Types of Police Detectives
Generally, detectives must have experience working as patrol officers, or as law enforcement officers in some other capacity, before being promoted to detective. Once promoted, detectives may work in a number of different types of detective work; it generally depends on the needs of the particular police force. For example, if a police department has a large number unsolved missing persons cases, a detective may start out on a cold case squad.
Cyber Crimes Detectives
Cyber crimes detectives investigate crimes committed via the internet, or computer-based crimes. A cyber crimes detective may monitor chat rooms to prevent crimes against children, or conduct investigations based on information obtained regarding identity theft, Internet-based scams, and intellectual property infringement. These types of detectives in law enforcement are required to take courses in computer investigation and computer processes. Local police departments and the Federal Bureau of Investigations employ cyber crimes detectives.
Homicide Detectives
Homicide detectives conduct investigations on cases where someone has died and foul play is suspected, as explained by Indeed Career Guide. These detectives may work in pairs, or with several other homicide detectives, but it's common for one detective to be given ultimate responsibility for overseeing a particular investigation. Homicide detectives investigate crime scenes and conduct interviews with witnesses, friends and family members. Job responsibilities also include working with local prosecutors and proffering court testimony.
Narcotics Detectives
Narcotics detectives work at the local, state and federal level. These detectives conduct undercover operations and investigate the sale and purchase of illegal narcotics. Narcotics detectives may also investigate cases involving drug-related offenses to check for connections to suspected drug dealers. Other job responsibilities include infiltrating drug trafficking groups and providing testimony regarding undercover investigations and witnessed drug purchases.
Cold Case Detectives
Cold case detectives may be new detectives or former homicide detectives who work cold cases on a volunteer or part-time basis. These types of detective jobs may work at the local, state and federal level investigating cases involving missing children and adults, or unsolved homicides. 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.
Police Detective Salary and Outlook
Income potential of the different types of detectives and their salaries depends on rank and years of experience. Because they paid their dues as rookies and entry-level patrol officers, they generally earn higher salaries than other police officers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that detectives and criminal investigators earned a median annual salary of $86,940 in 2020, which is much higher than the median salary of $65,540 earned by police officers.
The BLS further projects that demand for police and detective jobs will be near the national average between 2020 and 2030. Public safety and crime prevention will continue to be an important societal need, but state and local funding for law enforcement agencies may temper growth of this occupation.
References
Writer Bio
Andrine Redsteer's writing on tribal gaming has been published in "The Guardian" and she continues to write about reservation economic development. Redsteer holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts in Native American studies from Montana State University and a Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law.