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Police Detectives

Also called: Detective, Fugitive Detective, Investigator, Police Detective

Where in the military? In the military: see titles from the Army, Marine Corps, or Navy.

What they do:
Conduct investigations to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases.
On the job, you would:
  • Provide testimony as a witness in court.
  • Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
  • Examine crime scenes to obtain clues and evidence, such as loose hairs, fibers, clothing, or weapons.

Knowledge

Safety and Government
  • law and government
  • public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Math and Science
  • psychology
Business
  • customer service

Skills

Basic Skills
  • talking to others
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
  • understanding people's reactions
  • bringing people together to solve differences

Abilities

Verbal
  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
  • notice when problems happen
  • use rules to solve problems
Attention
  • pay attention to something without being distracted
  • do two or more things at the same time
Hearing and Speech
  • recognize spoken words

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Initiative

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Graphics or photo imaging software
  • DeChant Consulting Services iWitness
  • DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
Data base user interface and query software
  • DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene
  • Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
high school diploma or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$71,770
per year, on average
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about police detectives.