Police consulting can refer to two distinct fields: the first is similar to general consulting, in which a law enforcement-specific firm is contracted by and focuses on improving the efficiency and performance of a police department or branch of law enforcement. The responsibilities of these types of consultants are to audit and analyze employment, performance records, and other datasets related to police department conduct and operations and then develop detailed recommendations about how to improve efficiency, performance, and service delivery. Another form of can police consulting is when an independent consultant is hired by a department to perform investigatory duties related to solving or prosecuting a criminal case. Typically, these jobs are filled by former police officers, private investigators, or forensic specialists.