private-detective/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — private detective

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 33-3021.00 (Detectives and Criminal Investigators).

Task statements

• [Core] Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
• [Core] Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
• [Core] Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
• [Core] Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
• [Core] Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
• [Core] Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
• [Core] Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.
• [Core] Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.
• [Core] Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
• [Core] Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.
• [Core] Secure persons at scene, keeping witnesses from conversing or leaving the scene before investigators arrive.
• [Core] Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and tests to be performed.
• [Core] Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.
• [Core] Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
• [Core] Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.
• [Core] Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.
• [Core] Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.
• [Core] Participate or assist in raids and arrests.
• [Core] Organize scene search, assigning specific tasks and areas of search to individual officers and obtaining adequate lighting as necessary.
• [Core] Summon medical help for injured individuals and alert medical personnel to take statements from them.
• [Core] Notify command of situation and request assistance.
• [Core] Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.
• [Core] Block or rope off scene and check perimeter to ensure that entire scene is secured.
• [Core] Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.
• [Core] Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.
• [Core] Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
• [Core] Maintain surveillance of establishments to obtain identifying information on suspects.
• [Core] Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.
• [Core] Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.
• [Core] Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze crime scene evidence.
• Apprehend criminal suspects.
• Block physical access to restricted areas.
• Check physical condition of people or animals.
• Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information.
• Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
• Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
• Detain suspects or witnesses.
• Determine operational procedures.
• Direct criminal investigations.
• Document legal or regulatory information.
• Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.
• Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.
• Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.
• Investigate accidents to determine causes.
• Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.
• Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence.
• Prepare investigation or incident reports.
• Prevent unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas.
• Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.
• Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.
• Record information about suspects or criminals.
• Request emergency personnel.
• Serve court ordered documents.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Use databases to locate investigation details or other information.