Description
Investigate criminal activity to prevent and solve crimes by gathering facts, interviewing witnesses and suspects, processing scenes and evidence, and coordinating with prosecutors and other agencies.
- • Interview complainants, witnesses, and suspects; record statements.
- • Secure deceased persons and associated evidence until the medical examiner arrives.
- • Maintain case files, document investigative progress, and submit reports for warrants.
- • Prepare charging documents and court responses per procedure.
- • Collect, preserve, and submit evidence; dispose of items no longer needed.
- • Obtain incident briefings from first officers without disturbing evidence.
- • Photograph, mark, and measure crime scenes to document footprints, tire tracks, bullets, and bloodstains.
- • Write detailed investigative reports and case summaries.
- • Search records and databases to identify and locate suspects.
- • Secure the scene and keep witnesses separated until processed.
- • Provide laboratories with source information and requested tests for evidence.
- • Review police reports to identify gaps and plan follow-up work.
- • Corroborate information by interviewing, observing, and analyzing records.
- • Draft, obtain, and serve search and arrest warrants.
- • Verify tips by questioning individuals and conducting spot checks of persons and premises.
- • Define case issues and evidence needs based on charges or complaints.
- • Assist in or lead raids and arrests.
- • Direct systematic searches, assign tasks, and arrange lighting at scenes.
- • Coordinate with medical personnel to collect statements from injured parties.
- • Notify command of developments and request additional resources.
- • Testify before grand juries and in court on investigative findings.
- • Establish perimeters and secure scenes with barriers.
- • Notify or coordinate with the medical examiner and district attorney representatives.
- • Locate, collect, and process fingerprints and other trace evidence.
- • Set investigative scope, priorities, and timelines.
- • Conduct surveillance to gather identifying information on suspects.
- • Share intelligence and coordinate operations with other units and agencies.
- • Perform undercover assignments and monitor court-authorized wiretaps.
- • Analyze records to link people, places, and events in chains of evidence.
- • Check victims for signs of life and summon medical aid.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
