White Collar Crimes - Essay Example

In some cases, investigators are also required to have computer systems know-how as certain white-collar crimes involved internet fraud and other activities carried out through computers. White-collar investigators need to possess the same critical thinking and analysis that all investigators of any type of crime must-have. They must be very detailed and must be able to easily detect unscrupulous activities that may signal the act of committing white-collar crimes. Furthermore, they must be firm and must be very good interrogators as solving white-collar crimes relies heavily on witness accounts.

Therefore, investigators must be able to "squeeze out" the information they need from witnesses or other individuals that may have knowledge regarding the crime. Lastly, investigators of white-collar crimes must be aggressive as they must pursue all possible leads some of which may not be as evident as others. (Wisenberg)One of the federal agencies that handle white-collar crime investigations is the United States Postal Inspection Service. Investigators of this agency are called Postal Inspectors.

They are responsible for investigating white-collar crimes particularly those that are related to postal activities. Furthermore, these inspectors "investigate criminal, civil, and administrative violations of postal-related laws, often using forensics and cutting-edge technologies." (USPS) Based on the requirements for the position of postal inspectors as stated in the agency's website, postal inspectors must have primarily in top physical condition. Secondly, they must possess expertise through work or academic experience in one of the following critical areas: law, finance and accounting, computer systems, law enforcement, and bioterrorism.

Qualified applicants then undergo training to hone their skills especially their eye for detail, critical thinking, and in-depth analysis.A comparison of the aforementioned skills that a white-collar investigator must possess with the eligibility requirements of a postal inspector reveals several similarities. For one, the areas of expertise named in the USPS website tantamount to the same areas of knowledge mentioned previously. This included finance, law, and law enforcement. Also, the duties that a postal inspector will carry out require him to make use of the same skills earlier mentioned such as interrogation skills, analysis, and critical thinking.

This comparison reveals that postal inspectors are in fact, white-collar investigators. Although they focus on one area where white-collar crimes may be committed, their duties make them investigators of white-collar crimes.