What Does it Take to Be a Police Detective?
Example of Police Detective Job Conduct investigations to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases.
Daily Life Of a Police Detective
- Observe and photograph narcotic purchase transactions to compile evidence and protect undercover investigators.
- Question individuals or observe persons and establishments to confirm information given to patrol officers.
- Note, mark, and photograph location of objects found, such as footprints, tire tracks, bullets and bloodstains, and take measurements of the scene.
- Participate or assist in raids and arrests.
- Examine crime scenes to obtain clues and evidence, such as loose hairs, fibers, clothing, or weapons.
- Obtain evidence from suspects.
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Police Detective Skills
When polled, Police Detectives say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles
- Drug Enforcement Agent
- Crime Scene Cleanup Supervisor
- Crime Scene Supervisor
- City Detective
- Station Detective
What Kind of Police Detective Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 110,900 jobs in the United States for Police Detective. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Police Detective by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,500 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Police Detective are Nevada, Utah, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Police Detectives Salary
The salary for Police Detectives ranges between about $43,800 and $138,860 a year.
Police Detectives who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Police Detectives make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,750 |
| Alaska | $118,360 |
| Arizona | $81,810 |
| Arkansas | $60,340 |
| California | $107,120 |
| Colorado | $87,280 |
| Connecticut | $90,470 |
| Delaware | $89,930 |
| District of Columbia | $122,460 |
| Florida | $76,560 |
| Georgia | $66,430 |
| Hawaii | $107,010 |
| Idaho | $73,510 |
| Illinois | $87,470 |
| Indiana | $75,150 |
| Iowa | $73,320 |
| Kansas | $62,260 |
| Kentucky | $71,300 |
| Louisiana | $65,090 |
| Maine | $70,620 |
| Maryland | $102,370 |
| Massachusetts | $101,800 |
| Michigan | $86,580 |
| Minnesota | $76,640 |
| Mississippi | $64,150 |
| Missouri | $70,860 |
| Montana | $81,210 |
| Nebraska | $73,480 |
| Nevada | $87,680 |
| New Hampshire | $80,370 |
| New Jersey | $102,600 |
| New Mexico | $77,890 |
| New York | $91,250 |
| North Carolina | $60,810 |
| North Dakota | $84,340 |
| Ohio | $75,310 |
| Oklahoma | $66,130 |
| Oregon | $93,840 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,730 |
| Rhode Island | $86,580 |
| South Carolina | $60,420 |
| South Dakota | $72,050 |
| Tennessee | $71,940 |
| Texas | $79,950 |
| Utah | $80,840 |
| Vermont | $83,060 |
| Virginia | $98,850 |
| Washington | $85,440 |
| West Virginia | $86,340 |
| Wisconsin | $76,590 |
| Wyoming | $81,750 |
What Tools do Police Detectives Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Police Detectives:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Publisher
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Corel WordPerfect
- National Crime Information Center NCIC database
- Law enforcement information databases
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
- National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
- SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal
- The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
- DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
- Crime mapping software
How do I Become a Police Detective?
Learn what Police Detective education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Police Detective?
Police Detectives Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Police Detectives employed by various industries.
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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