I've been a criminal analyst for 9 years now, at the state level. Every application process has become progressively more competitive. It seems that in the three states I have applied to (Utah, California, and Texas), there are MANY more applicants than positions. So if you want to be a criminal investigator (either as an officer or an analyst), your resume will need to stand out and your interview skills will need to be well-practiced.
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Nick’s Answer

Criminal Investigations is a field that continues to grow and develop. As new technology develops, criminals adapt these things to exploit people and property, creating more need for good, experienced investigators. So yes, we need more criminal investigators. Less investigators means more victims, and therefore, more disorder.
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Saida’s Answer

not enough !!! There will always be crimes
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Krishna’s Answer

Not too many and guess there is lot of hope for this field more
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Brett’s Answer

Criminal Investigations as mentioned by many above is a huge field with many many subsets. I agree with the above respondents that you need more criminal investigators because investigations take time and a team and the more teams that are working the more crimes that can be correctly investigated. However, asking if there are too many in the field when you are looking at is a career is a different question. First is how many are being hired vs how many are retiring etc. While we may feel there aren't enough the budget may say no more are needed. You also need to look at your goals and what is important to you. Specializing, Not Specializing, Location of Job, Salary, Promotion Opportunities -- These are just a few of the things to consider as you look at possible careers in this field and others. Looking at your home town when we are talking about criminal investigations opportunities is a good place to start. -- There are thousands of criminal investigators in that town but they aren't all working on the same type of crimes due to jurisdiction issues and specialties. So while there may be too many investigators at the State level on vehicle crimes there might not be enough at the local level or even not enough State officers looking at fraud because too many are working vehicle crimes. If you only want to work there and you are not interested in going to college first then you would be best served to look at jobs with SAPD. But to become a criminal investigator with SAPD first you have to work as a patrol officer for a few years, mostly so you understand how the system works and who to talk to depending on what you are working on. Then there is a test to be considered for the position. If however, you are not set on living in your hometown you could apply for a State or Federal position(all the federal positions I know of require a college degree so you would have to do that first). These positions investigate different types of crimes but are more prone to starting you in your career in a different location and promotions are often easier to get if you are willing to move and even change your crime specialty.
So my long winded answer boiled down ------ No - Not too many people doing criminal investigations but that doesn't mean you will easily get a job if the budget doesn't allow for it but focus on you and your goals as you look into any career and how that career will help you attain your top 3 priorities.

Brett recommends the following next steps:

See about doing an internship or a day working with a federal, state or local investigating team.
Call one of the federal, state, local investigative and ask if one of the investigators there will talk to you about their career progression and daily work life.
Decide what your top 3 priorites in life are and find a career that addresses those.
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