Criminal Investigator Jobs
Criminal investigator jobs are open across federal agencies, state and local government, insurance, and corporate security, from entry-level to senior and supervisory levels, with specializations in financial crimes, fraud examination, and digital forensics. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 18+ Criminal Investigator jobs
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Jackson, TN
LOCATION OF (2) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (T.B.I.), DAVIDSON COUNTY, MADISON COUNTY
This position is with the TBI Technology and Innovation Division - Digital Forensics Squad - Nashville, TN.
This position is with the TBI Technology and Innovation Division - Digital Forensics Squad - Jackson, TN.
For more information, visit the link below:
www.tbijobs.com
Qualifications
Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
- Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons; nor shall applicant be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm per 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or any other state or federal law.
- Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application.
- Must be a citizen of the United States, or a permanent legal resident of the United States provided, that the applicant applies for or obtains United States citizenship within six (6) years of the employment start date with TBI.
- Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
- Upon appointment, be willing to and able to obtain a Security Clearance.
- Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check.
- Complete a criminal history and background disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority and agree to release all records involving any criminal history or necessary records to the appointing authority.
- Be subject to an intense background investigation in a manner prescribed by the appointing authority, which includes but not limited to a check of State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social media accounts, credit check, education, military, previous employment, drug use, and reference verification as well as a polygraph examination to this effect, which will require some travel to the appointment.
- A candidate must not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendre to any violation of any federal or state law or city ordinance considered a felony or a misdemeanor based on integrity (to include, but not limited to: force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, DUI, or controlled substances). This includes a sufficient number of misdemeanors, of any nature, to establish a pattern of disregard for the law. Violations considered "youthful indiscretions" or experimentation (domestic related offenses excluded) may be considered on a case by case basis by the appointing authority.
- Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces.
- Must participate in pre-employment, random and for cause drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures.
- Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
- Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
Overview
This classification performs criminal investigations, criminal identification, case preparation, and court testimony duties at the entry/training level under the direct guidance of a supervisor. As investigative knowledge and proficiency increases, an employee in this class is allowed to perform relatively independently in assigned investigations. This series has second, third, and fourth levels that function at a more complex capacity.
An applicant appointed to this Career Path series will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory probation period and all required qualifications of the TBI Special Agent Criminal Investigator 2; 'unacceptable' or 'needs improvement' performance during the probation period will result in automatic demotion or termination.
Responsibilities
- Performs law enforcement duties to protect themselves and others (Including, but not limited to, using force, up to and including deadly force; pursuing, subduing, and/or apprehending suspects; participating in physical training activities such as Close Quarters Conflict Control (CQC), firearms qualification and weapons handling; and operating vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations).
- Performs strenuous physical activity to support criminal investigations. (Including but not limited to moving heavy, bulky, or large equipment, supplies and evidence; physical searches of suspects and informants; and placing surveillance equipment on individuals or within objects.)
- Maintains confidentiality and discretion to preserve the integrity of criminal investigations and work-related activities.
- Exhibits good judgment in decision making in a high pressure or high-risk environment to determine a proper course of action.
- Gathers information and evidence to support criminal investigations (Including, but not limited to, conducting interviews; observing and analyzing crime scenes; conducting physical and/or electronic surveillance of criminal activity; gathering and/or analyzing digital evidence; and identifying training gaps, etc.).
- Completes reports to document investigative and support activities.
- Obtains and executes types of legal process, such as search warrants, subpoenas, and arrest warrants, and testifies in court to offer evidence in support of criminal prosecutions.
- Collaborates with supervisors, peers, and other law enforcement agencies to provide leadership and/or assist in criminal investigations and investigative support activities.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies:
- Instills Trust
- Communicates Effectively
- Decision Quality
- Builds Networks
- Resourcefulness
Knowledges:
- Public Safety and Security
- Law and Government
Skills:
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
Abilities:
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Limb and/or Full Body Coordination
- Ability to utilize finger dexterity and hand strength to operate the slide of a standard issued firearm
- Ability to alternate from standing to prone to standing position utilizing stamina, strength, and coordination to perform the physical duties of a Special Agent
Tools & Equipment
- Firearms and other weapons
- Computer
- Vehicles
- Evidence collecting equipment Communication devices
TN Driver Standards
State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:
- A valid driver's license
- For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.
Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.
**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Jackson, TN
LOCATION OF (2) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (T.B.I.), DAVIDSON COUNTY, MADISON COUNTY
This position is with the TBI Technology and Innovation Division - Digital Forensics Squad - Nashville, TN.
This position is with the TBI Technology and Innovation Division - Digital Forensics Squad - Jackson, TN.
For more information, visit the link below:
www.tbijobs.com
Qualifications
Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
- Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons; nor shall applicant be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm per 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or any other state or federal law.
- Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application.
- Must be a citizen of the United States, or a permanent legal resident of the United States provided, that the applicant applies for or obtains United States citizenship within six (6) years of the employment start date with TBI.
- Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
- Upon appointment, be willing to and able to obtain a Security Clearance.
- Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check.
- Complete a criminal history and background disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority and agree to release all records involving any criminal history or necessary records to the appointing authority.
- Be subject to an intense background investigation in a manner prescribed by the appointing authority, which includes but not limited to a check of State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social media accounts, credit check, education, military, previous employment, drug use, and reference verification as well as a polygraph examination to this effect, which will require some travel to the appointment.
- A candidate must not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendre to any violation of any federal or state law or city ordinance considered a felony or a misdemeanor based on integrity (to include, but not limited to: force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, DUI, or controlled substances). This includes a sufficient number of misdemeanors, of any nature, to establish a pattern of disregard for the law. Violations considered "youthful indiscretions" or experimentation (domestic related offenses excluded) may be considered on a case by case basis by the appointing authority.
- Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces.
- Must participate in pre-employment, random and for cause drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures.
- Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
- Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
Overview
This classification performs criminal investigations, criminal identification, case preparation, and court testimony duties at the entry/training level under the direct guidance of a supervisor. As investigative knowledge and proficiency increases, an employee in this class is allowed to perform relatively independently in assigned investigations. This series has second, third, and fourth levels that function at a more complex capacity.
An applicant appointed to this Career Path series will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory probation period and all required qualifications of the TBI Special Agent Criminal Investigator 2; 'unacceptable' or 'needs improvement' performance during the probation period will result in automatic demotion or termination.
Responsibilities
- Performs law enforcement duties to protect themselves and others (Including, but not limited to, using force, up to and including deadly force; pursuing, subduing, and/or apprehending suspects; participating in physical training activities such as Close Quarters Conflict Control (CQC), firearms qualification and weapons handling; and operating vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations).
- Performs strenuous physical activity to support criminal investigations. (Including but not limited to moving heavy, bulky, or large equipment, supplies and evidence; physical searches of suspects and informants; and placing surveillance equipment on individuals or within objects.)
- Maintains confidentiality and discretion to preserve the integrity of criminal investigations and work-related activities.
- Exhibits good judgment in decision making in a high pressure or high-risk environment to determine a proper course of action.
- Gathers information and evidence to support criminal investigations (Including, but not limited to, conducting interviews; observing and analyzing crime scenes; conducting physical and/or electronic surveillance of criminal activity; gathering and/or analyzing digital evidence; and identifying training gaps, etc.).
- Completes reports to document investigative and support activities.
- Obtains and executes types of legal process, such as search warrants, subpoenas, and arrest warrants, and testifies in court to offer evidence in support of criminal prosecutions.
- Collaborates with supervisors, peers, and other law enforcement agencies to provide leadership and/or assist in criminal investigations and investigative support activities.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies:
- Instills Trust
- Communicates Effectively
- Decision Quality
- Builds Networks
- Resourcefulness
Knowledges:
- Public Safety and Security
- Law and Government
Skills:
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
Abilities:
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Limb and/or Full Body Coordination
- Ability to utilize finger dexterity and hand strength to operate the slide of a standard issued firearm
- Ability to alternate from standing to prone to standing position utilizing stamina, strength, and coordination to perform the physical duties of a Special Agent
Tools & Equipment
- Firearms and other weapons
- Computer
- Vehicles
- Evidence collecting equipment Communication devices
TN Driver Standards
State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:
- A valid driver's license
- For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.
Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.
**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.
See All 18 Criminal Investigator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Criminal Investigator JobsCriminal Investigator Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in criminal investigator jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, accounting, or a related field
- Active or adjudicatable federal security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level
- Prior law enforcement, military, or agency investigative experience
- Proficiency in case management and investigative reporting software
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or similar professional credential
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel for field assignments
Tips for Your Criminal Investigator Job Search
Tailor your resume to clearance requirements
Many criminal investigator postings require a specific security clearance level. List your current clearance, the issuing agency, and the date of your last investigation directly in your resume header so hiring managers don't have to search for it.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists criminal investigator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight case-specific investigative outcomes
Generic phrases like 'conducted investigations' won't distinguish you. Describe the type of case, the method you used, and the outcome, whether a conviction, recovery, or policy change, without disclosing protected information.
Target your specialty in every application
Criminal investigator is a broad title. Postings for financial crimes, narcotics, cyber, or insurance fraud each expect different technical tools and experience. Read each listing carefully and reposition your strongest matching experience at the top of your resume.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Panels for investigator roles typically use structured behavioral questions tied to real case scenarios. Prepare concise answers using the Situation, Task, Action, Result format, and practice articulating decisions you made when evidence was ambiguous or incomplete.
Negotiate your grade or step, not just salary
Federal and state investigator roles are often pay-banded. If you have prior law enforcement, military, or agency experience, ask the hiring office whether you qualify for a higher entry grade or step, since that affects your lifetime earnings trajectory far more than a signing bonus.
Criminal Investigator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most criminal investigators?
The most active employers for criminal investigators right now are State of Georgia, City of New Orleans, and City of Loveland, and the most openings are in Georgia, Colorado, and Louisiana, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to be heaviest at federal agencies and large insurance carriers with dedicated special investigations units.
How many criminal investigator jobs are remote?
About 0% of criminal investigator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than most professional fields given the fieldwork requirements of the role. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are financial crimes analysis, insurance fraud review, and digital forensics, where case files and evidence can be reviewed off-site.
How do you become a criminal investigator?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, accounting, finance, or a closely related field, since most agencies require at least that baseline. Build relevant experience through law enforcement, military service, auditing, or compliance roles. Pursue a credential like the Certified Fraud Examiner designation if you're targeting financial crimes. Pass the required background investigation and, for federal roles, the physical fitness and medical standards before you apply.
Can you get a criminal investigator job with little experience?
Entry-level criminal investigator roles exist, particularly at state agencies, insurance carriers, and corporate security departments that hire candidates with a relevant degree and train them on the job. Internships with law enforcement, audit experience, or military service in an intelligence or law enforcement specialty can substitute for direct investigative work and strengthen an entry-level application significantly.
What does the criminal investigator interview process look like?
Most criminal investigator hiring processes start with an application review and an initial phone or video screen, followed by a structured panel interview that includes scenario-based and behavioral questions drawn from real case situations. Some employers add a written exercise, polygraph, or psychological evaluation, particularly for federal and law enforcement-adjacent roles. A thorough background investigation typically runs concurrently with or after the final interview round.
Where can I find and apply to criminal investigator jobs?
You can find and apply to criminal investigator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and specialty, and apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 18 Criminal Investigator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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