What do you think it takes to be a great Investigator?

Question

Summeroflove · Accepted Answer

It depends on what type of investigator you’re wanting to be. Number one you have to have the ability to look at the darkest worst of humanity and still realize not everyone is like that. It includes really bad people, but also seemingly good upstanding people at their darkest.

Reading and dealing with people is a major plus there are detectives who don’t know much about technology who solve cases just being able to read people. Being able to negotiate, interrogate, and talk to someone. I would highly suggest studying a mix of business, sales, and psychology. I would study technology and forensics compurters and all that too. There are investigators with bad peoples skills too who are great with technology.

You have to have the ability to see homicides and sexual abuse. I won’t get into the weeds on that…. But long story short it’s not what you see on TV, movies, or imagine reading literature. It’s very likely much worse then you imagine.

If you’re wanting to join the law enforcement side of things you’re probably going to need to work in a patrol capacity. Even for smaller agencies. In some cases people are hired directly but it’s rare without prior experience.

You can also become a lawyer and work the prosecutorial side of things. But to work in the private sector it’s still preferred to work in law enforcement or as a attorney.

Welcome to on call life…. Welcome to getting calls at 3 AM to ask you stupid questions. Welcome to getting calls when you’re in the shower. The middle of eating. The middle of anything…. Including emergencies. That you will have to respond to.

You will be working crime scenes. Maybe make some arrests. Interview and interrogation. But a lot of your day to day work…. Will be sitting at a cubicle or a office. Working behind a desk…. Filling out reports and referring cases for prosecution. Reviewing evidence. Managing your case load. Probably a lot of briefings and meetings about cases. Reviewing interview and interrogation footage. Checking peoples backgrounds. You will spend a LOT of time behind a computer and papers. Forensics

OneViewpoint · Accepted Answer

Curiosity. Obsession with detail. The ability to make connections between random bits of information. A love of problem solving. Persistence, an inability to "let it go".

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

Being a great investigator requires a unique blend of skills and attributes. Critical thinking and attention to detail are essential to analyze facts and evidence accurately. Investigators must possess strong communication skills, allowing them to conduct effective interviews and convey findings clearly. Persistence and patience are key, as investigations can be time-consuming and complex. Additionally, a good investigator is adaptable, continuously learning and leveraging technology to stay ahead. Ethical integrity is crucial, ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly and lawfully. By balancing these elements, one can excel in the field of investigation.

CupcakeTheDestroyer · Answer

A combination of observation, deduction, and a willingness to see outside of the normal patterns

HawkPerception · Answer

Incredible ability to analyze scenarios and situations, understand human psychology in depth, have great pattern recognition, excellent communication skills and being able to explain concepts clearly, and being able to see the big picture in things.

genericname85 · Answer

you need to care about truth more than your ego so you can correct when you're wrong. the majority of people don't have that ability. they'll favor their ego over the truth.

DonaldDarko · Answer

I'd say some mathematical aptitude but I can't do math worth a damn and I just seem to figure out who did a thing. It gives me the creeps I have no interest in forensics at all.

bobalife · Answer

My friends keep telling me I’d be a great investigator because I’m “very sharp”… so, I’d suggest that haha.

Nikki1989 · Answer

A great investigator notices the things that aren't there—the missing keys, the silence in a testimony and so on.

Shiprex · Answer

Eye for detail and imagination for linking and predicting.

Alex-Snow · Answer

Attention to detail and the ability to judge body language

AngryCarl3 · Answer

Persistence, attention to detail and imagination.

Cidknee · Answer

Guts for: Bravery Instinct & curiosity.

Surely · Answer

A keen eye and the ability to think like a criminal.

DryGermanGuy · Answer

A big magnifying glass! 🕵️‍♂️

DishLady · Answer

Two "X" chromosomes, lol.

queenofcardio · Answer

Excellent observational skills

WhitneySnow · Answer

Very good perception and analysis skills

Anonymous · Answer

Sharp mind, good memory, wisdom.

fish5505_87 · Answer

Patience!

What do you think it takes to be a great Investigator?

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What do you think it takes to be a great Investigator?

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