Will AI replace Detectives and Criminal Investigators?

AI can do 64% of the work Detectives and Criminal Investigators do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 1 of their 30 tasks, while 15 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 4 physical tasks. 10 still need a person.

AI is already doing this1 · 10% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.Mostly assisted10% of time

AI could do this next15 · 54% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.10% of time
  • Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.8% of time
  • Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.5% of time
  • Examine records and governmental agency files to find identifying data about suspects.5% of time
  • Analyze completed police reports to determine what additional information and investigative work is needed.4% of time
  • Collaborate with other offices and agencies to exchange information and coordinate activities.4% of time
  • Determine scope, timing, and direction of investigations.3% of time
  • Maintain surveillance of establishments to obtain identifying information on suspects.3% of time
  • Examine records to locate links in chains of evidence or information.3% of time
  • Obtain summary of incident from officer in charge at crime scene, taking care to avoid disturbing evidence.2% of time
  • Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and tests to be performed.1% of time
  • Organize scene search, assigning specific tasks and areas of search to individual officers and obtaining adequate lighting as necessary.1% of time
  • Notify command of situation and request assistance.1% of time
  • Notify, or request notification of, medical examiner or district attorney representative.1% of time
  • Summon medical help for injured individuals and alert medical personnel to take statements from them.under 1% of time

Robots can technically do this4 · 8% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Preserve, process, and analyze items of evidence obtained from crime scenes and suspects, placing them in proper containers and destroying evidence no longer needed.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.Robots: purpose built settings2% of time
  • Block or rope off scene and check perimeter to ensure that entire scene is secured.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.Robots: purpose built settingsunder 1% of time

Still needs a person10 · 29% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or by analyzing records.5% of time
  • Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants.4% of time
  • Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.3% of time
  • Identify case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations.3% of time
  • Participate or assist in raids and arrests.3% of time
  • Testify before grand juries concerning criminal activity investigations.2% of time
  • Search for and collect evidence, such as fingerprints, using investigative equipment.2% of time
  • Perform undercover assignments and maintain surveillance, including monitoring authorized wiretaps.2% of time
  • Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.1% of time
  • Secure persons at scene, keeping witnesses from conversing or leaving the scene before investigators arrive.1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 7 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.

What to do next

  • Do the 1 task AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 15 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 4 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 10 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Police Identification and Records Officers58%Intelligence Analysts82%Customs and Border Protection Officers59%Correctional Officers and Jailers58%Parking Enforcement Workers72%Transit and Railroad Police80%

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