Police detective
Also known as: detective inspector, detective superintendent, detective constable, chief detective
About this occupation
Police detectives gather and compile evidence which assists them in the solution of crimes. They use investigative techniques to gather evidence, and interview all parties connected to their line of enquiry, and cooperate with other police department divisions to gather the evidence.
Essential skills and knowledge
- conduct research interview
- ensure law application
- examine crime scenes
- lead police investigations
- handle evidence
- form operational strategies for law enforcement
- investigation research methods
- legal use-of-force
- hear witness accounts
- analyse legal evidence
- develop investigation strategy
- criminology
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives (O*NET 33-1012.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Supervise and coordinate the investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensuring that procedures are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations.
- Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.
- Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.
- Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.
- Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.
- Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness
US median pay: US$106,040 a year (2025), 154,610 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentExtremely important (4.5)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.8)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
- Transit and Railroad Police
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
- First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Correctional Officers and Jailers
- Bailiffs
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.