Occupation Details
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
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Interests
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$70,470.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$106,640.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$137,430.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
9,980
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
11,180
+120 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
878
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Active Listening
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.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Public Safety and Security
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.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service
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.
Psychology
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 Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Audio recording equipment
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Biohazard suits
- Blood collection kits
- Body armor
- Breathalyzers
- Bulletproof vests
- Compound light microscopes
- Crime scene rulers
- Crime scene tape measures
- Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA collection kits
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital tape recorders
- Digital video cameras
- Digital voice recorders
- Distance measuring wheels
- Drug testing kits
- Electrostatic dust lifters
- Explosive detectors
- Filter masks
- Fingerprint evidence kits
- First aid kits
- Footwear protectors
- Impression casting kits
- Infrared light sources
- Instant print cameras
- Laptop computers
- Laser light sources
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Case management software
- Computer aided composite drawing software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Crime mapping software
- DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene
- Digital Image Management Solutions Crime Scene
- ESRI ArcView
- Email software
- Eos Systems PhotoModeler
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Graphics software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- operate cameras
- operate cameras
- use firearms
- use firearms
- testify in court for accident and criminal cases
- testify in court for accident and criminal cases
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- maintain records, reports, or files
- manage detailed records or files in law enforcement setting
- manage detailed records or files in law enforcement setting
- prepare reports
- prepare reports
- file documents in court
- file documents in court
- apply appropriate physical restraint
- apply appropriate physical restraint
- conduct surveillance to obtain information for law enforcement
- conduct surveillance to obtain information for law enforcement
- review facts to determine if criminal act or statue violation is involved
- review facts to determine if criminal act or statue violation is involved
- determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution
- analyze handwriting
- analyze existing evidence or facts
- analyze existing evidence or facts
- operate vehicles in law enforcement or security setting
- operate vehicles in law enforcement or security setting
- manage community relations for law enforcement agency
- cooperate with court personnel or other law enforcement agencies
- cooperate with court personnel or other law enforcement agencies
- compile biological data for criminal investigations
- compile biological data for criminal investigations
- compute financial data
- conduct legal searches or investigations
- conduct legal searches or investigations
- verify investigative information
- compile evidence for court actions
- compile evidence for court actions
- investigate complaints, disturbances, or violations
- investigate complaints, disturbances, or violations
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use arrest, search, or seizure legal statutes
- use arrest, search, or seizure legal statutes
- use interviewing procedures
- use interviewing procedures
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- maintain firearms proficiency
- maintain firearms proficiency
- use conflict resolution techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- follow law enforcement methods or procedures
- follow law enforcement methods or procedures
- use surveillance techniques
- use surveillance techniques
- identify fingerprints
- identify firearms or weapons
- identify firearms or weapons
- recognize physical or emotional abuse
- recognize public safety hazards
- recognize public safety hazards
- locate persons ( skip tracing )
- locate persons ( skip tracing )
- communicate details in protective services settings
- communicate details in protective services settings
- make public presentations on law enforcement issues
- make presentations
- serve or issue summonses or subpoenas
- serve arrest, search or seizure warrants
- confer with prosecuting attorney
- enforce laws, ordinances, or regulations
- apprehend or arrest suspect or perpetrator of criminal act
- apprehend or arrest suspect or perpetrator of criminal act
- make decisions
- make decisions
- reach conclusions quickly in law enforcement situations
- reach conclusions quickly in law enforcement situations
- read maps
- read maps
- gather physical evidence
- gather physical evidence
- interview crime witnesses or victims to obtain descriptive information
- interview crime witnesses or victims to obtain descriptive information
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
- Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
- Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
- Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
- Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
- 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.
- Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.
- Secure persons at scene, keeping witnesses from conversing or leaving the scene before investigators arrive.
- Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and tests to be performed.
- 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.
- Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.
- Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.
- Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
- 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.
- Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.
- Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.
- 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.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Law Enforcement and Security Specialists
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MorePolice and detectives
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn More