In the Air Force:
Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operator; All Source Intelligence Analyst Helper; Bomber/Special Electronic Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Apprentice, E-8; Bomber/Special Electronic Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Helper, E-3 Computer/Electronic Warfare Systems; Bomber/Special Electronic Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Journeyman, E-3 Computer/Electronic Warfare Systems; Cryptologic Analyst and Reporter Helper; Explosive Ordnance Disposal; Human Intelligence Specialist Craftsman; Security Forces Helper, Military Working Dog Handler; Special Investigations Journeyman
In the Army:
Area Intelligence Technician; CID Special Agent; Combat Medic Specialist; Counter-Intelligence Technician; Human Intelligence Collection Technician; Intelligence Analyst; Military Police; Senior Military Police Sergeant; Signals Intelligence Analyst; Special Forces Weapons Sergeant; Unit Supply Specialist
In the Coast Guard:
Criminal Investigator; Intelligence Specialist; Investigations; Investigator; Marine Safety Specialist Response; Maritime Enforcement Specialist; Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist
In the Marine Corps:
Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) Specialist; Criminal Investigation Officer; Criminal Investigator CID Agent; Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician; Forensic Psycho-physiologist (Polygraph Examiner); Intelligence Specialist; Military Police; Military Police Investigator; Military Police Officer; Traffic Management and Collision Investigator
In the Navy:
Afloat Security Specialist; CWO - Intelligence; Defense Interrogator; Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Individual Augmentee/In Lieu Of (IA/ILO) Detainee Operations Interrogator; Intelligence Specialist; LDO - Security; Law Enforcement and Security Officer, Shore Activity; Master-At-Arms; Military Investigator; Navy Tactical Counter-Intelligence and Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) Specialist; RL - Special Duty Officer - Intelligence Officer
Whether on foot, wheels, or horseback, detectives and police officers are alert for any threat to public safety, ready to respond at a moment’s notice when a need occurs. Police and sheriff’s officers protect lives and property. They respond to emergency and patrol their assigned area for signs of criminal activity. They wear recognizable uniforms, and may conduct searches and arrest suspected criminals. Some officers specialize in one type of crime, such as narcotics. Detectives and criminal investigators, or agents, gather facts and evidence of possible crimes. They conduct interviews, observe the activities of suspects, and participate in raids and arrests. Detectives often wear plain clothes, and usually specialize in investigating one type of crime, such as homicide or fraud. Transit and railroad police patrol railroad yards and transit stations to prevent thefts and protect property. Police and detective work requires patience, and paperwork; officers document every incident in detail, and must be ready to testify in court. Most officers carry law enforcement tools, such as radios, handcuffs, and firearms. Police and detective work can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous; injuries are common. Despite working shifts around the clock and dealing with life-threatening situations, officers must stay calm, think clearly, and use good judgment at all times. Most positions require graduation from a law enforcement agency’s training academy and extensive on-the-job training. Police officers and detectives need a license to carry firearms and enforce the law. Typically, candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years old, and in excellent physical and mental health, with no felony convictions.
What they do:
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
On the job, you would:
Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
Safety and Government
law and government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
administrative services
Math and Science
psychology
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
understanding people's reactions
changing what is done based on other people's actions
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
notice when problems happen
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
quickly know what you are looking at
Attention
do two or more things at the same time
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Self Control
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
Attention to Detail
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Graphics software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
high school diploma/GED or associate's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
In the military:
see titles from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy.
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