What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Detectives and Criminal Investigators in the U.S. earn more than $93,790 a year — the middle 80% land between $55,390 and $160,540. About 114,430 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Detectives and Criminal Investigators”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Service and sales workers earn about ₹15,575 a month on average — around ₹1.9 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$93,790typical pay / year
114,430people in this work
$160,540+top 10% earn
₹1.9 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Protecting2
Photograph evidence
+Photograph the bloodied handgun, cartridge cases on the living room rug, and a 3cm laceration on the victim's…
Photograph evidence
+Photograph the bloodied handgun, cartridge cases on the living room rug, and a 3cm laceration on the victim's temple with scale and multiple angles, verify exposure and metadata, then upload the RAW files to the case folder and log chain-of-custody.
The tools that do the workDataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScenejob descriptionsO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Take fingerprints.
+Lift and photograph latent prints from the front door handle, dresser drawer and kitchen tap using powder and…
Take fingerprints.
+Lift and photograph latent prints from the front door handle, dresser drawer and kitchen tap using powder and tape, record sequence and technician initials, scan the high-resolution impressions and attach them to the suspect file for comparison.
The tools that do the workDeChant Consulting Services iWitnessjob descriptionsO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
The daily work18
Package, store and retrieve evidence.
+Package the burglary evidence kit, seal each item in numbered evidence bags with chain-of-custody tags, log…
Package, store and retrieve evidence.
+Package the burglary evidence kit, seal each item in numbered evidence bags with chain-of-custody tags, log entries in the unit evidence log, store the kit in cold evidence locker B2, and retrieve it for Detective Morales' lab drop-off on Monday morning after confirming all seals and signatures.
The tools that do the workDataWorks Plus Digital CrimeSceneO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
+Dust the living room doorway, window ledge, and kitchen sink for latent prints, lift any developed prints…
Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
+Dust the living room doorway, window ledge, and kitchen sink for latent prints, lift any developed prints onto numbered cards using adhesive lifters, photograph each lift with scale, place cards into paper evidence envelopes, and document preservation steps before transporting to the lab.
The tools that do the workDeChant Consulting Services iWitnessO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Perform emergency work during off-hours.
+Respond to tonight's priority scene, conduct immediate scene security and lifesaving checks, document initial…
Perform emergency work during off-hours.
+Respond to tonight's priority scene, conduct immediate scene security and lifesaving checks, document initial observations and scene integrity, collect perishable evidence under emergency protocol, log actions in the incident log, and notify on-call detective before handing scene back.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Interview survivors, witnesses, suspects, and other law enforcement personnel.
+Interview the surviving witness and the neighbor who heard the altercation, use open questions to establish…
Interview survivors, witnesses, suspects, and other law enforcement personnel.
+Interview the surviving witness and the neighbor who heard the altercation, use open questions to establish timeline, record the session with consent, note inconsistencies and stress indicators, obtain signed witness statements, and notify the lead detective of any admission or probable cause.
The tools that do the workDeChant Consulting Services iWitnessO*NET
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Apprehend offenders
+Apprehend the suspect observed near the scene using arrest team procedures, advise them of their rights,…
Apprehend offenders
+Apprehend the suspect observed near the scene using arrest team procedures, advise them of their rights, secure any weapons, photograph and inventory personal effects, transport to booking while documenting use-of-force decisions and notifying supervising officer.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordESCO
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Perform patrol activities
+Conduct the evening patrol of assigned sector on foot and in vehicle, check known hot-spot addresses, make…
Perform patrol activities
+Conduct the evening patrol of assigned sector on foot and in vehicle, check known hot-spot addresses, make contact with unsecured businesses, log observations and suspicious activity in the shift log, and immediately report any scene requiring CSI response.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelESCO
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Use different communication channels
+Notify dispatch, patrol sergeant Jaime Ortiz, and the on-call detective by text, radio and email that I am at…
Use different communication channels
+Notify dispatch, patrol sergeant Jaime Ortiz, and the on-call detective by text, radio and email that I am at 412 Maple with a secured perimeter, list visible hazards and evidence locations, and request a K9 and traffic control within ten minutes.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Apply first response
+Record arrival time, initial observations, and life signs of victims on the incident log, secure the scene,…
Apply first response
+Record arrival time, initial observations, and life signs of victims on the incident log, secure the scene, notify medics and the lead investigator Sergeant Kim, and preserve the primary evidence path before any other unit enters.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Comply with the principles of self-defence
+Assess immediate threats, create a defensive posture that keeps myself and bystanders safe, announce presence…
Comply with the principles of self-defence
+Assess immediate threats, create a defensive posture that keeps myself and bystanders safe, announce presence and orders loudly, call for backup if force may be necessary, and document the justification and proportional steps taken.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Road traffic laws
+Confirm traffic flow risks, set up cones and warning signs, notify highway patrol and towing, photograph…
Road traffic laws
+Confirm traffic flow risks, set up cones and warning signs, notify highway patrol and towing, photograph vehicle positions and skid marks, and log road closures and estimated re-opening time for the duty roster.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Detain offenders
+When detaining a suspect, announce the grounds for detention, secure hands behind the back using approved…
Detain offenders
+When detaining a suspect, announce the grounds for detention, secure hands behind the back using approved restraints, search for weapons with a witness present, inform them of custody rights, and radio for transport and booking instructions.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Ensure compliance with types of weapons
+Inventory and photograph any weapon at scene, tag make/model and serial if present, check legal restrictions…
Ensure compliance with types of weapons
+Inventory and photograph any weapon at scene, tag make/model and serial if present, check legal restrictions and notify ballistics unit, secure items in evidence locker with chain-of-custody labels and log for prosecution use.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Provide support to victimised parties
+Arrange face-to-face support for the two adults and one teenage witness from 14:00 to 15:30 today at the…
Provide support to victimised parties
+Arrange face-to-face support for the two adults and one teenage witness from 14:00 to 15:30 today at the station victim suite, bring the incident summary, evidence log and contact details, and confirm a family liaison officer will attend.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelESCO
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Fulfil administrative duties
+Complete and file the scene administrative pack for incident 2026-0789 before shift end: intake form,…
Fulfil administrative duties
+Complete and file the scene administrative pack for incident 2026-0789 before shift end: intake form, chain-of-custody sheets, evidence inventory and booking receipts, then email the duty supervisor the folder reference and location.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft OfficeMicrosoft ExcelESCO
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Ensure law application
+Review the statutory powers and arrest guidance applicable to this burglary report, note any breaches of…
Ensure law application
+Review the statutory powers and arrest guidance applicable to this burglary report, note any breaches of procedure by responding officers, prepare a short briefing for the sergeant and list required witness cautions and next legal steps.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
First response
+Attend the scene immediately as first responder, secure the perimeter, conduct a rapid hazards sweep,…
First response
+Attend the scene immediately as first responder, secure the perimeter, conduct a rapid hazards sweep, preserve affected areas for forensic entry and radio command with initial observations and ETA for evidence team.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Legal use-of-force
+Assess the use-of-force report from last night, verify all force options were proportionate and documented,…
Legal use-of-force
+Assess the use-of-force report from last night, verify all force options were proportionate and documented, interview the two officers involved and produce a findings note for professional standards by Wednesday.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Patrol areas
+Schedule and run a foot patrol of the high-rise block during the 18:00–20:00 shift, log door-to-door checks,…
Patrol areas
+Schedule and run a foot patrol of the high-rise block during the 18:00–20:00 shift, log door-to-door checks, photograph any open entrances, and submit a patrol report with location pins and times to sector control.
Pasted it? Good. When the reply comes back, push once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part. — Did this prompt help?
Says who?
These are the pages we read to build this. Open any of them and check us.
The logs, files & records this job keeps
Shared with other careers — the same record means something different in each.
Related careers
Same family of work — each with its own tasks and prompts.
The LLOS Work Atlas is the world's largest evidenced task library — a map of human work, with a ready prompt behind every task. 1,774 careers · every task named by the sources that witnessed it — O*NET, ESCO, real job descriptions, Wikipedia — and the deepest tasks by several at once. And it is honest about limits: where AI cannot help, the map says so.
The rest of the map
Same library, five ways in.
Copyright © LLOS.ai · 2026 — original pedagogy, voice, and design — all rights reserved.
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses