JOB REPORT / 33-3021 · 67 TASKS

Detectives and Criminal Investigators.

Can AI do the work of Detectives and Criminal Investigators?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

How does this fit your work?

How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Analyze intelligence data to identify patterns and trends…
Link or chart suspects to criminal organizations or events…
Study communication code languages or foreign languages to translate…

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Detectives and Criminal Investigators work. It covers the 45 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

45 of 67 tasks reviewed

This job has 67 core tasks. We went through 45 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Detectives and Criminal Investigators actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Analyze intelligence data to identify patterns and trends in criminal activity.
AI DOES
Scans large datasets, flags statistical patterns, and surfaces connections between data points
YOU DO
Apply judgment about source credibility, geopolitical context, and operational meaning
TASK 02
Link or chart suspects to criminal organizations or events to determine activities and interrelationships.
AI DOES
Builds visual link charts, flags connections in data, and surfaces hidden patterns across large records
YOU DO
Apply judgment about source credibility, context, and the real-world significance of each link
TASK 03
Study communication code languages or foreign languages to translate intelligence.
AI DOES
Translates text, flags patterns, and suggests meanings in foreign languages fast
YOU DO
Verify intent, catch coded meanings, and judge what matters in context
TASK 04
Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
AI DOES
Drafts reports, flags missing fields, and organizes evidence logs from input data
YOU DO
Verify legal accuracy and sign off on official records
TASK 05
Evaluate records of communications, such as telephone calls, to plot activity and determine the size and location of criminal groups and members.
AI DOES
Scans communication logs, maps connections between contacts, and flags unusual patterns or clusters
YOU DO
Apply context and judgment to tell the difference between real threats and innocent activity
TASK 06
Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.
AI DOES
Searches databases, cross-references records, and surfaces matching identifiers quickly
YOU DO
Decide what findings matter, apply legal standards, and connect context no database holds
TASK 07
Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.
AI DOES
Searches records, flags patterns, and surfaces possible links across large datasets quickly
YOU DO
Decide which connections are meaningful and build the story of what actually happened
TASK 08
Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.
AI DOES
Scans prints, finds candidate matches, and ranks them by similarity score
YOU DO
Verify the final match and take legal responsibility for the identification
TASK 09
Prepare comprehensive written reports, presentations, maps, or charts, based on research, collection, and analysis of intelligence data.
AI DOES
Drafts report sections, suggests chart formats, and summarizes large data sets quickly
YOU DO
Apply your judgment about what the data really means and what decision-makers need to know
TASK 10
Study the assets of criminal suspects to determine the flow of money from or to targeted groups.
AI DOES
Searches large financial datasets, maps money flows, and surfaces suspicious links between accounts and entities
YOU DO
Apply legal judgment, weigh source reliability, and make the final call on what the evidence actually means
TASK 11
Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
AI DOES
Drafts reports, organizes suspect files, and flags missing information
YOU DO
Verify facts and sign off on legal documents that affect someone's freedom
TASK 12
Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
AI DOES
Drafts charge documents, formats legal language, and organizes case facts
YOU DO
Verify every fact, apply investigative judgment, and take legal responsibility for filings
TASK 13
Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.
AI DOES
Flags missing details, spots inconsistencies, and suggests common follow-up questions based on report content
YOU DO
Apply street-level instinct and case context to decide which leads actually matter
TASK 14
Identify gaps in information.
AI DOES
Scans reports and data to highlight missing pieces and inconsistencies
YOU DO
Decide which gaps are truly significant given the real-world stakes and context
TASK 15
Predict future gang, organized crime, or terrorist activity, using analyses of intelligence data.
AI DOES
Scans data for patterns, flags anomalies, and summarizes trends across large intelligence datasets
YOU DO
Apply cultural knowledge, weigh source reliability, and make judgment calls on ambiguous threats
TASK 16
Study activities relating to narcotics, money laundering, gangs, auto theft rings, terrorism, or other national security threats.
AI DOES
Scans documents, flags patterns, and summarizes known threat networks from large data sets
YOU DO
Apply judgment about context, source reliability, and real-world meaning of ambiguous signals
TASK 17
Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.
AI DOES
Searches legal codes, lists common evidence needed for specific charges, and flags gaps in a case file
YOU DO
Apply street-level judgment about what evidence actually matters in this specific case and how to get it
TASK 18
Establish criminal profiles to aid in connecting criminal organizations with their members.
AI DOES
Searches records, flags connections between people and organizations, and surfaces pattern matches across large datasets
YOU DO
Apply judgment about source reliability, context, and the human factors that data alone can't reveal
TASK 19
Create sketches and diagrams, by hand or computer software, to depict crime scenes.
AI DOES
Suggests layout templates, auto-scales diagrams, and speeds up digital drawing in crime scene software
YOU DO
Decide what scene details are legally and investigatively important to capture
TASK 20
Develop defense plans or tactics, using intelligence and other information.
AI DOES
Summarizes intelligence reports, flags patterns, and drafts scenario options
YOU DO
Weigh risk, apply context, and own the final call on defense decisions
TASK 21
Conduct presentations of analytic findings.
AI DOES
Drafts slide decks, summarizes key findings, and suggests clear ways to present complex data
YOU DO
Own the room, read your audience, and answer hard questions on the spot
TASK 22
Prepare plans to intercept foreign communications transmissions.
AI DOES
Drafts plan templates, summarizes open-source signals intelligence concepts, and organizes technical parameters
YOU DO
Apply classified knowledge, legal constraints, and mission-specific judgment that only cleared analysts can provide
TASK 23
Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
AI DOES
Drafts paperwork, checks form completeness, and flags missing documentation
YOU DO
Verify chain of custody and sign off on official legal submissions
TASK 24
Gather and evaluate information, using tools such as aerial photographs, radar equipment, or sensitive radio equipment.
AI DOES
Filters large data streams, flags anomalies, and helps sort sensor outputs faster
YOU DO
Judge what the signals actually mean in a real-world context
TASK 25
Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and tests to be performed.
AI DOES
Drafts evidence submission forms and suggests relevant forensic tests based on case type
YOU DO
Verify chain of custody and decide which tests fit the specific case facts
TASK 26
Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.
AI DOES
Drafts inter-agency memos, summarizes shared case files, and highlights overlapping leads
YOU DO
Build trust across agencies and make judgment calls about what to share and when
TASK 27
Serve as technical advisor and coordinate with other law enforcement workers or legal personnel to exchange information on crime scene collection activities.
AI DOES
Drafts summaries, organizes case notes, and flags relevant precedents or protocols
YOU DO
Build trust across agencies and make judgment calls on sensitive information sharing
TASK 28
Coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services, such as citizen police academy classes and crime scene training for other officers.
AI DOES
Drafts lesson plans, training slides, quizzes, and study guides
YOU DO
Show up, demonstrate skills, and adjust teaching to the room in real time
TASK 29
Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
AI DOES
Transcribes recordings, summarizes statements, and highlights key details automatically
YOU DO
Build rapport, read body language, and decide what questions to ask in the moment
TASK 30
Gather intelligence information by field observation, confidential information sources, or public records.
AI DOES
Searches public records, news, and open-source data at high speed
YOU DO
Go into the field, build human trust, and judge source reliability in person
TASK 31
Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
AI DOES
Searches and cross-references records, flags inconsistencies in documents, and summarizes case data
YOU DO
Read body language, build trust in interviews, and make judgment calls about credibility
TASK 32SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Validate known intelligence with data from other sources.
AI DOES
Cross-references data across multiple databases quickly
YOU DO
Judge which sources actually matter
About this analysis
49% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 33
Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.
AI DOES
Helps organize notes, label photos, and suggest what details to document
YOU DO
Be present at the scene and use physical judgment to find and mark evidence
TASK 34
Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.
AI DOES
Drafts warrant language, checks legal requirements, and organizes case facts
YOU DO
Physically serve warrants and make real-time safety calls on scene
TASK 35
Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
AI DOES
Analyzes case data, flags patterns, and summarizes background information to help shape investigative options
YOU DO
Weigh legal constraints, source reliability, and real-world context to set the actual direction
TASK 36SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Collaborate with representatives from other government and intelligence organizations to share information or coordinate intelligence activities.
AI DOES
Compiles briefing materials and tracks shared intelligence
YOU DO
Build trust and judge what to share
About this analysis
45% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 37
Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.
AI DOES
Drafts notification messages and looks up contact info or legal notification rules
YOU DO
Decide who needs to be notified, when, and how based on real case details and professional judgment
TASK 38SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
AI DOES
Drafts investigation summaries from raw evidence
YOU DO
Verify facts and judge what matters
About this analysis
44% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 39
Notify command of situation and request assistance.
AI DOES
Drafts quick situation report templates and suggests key details to include
YOU DO
Assess danger level in real time and decide how fast and what to communicate
TASK 40
Maintain surveillance of establishments to obtain identifying information on suspects.
AI DOES
Analyzes footage, flags movement patterns, and cross-references faces or license plates from recorded video
YOU DO
Stay physically present, adapt to changing conditions, and make split-second decisions in the field
TASK 41
Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.
AI DOES
Helps log, track, and cross-reference evidence records in databases
YOU DO
Physically collect, package, and chain-of-custody all evidence yourself
TASK 42
Summon medical help for injured individuals and alert medical personnel to take statements from them.
AI DOES
Drafts notification messages and helps log incident details quickly
YOU DO
Stay on scene, assess injuries, and make live calls that need human authority
TASK 43
Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.
AI DOES
Transcribes wiretap audio, flags suspicious patterns in call data, and summarizes large volumes of surveillance footage metadata
YOU DO
Show up in person, build trust with sources, and make real-time judgment calls in the field
TASK 44SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Design, use, or maintain databases and software applications, such as geographic information systems (GIS) mapping and artificial intelligence tools.
AI DOES
Generates code templates and suggests optimization paths
YOU DO
Architect the system and solve unique problems
About this analysis
17% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 45SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases.
AI DOES
Searches databases and flags potential connections
YOU DO
Decide which leads matter most
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Detectives and Criminal Investigators
SOC code: 33-3021
Tasks reviewed: 45 of 67

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $93,790 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $105,480 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 114,430
Employed in Colorado: 1,930
Job outlook: −0.7% by 2034 · ~7,800 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Analyze intelligence data to identify patterns and trends in criminal activity.

Link or chart suspects to criminal organizations or events to determine activities and interrelationships.

Study communication code languages or foreign languages to translate intelligence.

Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.

Evaluate records of communications, such as telephone calls, to plot activity and determine the size and location of criminal groups and members.

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

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

Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.

Prepare comprehensive written reports, presentations, maps, or charts, based on research, collection, and analysis of intelligence data.

Study the assets of criminal suspects to determine the flow of money from or to targeted groups.

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.

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

Identify gaps in information.

Predict future gang, organized crime, or terrorist activity, using analyses of intelligence data.

Study activities relating to narcotics, money laundering, gangs, auto theft rings, terrorism, or other national security threats.

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

Establish criminal profiles to aid in connecting criminal organizations with their members.

Create sketches and diagrams, by hand or computer software, to depict crime scenes.

Develop defense plans or tactics, using intelligence and other information.

Conduct presentations of analytic findings.

Prepare plans to intercept foreign communications transmissions.

Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.

Gather and evaluate information, using tools such as aerial photographs, radar equipment, or sensitive radio equipment.

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

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

Serve as technical advisor and coordinate with other law enforcement workers or legal personnel to exchange information on crime scene collection activities.

Coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services, such as citizen police academy classes and crime scene training for other officers.

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

Gather intelligence information by field observation, confidential information sources, or public records.

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

Validate known intelligence with data from other sources.

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

Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.

Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.

Collaborate with representatives from other government and intelligence organizations to share information or coordinate intelligence activities.

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

Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.

Notify command of situation and request assistance.

Maintain surveillance of establishments to obtain identifying information on suspects.

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

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

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

Design, use, or maintain databases and software applications, such as geographic information systems (GIS) mapping and artificial intelligence tools.

Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.