Investigating detectives who are focusing on individual cases become aware of patterns that may aid crime prevention and reveal problems that may be endemic in the larger community. Three areas in which problem-oriented investigation could improve are: (1) increased collaboration; (2) a shifting of the focus from cases to problems; and (3) more inherent use of modus operandi files and other data sources. Issues to address when trying to integrate problem solving into the investigative function more formally include several procedural changes. These procedural issues include the centralized or geographic assignment of detectives, the chain of command, generalization, teamwork, case prioritization and assignment of cases, the inclusion of citizen volunteers in the investigative process, the forging of interagency linkages, technology. Functional changes to address include the development of alternatives to arrest, community outreach and education, and training and cross-training. Incorporating problem solving into investigations offers several benefits. Decision points during this process include call prioritization procedures and field response calls, more effective screening of cases for assignment, and refinement of procedures for selecting, promoting, and evaluating investigators. Case examples, chart on police agencies using this approach, and 4 references