Detective Job Description

All the cop shows on television have really glamorized this profession, but let it not take away the seriousness of this job. Detectives are the ones who solve all the crimes. They have an extremely important task at hand and this profession is quite high-risk. For more detailed information, read the detective job description we have given for you.

The detectives are the first people at any given crime scene. They, along with the forensic experts are to collect evidence from the scene that will help them solve the crime. They have to use their experience and intelligence is solving these crimes.

The detectives have to know a lot about the psyche of a criminal. Some of the detectives study the subject of psychology. They also have to know all the latest developments in the forensics, as they are quite useful in solving crimes. This is just a small part of the detective job description, they are many more duties. If no criminal is found for a crime, the detectives first have to gather all forensic evidence, then they have to make a list of suspects, the suspects are then called in for questioning, and if found guilty, they are charged with the crime by the detectives. The detectives are in charge of making the charge sheets and submitting them to judges.

Before they arrest anyone, or search someone's place, they have to get warrants from court judges to do so. This is important because if they retrieve any evidence illegally, the judge can dismiss the evidence and the suspect could be released.

All detectives first start off as policemen, after some good work, they are recommended for promotion and they sit for the mandatory detective's test. The detectives are assigned to police departments of different jurisdictions, and they are headed by a station captain. For more duties, read the detective job description given below in detail.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Detective

They have to reach the crime scene and start collecting evidence
They have to keep all the evidence safe and make records and reports of them
They make list of suspects and star gathering evidence against them
If they have to search someone else's property, they should obtain warrants from judges
If they find good and dependable evidence against a suspect, they can call them in for questioning
If found guilty, they have to take them into custody and read them their rights
If required, they have to testify in court against the suspect
If they are unable find the real culprit, they have to keep searching for the perpetrator and not let the case become cold
The detectives have to be in touch with the families of the victim
They have help them out in all the legal formalities
The detectives have to train the new detectives
They are dressed in plain clothes as it is easier for them to blend in
They have to abide by the law all the time

Education required for the post of Detective

They need to have a college degree, a degree in the relevant field is more helpful
They need to first become a police officer and gain experience
They have to clear the detectives exam

Career Advancement

Detectives get promoted to the posts of senior detectives and captains. They get a substantial hike in the pay and benefits.

The detective job description gives a good idea on how important this job is for the preservation of civil society.