- Investigates crimes, including fraud, trading practices and the private affairs of individuals.
- Supervises and assigns duties to security and detection staff.
- Analyses security requirements, advises clients, and develops, monitors and improves security measures.
- Photographs, fingerprints and undertakes other forms of forensic examination at the scene of a crime.
- Receives distress messages, alerts other appropriate rescue services and participates in search and rescue operations.
- Broadcasts information on weather and maritime conditions, monitors shipping and provides instruction to navigators.
- Visits racecourses, greyhound stadiums and betting shops to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
- Maintains revenue control at breweries, tobacco factories and other premises where dutiable goods are manufactured, processed or stored.
- Examines passports, visas, work permits and other immigration documents, and allows or refuses entry into the UK.
- Examines, weighs and counts goods imported by ship or aircraft, ensures that the declared value of goods is satisfactory, and that duties and taxes have been paid.