33-3021.00

Detectives & Criminal Investigators

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

Career Cluster:Public Service & Safety
Job Family:Protective Service
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Industry:Government
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Technology Tools

Adobe PhotoshopLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordSASStructured query language SQL

Key Tasks

  • 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.
  • Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
  • Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
  • Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
  • Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
  • Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
  • 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.
  • Secure persons at scene, keeping witnesses from conversing or leaving the scene before investigators arrive.
  • Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.
  • Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.
  • Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.
  • Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.
  • Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and tests to be performed.
  • Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.
  • Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
  • Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.
  • 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.
  • Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.
  • Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.
  • 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.
  • Operate drones for aerial surveillance or to gather evidence from difficult to reach locations.

Skills

Active Listening
85%
Speaking
81%
Critical Thinking
78%
Reading Comprehension
72%
Social Perceptiveness
72%
Complex Problem Solving
72%
Judgment and Decision Making
69%
Coordination
63%
Active Learning
63%
Service Orientation
63%
Writing
60%
Monitoring
60%
Persuasion
53%
Time Management
50%
Negotiation
50%
Instructing
47%
Systems Evaluation
47%
Learning Strategies
44%
Systems Analysis
41%
Management of Personnel Resources
41%
Operations Monitoring
38%
Operation and Control
35%
Mathematics
31%
Quality Control Analysis
31%
Troubleshooting
25%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Science
22%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Programming
19%
Operations Analysis
16%
Technology Design
16%
Equipment Selection
13%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Law and Government
96%
Public Safety and Security
90%
English Language
80%
Customer and Personal Service
76%
Psychology
72%
Administrative
64%
Education and Training
64%
Computers and Electronics
64%
Administration and Management
59%
Communications and Media
55%
Sociology and Anthropology
54%
Personnel and Human Resources
50%
Telecommunications
50%
Therapy and Counseling
48%
Transportation
48%
Geography
44%
Mathematics
41%
Philosophy and Theology
33%
Foreign Language
33%
Economics and Accounting
33%
Medicine and Dentistry
28%
Production and Processing
26%
Engineering and Technology
24%
History and Archeology
22%
Biology
21%
Chemistry
18%
Physics
18%
Mechanical
15%
Sales and Marketing
15%
Building and Construction
10%
Design
9%
Fine Arts
5%
Food Production
5%

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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
85%
Inductive Reasoning
85%
Deductive Reasoning
78%
Problem Sensitivity
78%
Oral Expression
78%
Written Comprehension
75%
Near Vision
72%
Speech Recognition
72%
Speech Clarity
72%
Information Ordering
72%
Written Expression
69%
Far Vision
66%
Category Flexibility
66%
Flexibility of Closure
66%
Fluency of Ideas
60%
Speed of Closure
60%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Time Sharing
56%
Selective Attention
56%
Originality
53%
Visualization
47%
Auditory Attention
47%
Memorization
47%
Multilimb Coordination
44%
Reaction Time
41%
Depth Perception
41%
Peripheral Vision
41%
Trunk Strength
41%
Response Orientation
41%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
38%
Static Strength
38%
Mathematical Reasoning
38%
Explosive Strength
38%
Spatial Orientation
38%
Speed of Limb Movement
38%
Rate Control
38%
Manual Dexterity
38%
Visual Color Discrimination
38%
Night Vision
35%
Control Precision
35%
Number Facility
35%
Wrist-Finger Speed
31%
Hearing Sensitivity
31%
Extent Flexibility
31%
Stamina
31%
Finger Dexterity
31%
Dynamic Strength
31%
Glare Sensitivity
28%
Sound Localization
28%
Gross Body Coordination
28%
Gross Body Equilibrium
25%
Dynamic Flexibility
10%

Work Activities

Getting Information
94%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
90%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
88%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
86%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
86%
Documenting/Recording Information
86%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
82%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
81%
Working with Computers
80%
Processing Information
79%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
78%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
76%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
76%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
74%
Analyzing Data or Information
72%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
69%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
68%
Thinking Creatively
67%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
67%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
65%
Assisting and Caring for Others
64%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
62%
Scheduling Work and Activities
62%
Training and Teaching Others
62%
Performing General Physical Activities
61%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
57%
Developing and Building Teams
55%
Coaching and Developing Others
54%
Performing Administrative Activities
54%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
52%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
51%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
49%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
41%
Handling and Moving Objects
39%
Selling or Influencing Others
37%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
36%
Staffing Organizational Units
32%
Controlling Machines and Processes
27%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
20%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
19%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
15%

Work Context

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

98%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

97%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

97%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

96%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

96%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

92%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

91%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

90%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

90%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

90%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

89%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

88%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

85%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

83%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

83%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

79%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

78%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

78%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

76%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

75%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

74%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

72%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

70%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

69%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

63%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

63%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

62%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

62%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

61%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

60%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

58%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

57%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

55%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

54%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

54%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

51%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

48%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

45%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

44%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

44%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

42%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

38%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

37%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

36%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

33%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

32%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

32%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

30%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

26%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

24%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

20%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

17%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

15%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

11%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

11%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

9%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

5%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

32%

Post-secondary certificate

20%

Associate's degree

20%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

65

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

64

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

53

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

51

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

29

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

3

Work Styles

Stress Tolerance
100%
Dependability
98%
Integrity
98%
Attention to Detail
89%
Cautiousness
82%
Perseverance
82%
Self-Control
79%
Adaptability
77%
Intellectual Curiosity
69%
Initiative
68%
Achievement Orientation
67%
Self-Confidence
66%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
62%
Leadership Orientation
56%
Social Orientation
44%
Innovation
40%
Cooperation
36%
Empathy
36%
Optimism
17%
Sincerity
12%
Humility
4%

Work Values

Achievement
70%
Working Conditions
70%
Independence
67%
Recognition
64%
Support
64%
Relationships
56%

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