In the Air Force:
Human Intelligence Specialist; Human Intelligence Specialist Craftsman; Security Forces; Security Forces Apprentice, Combat Arms; Security Forces Craftsman; Security Forces Helper, Combat Arms; Security Forces Journeyman, Combat Arms; Security Forces Superintendent; Special Investigations Craftsman; Special Investigations Journeyman; Special Investigations Superintendent
In the Army:
CID Special Agent; Combat Engineer; Combat Medic Specialist; Counter Intelligence Agent; Counter-Intelligence Technician; Human Intelligence Collector; Intelligence Analyst; Military Police; Senior Military Police Sergeant; Unit Supply Specialist
In the Coast Guard:
Investigations; Investigator; Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist
In the Marine Corps:
Criminal Investigation Officer; Criminal Investigator CID Agent; Forensic Psycho-physiologist (Polygraph Examiner); Military Police; Military Police Investigator; Military Police Officer
In the Navy:
Afloat Security Specialist; Intelligence Investigations Officer; Law Enforcement and Security Officer, Afloat; Law Enforcement and Security Officer, Shore Activity; Law Enforcement and Security Officer, Staff; Master-At-Arms; Military Criminal Investigator; Military Investigator; Naval Criminal Investigative Service Operations Specialist
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:
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
On the job, you would:
Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
Package, store and retrieve evidence.
Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
Safety and Government
law and government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
administrative services
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
read and understand what is written
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
order or arrange things
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Initiative
Stress Tolerance
You might use software like this on the job:
Graphics or photo imaging software
DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
Digital Image Management Solutions Crime Scene
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
associate's degree or bachelor's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.