Description
Lead investigations into homicides and suspicious deaths by processing scenes, interviewing witnesses and suspects, coordinating with the medical examiner and prosecutors, and building cases for arrest and trial.
- • Respond to homicide and suspicious death scenes and assume investigative lead.
- • Check victims for signs of life while preserving potential evidence.
- • Secure and document the deceased and surrounding area until the medical examiner arrives.
- • Block and maintain the crime scene perimeter to protect evidence.
- • Organize and direct systematic scene searches and task assignments.
- • Note, mark, photograph, and measure bloodstains, trajectories, footprints, tire tracks, and other pattern evidence.
- • Collect, preserve, and log physical evidence with proper packaging and chain of custody.
- • Obtain incident summaries from first responders without disturbing evidence.
- • Canvass neighborhoods and businesses for witnesses, video, and leads.
- • Obtain statements from witnesses, complainants, and suspects; record interviews.
- • Conduct legally sound suspect and witness interviews and obtain sworn statements.
- • Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants related to homicide cases.
- • Provide the crime lab with evidence context and testing priorities.
- • Review medical examiner findings and autopsy results to guide the investigation.
- • Attend autopsies to observe evidence collection and clarify investigative questions.
- • Develop victimology and timelines to identify motives and opportunities.
- • Analyze phone records, digital media, and criminal histories to link evidence.
- • Review patrol and prior case reports to identify additional leads and tasks.
- • Maintain surveillance and conduct targeted operations to locate suspects.
- • Participate in raids and arrests with tactical units as required.
- • Identify case issues, evidentiary needs, and probable cause for warrants and arrests.
- • Prepare detailed investigative reports and case files for prosecutors.
- • Confer with prosecutors to develop charging decisions and trial strategy.
- • Testify in court and before grand juries on homicide investigations.
- • Notify command of significant developments and request specialized resources.
- • Coordinate with the medical examiner and ensure next-of-kin notifications are made appropriately.
- • Summon medical aid for injured persons and ensure statements are obtained when possible.
- • Protect and separate witnesses at scenes to prevent collusion or flight.
- • Determine scope, sequence, and direction of the investigation; assign follow-ups and deadlines.
- • Collaborate with local, state, and federal partners, task forces, and intelligence units.
- • Maintain investigative logs, evidence inventories, and retention or destruction schedules.
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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
