Occupation: Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

33-3021.00 | 30 tasks | 10 job titles
Reported Job Titles (10)
  • Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
  • Criminal Investigator
  • Detective
  • Fugitive Detective
  • Fugitive Investigator
  • Investigator
  • Narcotics Detective
  • Narcotics Investigator
  • Police Detective
  • Special Agent
Core Tasks (30)
  • Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
  • Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
  • Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
  • Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
  • Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
  • Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
  • Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
  • Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.
  • Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.
  • Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.
  • Secure persons at scene, keeping witnesses from conversing or leaving the scene before investigators arrive.
  • Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and tests to be performed.
  • Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.
  • Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.
  • Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.
  • Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.
  • Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.
  • Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
  • Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
  • Participate or assist in raids and arrests.
  • Organize scene search, assigning specific tasks and areas of search to individual officers and obtaining adequate lighting as necessary.
  • Summon medical help for injured individuals and alert medical personnel to take statements from them.
  • Notify command of situation and request assistance.
  • Block or rope off scene and check perimeter to ensure that entire scene is secured.
  • Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.
  • Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.
  • Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.
  • Maintain surveillance of establishments to obtain identifying information on suspects.
  • Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.
  • Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.