Salary Range
Low (10th %)$50,670
Median$91,100
High (90th %)$154,360
AI Prompt Guides for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
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Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
The occupation of "Detectives and Criminal Investigators" has an automation risk of 32.8%, closely reflecting its base risk of 33.3%. This relatively low risk indicates that while some tasks may be susceptible to automation, the overall role requires significant human judgment, discretion, and critical thinking. Detectives are often faced with situations in which routine or repetitive tasks can be partially automated, such as evidence collection or basic reporting, but the vast majority of their responsibilities lie in complex human interactions, decision-making, and investigative intuition that are less easily replicated by machines. Among the most automatable tasks in this occupation are checking victims for signs of life, obtaining and recording statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons, and securing deceased bodies to prevent tampering before the medical examiner's arrival. These duties often follow clear procedures or can be enhanced by technology like recording devices and biometric sensors. Automation could help streamline such processes, reduce manual errors, and increase the efficiency of initial investigative steps, enabling investigators to focus on more nuanced aspects of their job. However, significant resistance to automation comes from tasks requiring creativity, adaptability, and sophisticated social skills. Key examples include performing undercover assignments, maintaining surveillance (including monitoring authorized wiretaps), testifying before grand juries on complex investigations, and maintaining surveillance to gather identifying information on suspects. These duties rely heavily on original thinking and the ability to interpret subtle human behaviors—skills that are bottlenecked by "Originality," with a notably low automation risk level of just 3.1%. The necessity for originality, adaptability, and decision-making in unpredictable environments ensures that detectives and criminal investigators remain less vulnerable to automation than many other professions.
Filter by Automatable Status
Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
Non-Automatable
Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
Non-Automatable
Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
Partially Automatable
Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
Partially Automatable
Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.
Non-Automatable
Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.
Partially Automatable
Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.
Partially Automatable
Secure persons at scene, keeping witnesses from conversing or leaving the scene before investigators arrive.
Non-Automatable
Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and tests to be performed.
Partially Automatable
Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.
Partially Automatable
Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.
Partially Automatable
Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.
Non-Automatable
Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.
Non-Automatable
Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.
Partially Automatable
Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
Partially Automatable
Participate or assist in raids and arrests.
Non-Automatable
Organize scene search, assigning specific tasks and areas of search to individual officers and obtaining adequate lighting as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Summon medical help for injured individuals and alert medical personnel to take statements from them.
Partially Automatable
Notify command of situation and request assistance.
Partially Automatable
Block or rope off scene and check perimeter to ensure that entire scene is secured.
Non-Automatable
Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.
Partially Automatable
Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.
Automatable
Maintain surveillance of establishments to obtain identifying information on suspects.
Partially Automatable
Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.
Non-Automatable
Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.
Non-Automatable
Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
Partially Automatable
Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
Partially Automatable
Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
Partially Automatable
Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
Partially Automatable
Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingPublic Safety and Security
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
DesignWare 3D EyeWitnessEos Systems PhotoModelerNational Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBINSmartDraw LegalMicrosoft VisioThe CAD Zone The Crime ZoneTrancite Logic Systems ScenePDCase management softwareNational Crime Information Center (NCIC) databaseSASCrime mapping softwareLaw enforcement information databasesVisual Statement Vista FX3 CSIGraphics softwareOperating system softwareSpreadsheet softwareMicrosoft PublisherAdobe PhotoshopESRI ArcViewStructured query language SQLAccessData FTKDataWorks Plus Digital CrimeSceneDigital Image Management Solutions Crime SceneMicrosoft WordCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteDesignWare 3D EyeWitnessEos Systems PhotoModelerNational Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBINSmartDraw LegalMicrosoft VisioThe CAD Zone The Crime ZoneTrancite Logic Systems ScenePDCase management softwareSASCrime mapping softwareLaw enforcement information databasesVisual Statement Vista FX3 CSIDigital Image Management Solutions Crime SceneDeChant Consulting Services iWitnessOperating system softwareMicrosoft PublisherAdobe PhotoshopSpreadsheet softwareStructured query language SQLESRI ArcViewGuidance Software EnCase EnterpriseAccessData FTKDataWorks Plus Digital CrimeSceneGraphics softwareLinuxGeographic information system GIS softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareNational Crime Information Center (NCIC) databaseIntegrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFISLinuxGuidance Software EnCase EnterpriseIntegrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFISComputer aided composite drawing softwareComputer aided composite drawing softwareDeChant Consulting Services iWitnessCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteEmail softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareWeb browser softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Access
Compliance Officers
Medium53.94%
Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.
Coroners
Low30.77%
Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
Medium44.97%
Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.
Forensic Science Technicians
Medium37.96%
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Medium37.54%
Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.
Lawyers
Medium41.23%
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Judicial Law Clerks
Medium49.30%
Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Medium47.51%
Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
Low32.16%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Medium36.93%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Bailiffs
Low23.14%
Maintain order in courts of law.
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Medium40.28%
Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.
Police Identification and Records Officers
Low31.22%
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
Intelligence Analysts
Medium48.00%
Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Low27.10%
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.
Customs and Border Protection Officers
Medium35.91%
Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.
Transit and Railroad Police
Low32.83%
Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.
Private Detectives and Investigators
Medium45.72%
Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.
Security Guards
Medium47.69%
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
Medium46.99%
Implement procedures and systems to prevent merchandise loss. Conduct audits and investigations of employee activity. May assist in developing policies, procedures, and systems for safeguarding assets.
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Low21.10%
Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.
Animal Control Workers
Medium37.83%
Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators
Medium52.56%
Observe gambling operation for irregular activities such as cheating or theft by either employees or patrons. Investigate potential threats to gambling assets such as money, chips, and gambling equipment. Act as oversight and security agent for management and customers.