Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (10%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 13 (43%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 14 (47%)

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