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