• Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
• Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.
• Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.
• Investigate organized crime, public corruption, financial crime, copyright infringement, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and other violations of federal or state statutes.
• Record evidence and documents, using equipment such as cameras and photocopy machines.
• Obtain and use search and arrest warrants.
• Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.
• Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.
• Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
• Collect and record physical information about arrested suspects, including fingerprints, height and weight measurements, and photographs.
• Analyze evidence in laboratories or in the field.
• Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.
• Develop relationships with informants to obtain information related to cases.
• Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.
• Collaborate with other authorities on activities, such as surveillance, transcription, and research.
• Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.
• Serve subpoenas or other official papers.
• Compare crime scene fingerprints with those from suspects or fingerprint files to identify perpetrators, using computers.
• Manage security programs designed to protect personnel, facilities, and information.
• Provide protection for individuals, such as government leaders, political candidates, and visiting foreign dignitaries.
• Administer counterterrorism and counternarcotics reward programs.
• Issue security clearances.

• Data base user interface and query software — Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS; Law enforcement information databases; National Crime Information Center NCIC database; National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
• Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook
• Graphics or photo imaging software — Computer aided composite drawing software; Graphics software
• Internet browser software — Web browser software
• Map creation software — Crime mapping software; ESRI ArcView
• Office suite software — Corel WordPerfect; Microsoft Office
• Project management software — Case management software
• Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software — Microsoft Word

Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
• Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
• Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
• Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.