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33-3021.00 · Task explorer

Detectives and Criminal Investigators: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

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This source lists 30 tasks, including 30 marked Core and 0 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2026.

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30 tasks shown

Core · Task 23029 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23034 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23026 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23022 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23024 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23033 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23028 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23023 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23046 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23045 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23039 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Organize scene search, assigning specific tasks and areas of search to individual officers and obtaining adequate lighting as necessary.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23030 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23050 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23035 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23027 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23042 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23031 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Secure persons at scene, keeping witnesses from conversing or leaving the scene before investigators arrive.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23038 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Participate or assist in raids and arrests.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23037 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23036 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23048 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23025 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23021 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23032 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and tests to be performed.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23040 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Summon medical help for injured individuals and alert medical personnel to take statements from them.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23043 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Block or rope off scene and check perimeter to ensure that entire scene is secured.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23044 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23047 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Maintain surveillance of establishments to obtain identifying information on suspects.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23041 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Notify command of situation and request assistance.

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My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 23049 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.

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My example, evidence or question

Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.