Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.96
Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.94
Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.92
Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.92
Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.91
Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.91
Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.90
Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.89
Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.89
Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.89
Organize scene search, assigning specific tasks and areas of search to individual officers and obtaining adequate lighting as necessary.89
Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.89

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Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.89
Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.89
Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.88
Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.88
Secure persons at scene, keeping witnesses from conversing or leaving the scene before investigators arrive.88
Participate or assist in raids and arrests.87
Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.87
Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.86
Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.86
Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.86
Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.86
Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and tests to be performed.85
Summon medical help for injured individuals and alert medical personnel to take statements from them.84
Block or rope off scene and check perimeter to ensure that entire scene is secured.84
Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.84
Maintain surveillance of establishments to obtain identifying information on suspects.83
Notify command of situation and request assistance.79
Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.77
Operate drones for aerial surveillance or to gather evidence from difficult to reach locations.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening88
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking81
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking78
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness78
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving72
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making72
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Writing69
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Coordination66
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Monitoring66
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Persuasion60
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

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Negotiation56
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Time Management56
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Service Orientation53
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Instructing47
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Systems Evaluation47
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Systems Analysis44
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Management of Personnel Resources35
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Operation and Control31
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis28
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Monitoring25
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Troubleshooting19
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection16
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Management of Material Resources16
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Science16
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Maintenance13
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Management of Financial Resources13
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Repairing13
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operations Analysis10
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Law and Government91
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Public Safety and Security87
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Customer and Personal Service80
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language77
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Psychology77
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Education and Training68
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Computers and Electronics59
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Communications and Media48
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Geography48
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sociology and Anthropology47
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Administrative44
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Telecommunications42
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

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Therapy and Counseling42
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Administration and Management41
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Personnel and Human Resources35
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Transportation35
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Foreign Language33
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Mathematics27
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Medicine and Dentistry24
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology24
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Biology22
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Engineering and Technology18
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Production and Processing18
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Physics17
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Chemistry15
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Economics and Accounting15
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Mechanical11
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
History and Archeology10
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sales and Marketing10
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Building and Construction6
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Design6
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Inductive Reasoning85
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension85
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Deductive Reasoning81
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity81
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Flexibility of Closure75
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Information Ordering75
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Clarity75
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition72
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

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Far Vision69
The ability to see details at a distance.
Category Flexibility66
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Fluency of Ideas66
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Speed of Closure63
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Selective Attention60
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Originality56
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed56
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Time Sharing53
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Memorization50
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Reaction Time47
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Auditory Attention44
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Explosive Strength44
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Static Strength44
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Depth Perception41
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Multilimb Coordination41
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Response Orientation41
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Spatial Orientation41
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Trunk Strength41
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness38
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Dynamic Strength38
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Manual Dexterity38
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Night Vision38
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision35
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control35
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Stamina35
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Control Precision31
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Mathematical Reasoning31
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility31
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Extent Flexibility28
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Finger Dexterity28
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Gross Body Coordination28
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium28
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Speed of Limb Movement28
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Glare Sensitivity25
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Sound Localization22
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Dynamic Flexibility13
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems98
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Analyzing Data or Information94
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Documenting/Recording Information94
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information93
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events93
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Thinking Creatively93
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge92
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates91
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Processing Information90
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People89
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization88
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.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards85
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work85
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public85
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others84
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings83
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships80
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others80
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Assisting and Caring for Others77
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Developing Objectives and Strategies77
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Working with Computers76
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates75
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment74
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Training and Teaching Others74
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coaching and Developing Others73
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials69
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Scheduling Work and Activities67
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others64
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Selling or Influencing Others63
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing General Physical Activities61
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Developing and Building Teams60
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others58
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information53
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Performing Administrative Activities49
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Staffing Organizational Units43
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources42
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Handling and Moving Objects40
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment39
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment37
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Controlling Machines and Processes26
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment25
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Stress Tolerance100
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Dependability98
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity98
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Attention to Detail89
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cautiousness82
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance82
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Control79
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability77
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Intellectual Curiosity69
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Initiative68
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Achievement Orientation67
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Confidence66
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

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Tolerance for Ambiguity62
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Leadership Orientation56
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Social Orientation44
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Innovation40
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Cooperation36
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Empathy36
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism17
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Sincerity12
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility4
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative65
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 fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional64
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 human resources.
Realistic53
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, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Enterprising51
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/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social29
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.
Artistic3
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, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important100%
E-Mail
- Every day100%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important99%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day100%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others90%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day88%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day84%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious82%
- Very serious17%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day82%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results84%
Conflict Situations
- Every day68%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day84%

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Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important64%
- Very important36%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day60%
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Very important11%
- Important19%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important63%
- Very important21%
- Important16%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility68%
- High responsibility21%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day60%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours67%
- 40 hours33%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom31%
- Some freedom69%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)38%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)56%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom23%
- Some freedom71%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
Time Pressure
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually40%
- More than half the time31%
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time17%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week43%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually22%
- More than half the time51%
- About half the time16%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day39%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day44%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day48%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive40%
- Highly competitive13%
- Moderately competitive27%
- Not at all competitive11%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility28%
- High responsibility31%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day41%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never20%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week52%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually12%
- More than half the time21%
- About half the time35%
- Less than half the time32%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time22%
- Less than half the time38%
Public Speaking
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month31%
- Never11%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a month or more but not every week61%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never22%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time55%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time32%
- Less than half the time58%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time65%
- Never11%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day29%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never47%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month31%
- Never31%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)46%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)44%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated30%
- Slightly automated27%
- Not at all automated33%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month78%
- Never12%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time49%
- Never31%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day24%
- Never74%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time52%
- Never38%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important15%
- Fairly important12%
- Not important at all64%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never78%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never78%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Post-secondary certificate
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Photoshop, DesignWare 3D EyeWitness, Digital Image Management Solutions Crime Scene, Graphics software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene, Microsoft Access, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, Structured query language SQL
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcView, Geographic information system GIS software
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Analytical or scientific software
Guidance Software EnCase Enterprise, SAS
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Network monitoring software
AccessData FTK
Desktop publishing software
Microsoft Publisher
Operating system software
Linux
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Map creation software
Crime mapping software
Project management software
Case management software
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Prepare investigation or incident reports.
Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.
Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.
Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence.
Analyze crime scene evidence.
Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.
Record information about suspects or criminals.
Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.
Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.
Determine operational procedures.
Direct criminal investigations.
Prevent unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas.

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Serve court ordered documents.
Use databases to locate investigation details or other information.
Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
Detain suspects or witnesses.
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
Apprehend criminal suspects.
Investigate accidents to determine causes.
Check physical condition of people or animals.
Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information.
Document legal or regulatory information.
Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
Request emergency personnel.
Block physical access to restricted areas.
Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology