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Mirna Hernandez

Professor Moore

English 1301

13 September 2018

Police Detective

For police detectives solving criminal cases is a lot like solving crossword puzzles. They

find small clues here and there until they see how it all connects. It is often both mentally and

physically demanding because some cases are more complicated than others. Working as an

investigator offers opportunities to help others in need; some say it provides closure to families

who have lost a loved one or bring justice to a community. They are responsible for looking into

crimes and determining the causes and the criminals behind the case. Police detectives gather

criminal evidence and inspect it using forensic science. “They interview informants, suspects,

and witnesses to find clues, time frames, and other possible suspects” (Police Detective Job

Description). Like mentioned before, they use forensic science. This includes things like

“keeping detailed records, bagging evidence carefully and ensuring it gets sent to the proper

department” (Police Detective Job). They also send specimens to a laboratory to obtain DNA and

find a deeper understanding of the event. Among many captivating characteristics of being a

police detective the most intriguing, are the multiple categories a detective can work as, the

reasonable amount of education needed, and the average salary a detective is given.

The variety that is within everyday lives can be exceptionally interesting. Just like we have

different types of doctors, there are varying types of detectives. The types of detectives can be

categorized by crime cases. For example, there is a cybercrime investigator; they are committed

to solve crimes via internet such as scams, the use of illegal obscene or offensive content, including
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harassment and even threats towards others. There are homicide detectives who focus mainly on

finding who committed the murder and the story of why and how. Narcotics detectives conduct

undercover operations in trying to find the main source of the narcotic distributor. Lastly, one

common type of detective can be known as a cold case detective. They “may be new detectives or

former homicide detectives who work cold cases on a volunteer or part-time basis” (Redsteer).

Most of the cases they look at are missing children or unsolved homicides. According to an article

titles “Types of Police Detectives” published by The Houston Chronicle, “Cold case detectives

may work alone, or with several other detectives if the case is considered high-profile. Cold case

detectives must review original case files, including initial statements. They also interview any

detectives who were first assigned the case, along with friends, co-workers and family members

of the missing or deceased person” (Redsteer). All police detectives work at local, state, and federal

levels. These are only a few of the many categories a detective might work in.

For those who are wanting to become a part of a police department as a police officer or a

detective, a person must have at least a high school diploma or a GED. Most agencies prefer if an

individual has an associate degree of criminal justice, criminology, psychology or others alike.

There are universities that focus mainly in criminal justice. There are over fifty schools in America

that offer great criminal science degrees. Those who have a bachelor's degree have opportunity at

an advanced placement and a higher salary, not only as a detective but really in any job within law

enforcement. Studies show that “a recruit in the Colombus police department with a bachelor's

degree will start out earning an additional $2,135 per year over a recruit without additional

schooling. A recruit with a master’s degree will earn $3,384 more per year than a recruit without

advanced education” (Why College Educated...). “The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

indicates that proficiency in a foreign language can be beneficial for aspiring detectives, especially
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in urban surroundings”, preferably Spanish (Become a Detective: Education and Career Roadmap).

As with many other skills, the effort an individual puts into the job, the more advantage a person

will gain. Although the minimal is a high school diploma or a GED, it is better to be more prepared.

A benefit of being a police detective is the salary. According to the Bureau of Labor

Statistics (BLS), as of May 2017 there are 105,350 active detectives and criminal investigators

working in the U.S with an average salary of $79,970 (BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook,

Police and Detectives). The job outlook in 2016 predicts that by 2026 there will be a 7 percent

growth. The amount an investigator makes depends on what type of case and how much experience

(s)he has. At an entry level with less than five years of experience the annual pay is around $50,000.

As individuals gain experience, they can make up to $90,000. Things that affects the annual salary

is education and the type of detective. This is good because it means there is growth, variety

throughout the career.

A police detective has many great opportunities to provide aid to those in need. They solve

cases many others might have a difficult time deciphering. They can specialize in many categories

such as homicide, drug and sex crimes, or cybercrime. Detectives need at least a high school

diploma or a GED to begin their career, and the annual salary is also something positive to look at

because there is much variation within the career. All of these are great elements because not only

does a person do it because they love law enforcement, but it also comes with many different

advantages.
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Works Cited

 “Become a Detective: Education and Career Roadmap.” Study.com, Study.com,

study.com/become_a_detective.html.

 “Detectives and Criminal Investigators.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of

Labor Statistics, 30 Mar. 2018, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333021.htm. Accessed date,

September 23, 2018

 Police Detective Careers, Jobs and Degree Information.” Criminal Justice USA,

Criminaljusticeusa.com, 12 July 2018, www.criminaljusticeusa.com/police-detective/.

 "Police Detective Job Description | Americas Job Exchange." Diversity Hiring and

OFCCP Compliance Solutions | Americas Job Exchange. Web. 27 Sep 2018.

<http://www.americasjobexchange.com/police-detective-job-description>.

 Redsteer, Andrine. "Types of Police Detectives." Work - Chron.com,

http://work.chron.com/types-police-detectives-2347.html. Accessed 27 September 2018.

 “Why College Educated Police Officers Make More Money.” PoliceOne, 1 Nov. 2016,

www.policeone.com/education/articles/237018006-Why-college-educated-police-

officers-make-more-money/.