Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

• Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
• Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
• 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 facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
• Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
• Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.
• Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.
• Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
• Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
• Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.
• Organize scene search, assigning specific tasks and areas of search to individual officers and obtaining adequate lighting as necessary.
• Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.