Expert: William Payne - 2/17/2009

Question
Hello Mr. Payne,
I would like to start by saying, Thanks for your time and help.  I am a junior in High School, and am working on my AA.  After I complete my AA, I will go to a 4-year university to seek a degree in Computer Criminology.  I have decided that I would like to become a Special Agent, whether it be at the State Level, or the Federal Level.  Both of these require a Degree, and atleast 3 years of investigative experience.  At my local Sheriffs Department, under the Criminal Investigations Link, I found the following divisions:

-Analytical Support Unit
-Crime Scene and ID Unit
-Domestic Violence Unit
-Evidence Unit
-Game-Over (Task Force)
-Homicide/Major Case Unit
-Investigative Support Unit
-Sex Offender Registration &Tracking Unit
-Special Investigations Unit
-Special Victims Unit
-Victim & Witness Service

So, I have two questions for you...
1) In your opinion, is my degree choice a good one for becoming a Special Agent either with Florida Department of Law Enforcement, or a Federal Agency?

and 2) Which of those Criminal Investigative divisions would be considered 'Investigative Positions' to a hiring agency?
If it isn't within your vast knowledge which of the divisions would be considered, who would you recommend that I talk to (would you recommend calling local FBI Resident Office and asking... or contacting FDLE?"
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Patrick,

Any of these units would be great to obtain valuable experience in investigations.

If you want to use your computer knowledge as well, lean toward anything involving:

financial crimes
sexual predator crimes
pornography crimes
statistical profiling
Intelligence

I would probably start with calling FDLE and see what kind of positions they might be looking for in the future, and what are the hiring trends for those positions. If that does not help you out, definitely call some federal agencies.

Good luck and best wishes!