First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

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.

Supervise and coordinate the investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensuring that procedures are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations.82
Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.80
Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.79
Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.79
Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.78
Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.78
Inform personnel of changes in regulations and policies, implications of new or amended laws, and new techniques of police work.77
Train staff in proper police work procedures.77
Discipline staff for violation of department rules and regulations.77
Monitor and evaluate the job performance of subordinates, and authorize promotions and transfers.76
Review contents of written orders to ensure adherence to legal requirements.75
Conduct raids and order detention of witnesses and suspects for questioning.73

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Cooperate with court personnel and officials from other law enforcement agencies and testify in court, as necessary.72
Meet with civic, educational, and community groups to develop community programs and events, and to discuss law enforcement subjects.66
Develop, implement, and revise departmental policies and procedures.66
Inspect facilities, supplies, vehicles, and equipment to ensure conformance to standards.63
Direct release or transfer of prisoners.62
Prepare news releases and respond to police correspondence.62
Requisition and issue equipment and supplies.60
Prepare budgets and manage expenditures of department funds.53
Read and review subordinates' reports to ensure legal standards are met and there are no mistakes.—

Skills

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

Active Listening75
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.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Management of Personnel Resources75
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Monitoring75
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness75
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning72
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination72
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing72
Teaching others how to do something.
Persuasion72
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Complex Problem Solving69
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Judgment and Decision Making69
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Learning Strategies69
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Writing69
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Service Orientation63
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Time Management63
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Negotiation56
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Systems Analysis53
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation53
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Financial Resources38
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources38
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control38
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring38
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Mathematics35
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Analysis28
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Quality Control Analysis28
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance13
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection13
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Repairing13
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Science13
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Technology Design13
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.

Public Safety and Security92
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.
Law and Government89
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Customer and Personal Service86
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.
Administration and Management74
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.
English Language71
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Psychology70
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.
Sociology and Anthropology57
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Education and Training55
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Therapy and Counseling55
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Personnel and Human Resources52
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administrative43
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics43
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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Communications and Media39
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Telecommunications36
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Foreign Language32
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.
Mathematics31
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Philosophy and Theology31
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.
Geography29
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.
Medicine and Dentistry29
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.
Transportation29
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Physics19
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.
Chemistry18
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.
History and Archeology17
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sales and Marketing15
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.
Production and Processing14
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Biology12
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Engineering and Technology12
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.
Economics and Accounting11
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Mechanical9
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design4
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Fine Arts2
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Building and Construction1
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
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.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning72
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning72
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Written Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Information Ordering69
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).
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Near Vision63
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Selective Attention63
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

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Category Flexibility56
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Fluency of Ideas53
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).
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Memorization50
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Originality50
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 Speed50
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.
Speed of Closure50
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Auditory Attention47
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Control Precision47
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Multilimb Coordination47
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.
Reaction Time47
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation47
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.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Finger Dexterity44
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Static Strength44
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength44
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.
Visualization44
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Mathematical Reasoning41
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Depth Perception38
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.
Hearing Sensitivity38
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Number Facility38
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Visual Color Discrimination38
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Explosive Strength35
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
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.
Spatial Orientation31
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Strength28
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Coordination28
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Peripheral Vision28
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Stamina28
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Extent Flexibility25
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Speed of Limb Movement25
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Glare Sensitivity22
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision22
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Sound Localization22
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Dynamic Flexibility0
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.

Getting Information93
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Documenting/Recording Information87
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates85
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems84
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public83
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships81
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Assisting and Caring for Others80
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization80
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.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates80
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events80
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment80
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others79
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge78
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Working with Computers77
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards76
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Performing Administrative Activities76
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others74
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Processing Information74
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Coaching and Developing Others73
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Training and Teaching Others73
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work72
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others72
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Analyzing Data or Information70
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing and Building Teams70
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Developing Objectives and Strategies70
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others70
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Scheduling Work and Activities68
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Staffing Organizational Units66
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings64
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Thinking Creatively64
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People60
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources60
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing General Physical Activities60
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.
Handling and Moving Objects58
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Selling or Influencing Others58
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials55
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information54
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Controlling Machines and Processes47
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment41
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.
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.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment38
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.

Leadership Orientation100
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction 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.
Stress Tolerance89
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control88
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Cautiousness80
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Attention to Detail79
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Perseverance74
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Adaptability72
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Self-Confidence70
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Cooperation69
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Initiative64
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Achievement Orientation60
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.
Social Orientation57
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Sincerity52
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Empathy51
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity44
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Intellectual Curiosity35
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Optimism35
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Innovation19
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Humility13
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.

Enterprising98
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.
Conventional68
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.
Social46
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.
Realistic41
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.
Investigative22
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.
Artistic0
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.

Telephone Conversations
- Every day100%
E-Mail
- Every day95%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day96%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important89%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others78%
- Contact with others most of the time15%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results70%
- Important results21%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day70%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day73%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom61%
- Some freedom21%
- Limited freedom16%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day47%
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important44%
- Very important47%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day62%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%

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Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility42%
- High responsibility43%
- Moderate responsibility14%
Conflict Situations
- Every day51%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important61%
- Very important17%
- Fairly important14%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)43%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)41%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility37%
- High responsibility46%
- Moderate responsibility16%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important29%
- Very important54%
- Important15%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours56%
- 40 hours44%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom49%
- Some freedom26%
- Limited freedom17%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day55%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious59%
- Very serious11%
- Not serious at all21%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Never11%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day35%
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day34%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week34%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day41%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week46%
Time Pressure
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week34%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time52%
- About half the time36%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week40%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important36%
- Important28%
- Fairly important23%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Never16%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually29%
- More than half the time15%
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time29%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive15%
- Highly competitive13%
- Moderately competitive54%
- Slightly competitive15%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never16%
Public Speaking
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month44%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day36%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never29%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never15%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time24%
- About half the time35%
- Less than half the time41%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never25%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually16%
- About half the time26%
- Less than half the time51%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time24%
- Less than half the time61%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never22%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never31%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time23%
- Less than half the time58%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month42%
- Never29%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month47%
- Never24%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time76%
- Never12%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated15%
- Moderately automated12%
- Slightly automated26%
- Not at all automated47%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time52%
- Never39%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time43%
- Never49%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never65%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)28%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)72%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never75%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never80%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important13%
- Not important at all87%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS, Microsoft Access, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, Spillman Technologies Records Management
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Graphics or photo imaging software
Computer aided composite drawing software, DesignWare 3D EyeWitness, SmartDraw Legal, The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Helpdesk or call center software
Computer aided dispatch software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Map creation software
Crime mapping software
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software
Web platform development software
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
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.

Direct criminal investigations.
Prepare activity or work schedules.
Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.
Resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Train employees in proper work procedures.
Maintain operational records.
Write operational reports.
Direct law enforcement activities.
Inform others about laws or regulations.
Evaluate employee performance.
Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.
Apprehend criminal suspects.

Show all 22 →

Detain suspects or witnesses.
Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information.
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
Collaborate with outside groups to develop programs or projects.
Develop organizational methods or procedures.
Develop organizational policies or programs.
Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.
Prepare investigation or incident reports.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

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