Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
State and local government
Federal Government
Private for profit
Self-employed
Private not for profit
Overall employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 63,000 openings for police and detectives are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC TestData supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.