Organizational demands and constraints generate a distinctive work orientation for the frequent crimes of burglary and robbery. Detectives select out for vigorous effort readily solvable cases while devoting only cursory effort to the remaining cases. Case stereotypes also function to provide standard approaches for the handling of assault, rape, and homicide incidents which display typical features. Investigative work in the department studied was vigorous and methodical in only a small percentage of the cases handled. If the victim or witnesses are able to provide potentially identifying information in burglary and robbery incidents, the case will be vigorously pursued. In the great majority of cases, such information is not available and minimal effort is devoted to the case. The relatively small portion of incidents categorized as major cases receive a higher level of investigative effort and a wider variety of investigative techniques are used. Case-handling methods also vary according to the victim's social status. In certain neighborhoods, methodical investigative procedures, such as an area canvass, seldom are undertaken because of the belief they would prove fruitless. A work orientation emphasizing practicality and productivity encourages this substitution of assumptions for information gathering. Thirteen references are listed. (Author summary modified)