Police Detectives
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  Careers / Police Detectives  
       
 
Summary Description
Conduct investigations to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases.
 
Sample Job Titles

1.

Agent

2.

Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent

3.

Burglary Investigator

4.

City Detective

5.

Crime Scene Investigator

6.

Criminal Investigations Division Investigator

7.

Criminal Investigator

8.

Deputy Sheriff

9.

Detective

10.

Detective Sergeant

11.

Detective Supervisor

12.

District Sergeant

13.

Drug Enforcement Agent

14.

Forgery/Fraud Investigator

15.

Fugitive Detective

16.

Fugitive Investigator

17.

Homicide Detective

18.

Homicide Investigator

 

19.

Internal Affairs Investigator

20.

Investigator

21.

Law Enforcement Officer

22.

Narcotics and/or Vice Detective

23.

Narcotics Detective

24.

Narcotics Investigator

25.

Police Captain

26.

Police Detective

27.

Police Investigator

28.

Police Officer

29.

Sex Crimes Detective

30.

Sheriff's Detective

31.

Special Agent

32.

Station Detective

33.

Vice Investigator

34.

Vice/Narcotics Detective

35.

Victim Witness Administrator

 
Job Tasks

Provide testimony as a witness in court.

  • Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.

  • Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.
  • Prevent unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas.

Examine crime scenes to obtain clues and evidence, such as loose hairs, fibers, clothing, or weapons.

  • Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.

Obtain evidence from suspects.

  • Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.

Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.

  • Record information about suspects or criminals.
  • Prepare investigation or incident reports.

Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.

  • Check physical condition of people or animals.

Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.

  • Document legal or regulatory information.

Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.

  • Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.

Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.

  • Serve court ordered documents.

Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.

  • Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.

Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.

  • Analyze crime scene evidence.
  • Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.

Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.

  • Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence.
  • Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.

Secure persons at scene, keeping witnesses from conversing or leaving the scene before investigators arrive.

  • Detain suspects or witnesses.

Take photographs from all angles of relevant parts of a crime scene, including entrance and exit routes and streets and intersections.

  • Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.

Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.

  • Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.

Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.

Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and tests to be performed.

  • Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.

Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.

  • Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.
  • Use databases to locate investigation details or other information.

Block or rope off scene and check perimeter to ensure that entire scene is secured.

  • Block physical access to restricted areas.

Summon medical help for injured individuals and alert medical personnel to take statements from them.

  • Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
  • Request emergency personnel.

Monitor conditions of victims who are unconscious so that arrangements can be made to take statements if consciousness is regained.

  • Check physical condition of people or animals.

Observe and photograph narcotic purchase transactions to compile evidence and protect undercover investigators.

  • Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence.
  • Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.

Organize scene search, assigning specific tasks and areas of search to individual officers and obtaining adequate lighting as necessary.

  • Direct criminal investigations.

Participate or assist in raids and arrests.

  • Apprehend criminal suspects.

Coordinate with outside agencies and serve on interagency task forces to combat specific types of crime.

  • Collaborate with outside groups to develop programs or projects.
  • Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information.

Note relevant details upon arrival at scene, such as time of day and weather conditions.

  • Record information about environmental conditions.

Maintain surveillance of establishments to obtain identifying information on suspects.

  • Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.

Notify command of situation and request assistance.

  • Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
  • Request emergency personnel.

Videotape scenes where possible, including collection of evidence, examination of victim at scene, and defendants and witnesses.

  • Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.

Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.

Schedule polygraph tests for consenting parties and record results of test interpretations for presentation with findings.
 
Work Activities
Importance Work Activity
91
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
89
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
89
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
89
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
86
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
85
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
85
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
82
Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
79
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
79
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
77
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
77
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
76
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
75
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
72
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
72
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
71
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
69
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
69
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
69
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
69
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
69
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
65
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
62
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
60
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
58
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
58
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
57
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
55
Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
55
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
53
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
52
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
47
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
41
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
40
Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
33
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
31
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
31
Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
 
 
 
Nature of the Work
(Abstract from Career Articles)
Police and Detectives

Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.

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Working Conditions
(Abstract from Career Articles)
Police and Detectives

Police and detective work can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous. Police officers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Working around the clock in shifts is common.

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  Source: MyPlan.com, LLC, 2019; includes information from the O*NET 20.3 database, 2016, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-2024 Edition. O*NET™ is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.  

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