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Detectives Job Overview

Detectives primarily collect facts and evidence in relation to criminal cases. They conduct interviews, examine records, observe the activities of suspects and are also involved in raids and arrests. They usually specialize in investigating a particular kind of violation, such as homicide or fraud. Detectives are assigned cases on a rotational basis and work on them until an arrest and conviction is made, or until the case is dropped. They work in state and local police departments as well as in federal agencies. Detectives are also responsible for writing reports and maintaining thorough records that can used in judicial proceedings.

Detectives Schools and Degrees

Detectives usually have a high school education and many of them are college graduates. A number of colleges and universities offer programs in law enforcement or justice administration. Courses in criminal justice and police science can also be helpful for those wishing to pursue the profession. One can enter the occupation directly after graduation from college, generally with an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or police science. However, most skills are learned while on the job.

Job Requirements

The appointment of detectives is governed by civil service regulations in most places. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and be older than 20 years old. They have to clear a background check and pass a physical examination, which tests vision, hearing, strength and agility. Detectives are required to have a license in every state. However, licensing requirements vary from one state to the other.

In addition to educational qualifications, detectives should possess qualities like ingenuity, persistence and assertiveness. They should be able to communicate well and take decisions independently. Personal characteristics such as honesty, sound judgment, integrity and a sense of responsibility are very important. Detectives should acquire good interviewing and interrogation skills. They should be able to present the facts in a believable manner in front of the jury.

Nature of Work

The work of detectives can often prove to be very dangerous and stressful. Being alert and prepared to deal with threatening situations is extremely necessary. Detectives are usually scheduled to work 40 hours a week, but they often work longer and irregular hours.

Detectives Jobs and Outlook

According to research in 2006, around 30 percent of the detectives in the US were self employed. Employment is the highest in the following industries:

• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
• Federal Executive Branch
• Local Government
• Postal Service
• State Government

The mean hourly wage for detectives in the US is about $30.05, while the mean annual wages are around $62,500. The employment of detectives is expected to increase by 18 percent in the next ten years.

Job Numbers and Growth

There are an estimated 106,000 detectives nationally. Most recently, workers have experienced a very low level of joblessness. An estimated 1% of employees did not have employment in 2008.

Area Job Conditions

Employees -of-a-feather seem to flock to Laredo (Texas), Yuma (Arizona), and Brunswick (Georgia). They are less likely to be found around Bakersfield (California), Provo (Utah), and Bethesda (Maryland).

Compensation of detectives is best in Edison (New Jersey), Oakland (California), and San Jose (California), and much worse in Jefferson City (Missouri), Spartanburg (South Carolina), and Monroe (Louisiana).

Training and Education

Workers often find employers are looking for work experience in a related occupation. Employees, in 54% of cases, have bachelor's degree or higher. After high school, 35% of detectives pursued some additional career education. Workers, in 10% of cases, had only a high school education. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

Detectives employed part-time are 2% of the total.

Detectives by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Alabama

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin