What does a Police Detective do?
Published 3 min read
A police detective is a sworn law enforcement officer who investigates crimes. Detectives are often members of a police department's detective bureau.
Police Detective job duties include:
- Investigate crimes by interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and following leads
- Gather information about suspects by interviewing victims and witnesses and conducting surveillance
- Write reports documenting findings from investigations
- Present cases to prosecutors
- Testify in court as needed
- Work with police officers, crime scene investigators, and forensic scientists to solve crimes
- Use computers to run background checks, keep records, and conduct investigations
- Maintain contact with informants and develop new ones
- Participate in undercover operations to apprehend criminals
- Drive patrol car or motorcycle to respond to calls for service
Police Detective Job Requirements
Police detectives typically have at least a high school diploma, although many have college degrees, and some have advanced degrees. They must complete police academy training, which lasts between six and twelve weeks. After completing academy training, they must complete on-the-job training, which lasts up to three years. Police detectives must be certified by the state in which they work. They must also have experience working as a police officer.
Police Detective Skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Observation skills
- Writing skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Research skills
- Interviewing skills
- Interrogation skills
- Evidence-gathering skills
- Testimony skills
- Courtroom skills
Related: Top Police Detective Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Police Detective
There is no one formula for becoming a police detective, but there are some common steps that many people take. The first step is usually to become a police officer. Once you have become a police officer, you will likely have the opportunity to apply for detective positions as they open up. To be successful in this role, it is important to have strong investigative skills, good communication skills, and the ability to think critically.
If you are interested in becoming a police detective, the first step is to become a police officer. Once you have completed your training and worked as an officer for a few years, you can then apply for detective positions as they open up. To be successful in this role, it is important to have strong investigative skills, good communication skills, and the ability to think critically.
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