The Intriguing Path: Detectives To Law Enforcement Officers

Detectives are law enforcement officers who are responsible for conducting deep investigations of crimes to keep the public safe and educated. They are often members of a law enforcement agency, such as the police, or work privately. Detectives are usually promoted from within the police force, starting as patrol officers or first responders, and then working their way up to the rank of detective. The requirements to become a detective vary depending on the region and department but typically include a combination of education, training, and experience.

Police officers vs. detectives

Police officers and detectives are some of the most prominent figures in law enforcement, working together to ensure public safety. While they share a similar objective—protecting the greater good—their jobs and responsibilities differ quite a bit.

Police Officers

Police officers are uniformed officers that patrol communities and public areas, acting as both proactive crime fighters and deterrents. They help keep the public safe by preventing and punishing crimes. They respond to emergencies, investigate crimes in progress and in the past, and observe people and activities in their assigned areas. They also arrest anyone suspected of crimes or issue citations for those violating the law. Some police officers work only on a specific type of crime, such as narcotics, while others may work in special units, such as SWAT.

Detectives

Detectives, also known as criminal investigators, conduct deep investigations of serious crimes to keep the public safe and educated. They gather facts and collect evidence related to criminal cases, interview witnesses and victims, and extract crucial details to build a prosecutable case. They also have some administrative duties, like filing paperwork and submitting reports to a judge. Detectives are often promoted from within the ranks of police officers, so they have more experience and training than police officers. They also typically earn a higher salary.

Education and Training

The requirements to become a police officer or detective vary by state, jurisdiction, and individual employer. In general, police officers and detectives need a combination of strength, determination, report writing, and communication skills. Many federal agencies require police officers to have a college degree, such as a criminal justice degree or public safety degree. Some police academies require applicants to possess at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law, or a similar field. Detectives typically need more education and training than police officers, and some federal agencies may require them to have a bachelor's degree.

Education and experience requirements

The requirements to become a detective vary by state and local law enforcement agencies. While some departments require only a high school diploma or GED, others require some college courses or a two- or four-year college degree. For example, the Los Angeles Police Department requires a high school diploma or GED, while the New York Police Department requires 60 college credits or two years of military service. In Dallas, Texas, applicants must have 45 college credits and a 2.0 GPA, while Miami, Florida, requires a high school diploma or GED and passing a law enforcement exam.

Some police academies require applicants to possess at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law, or a similar field. Obtaining an academic degree in a subject like CSI, forensic science, or cybersecurity can enhance an individual's prospects for a career in law enforcement. Prospective detectives can also pursue an advanced degree in a law enforcement discipline like criminal justice, law enforcement administration, or forensic psychology. California State University in San Bernardino offers a bachelor of arts in criminal justice, combining research and internship opportunities with structured coursework in criminal law, statistics in criminal justice, and correctional counseling.

Most police and detectives must graduate from their agency's training academy before completing on-the-job training. Candidates usually must be at least 21 years old and meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. Training includes classroom instruction in state and local laws, constitutional law, civil rights, and police ethics, as well as supervised experience in subjects such as patrol, traffic control, firearm use, self-defense, first aid, and emergency response.

Detectives must have strong analytical and investigative skills, as well as a strong understanding of the legal system and communication skills. They must be able to interview witnesses and suspects, examine records, collect and document evidence, prepare reports, observe subjects, secure crime scenes, get arrest warrants, and serve as expert witnesses in court. Detectives gain these skills through extensive experience in law enforcement, which allows them to gain firsthand experience and practical knowledge essential for detective duties. After several years of experience, officers may be eligible for the National Detective/Investigative Test (NDIT), which assesses their readiness to become detectives.

Job duties

Detectives, also known as criminal investigators, are law enforcement officers who investigate criminal activity and solve crimes. They are typically promoted from within the police force and have a range of job duties, including:

• Gathering facts and collecting evidence related to criminal cases
• Conducting interviews with witnesses, victims, and suspects
• Examining records
• Monitoring suspects
• Participating in raids and arrests
• Writing detailed reports and keeping meticulous records
• Utilising the latest investigative technology, such as DNA matching, digital forensics, and GPS tracking
• Collaborating with other members of the department and law enforcement officials at different levels of government
• Researching the criminal histories and backgrounds of suspects
• Supervising crime scene investigations
• Assisting other detectives with follow-up investigations
• Providing information and guidance to the public/victims regarding case status and processes
• Training and mentoring rotational detectives

Detectives typically investigate serious crimes, such as assaults, robberies, and homicides. In large police departments, they may specialise in a specific type of crime, such as homicide, narcotics, or financial crimes. Detectives in smaller organisations may work on a wider variety of cases.

The requirements to become a detective vary by state, jurisdiction, and individual employer. In most cases, some college education is required, and many detectives have a degree in a law enforcement discipline like criminal justice, law enforcement administration, or forensic psychology. In some states, detectives are required to have previously served as police officers.

Salary and benefits

Salary:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators was $90,370 as of May 2021. This figure represents a significant difference of about $20,000 more than the average salary for police and sheriff's patrol officers, which stood at $70,750. The BLS further breaks down the salary figures for detectives based on the level of government they work for. Detectives working for sheriff's departments and local police departments earned an average of $78,730, while those employed by state police departments made slightly less, at $70,470 per year.

The BLS data also highlights the impact of experience and career stage on a detective's salary. Early career detectives (25th percentile) earned approximately $61,600, while those at the peak of their profession (90th percentile) could expect to make about $146,830. This wide range in salaries underscores the potential for salary growth as detectives gain experience and expertise in their field.

Other sources provide slightly different estimates for detective salaries. For instance, Glassdoor reports the national average salary for police detectives in the United States to be $67,252 as of November 2022. This figure includes a range of salaries, with the lowest being $41,498 and the highest reaching $108,988 per year. Additionally, PayScale projects the average salary for police detectives in 2025 to be $77,233. They also provide figures for early-career detectives, with those having less than a year of experience earning an average total compensation of $56,302, and those with 1-4 years of experience making $64,001 on average.

Benefits:

Law enforcement agencies often provide extensive benefits to their officers, including detectives. These benefits are designed to promote a positive work-life balance and overall well-being. Some common benefits include:

• Health and Dental Plans: Detectives and their eligible family members or domestic partners can enjoy comprehensive health and dental coverage, with contributions from the city or employing agency.
• Paid Time Off: Detectives are typically offered generous paid time off policies, including vacation days, sick leave, and family or bonding leave. For example, sworn employees may receive 15 days of vacation in their first year of service, increasing to 23 days after ten years. Additionally, they are entitled to a significant number of paid sick leave days.
• Retirement Options: Many agencies offer the opportunity for early retirement, and some, like the LAPD, have independent pension systems where both the employee and the city contribute. Detectives can also benefit from financial planning through deferred compensation plans.
• Cost of Living Adjustments: Full-time detectives often receive annual cost-of-living allowances to keep up with inflation.
• Overtime Pay: Paid overtime is standard for detectives, and some specialized units or high-risk assignments may even offer hazard pay or other incentives.
• Uniform Allowance: Agencies typically provide an allowance for uniforms and equipment required for the job.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Certain programs, like the PSLF, offer student loan forgiveness for detectives working full-time in public service roles.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Detectives may have the option to work flexible schedules, allowing for longer days and more consecutive days off.

Private detectives

In terms of qualifications, private detectives typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and several years of related work experience. Some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree. Most states in the US require private detectives to be licensed. In Canada, private investigators are licensed at the provincial level, with the eligible age to work and specific licensing requirements varying between provinces. For example, in Ontario, the eligible age is 18, while applicants must be 21 years old in British Columbia.

Frequently asked questions