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Detectives

Overview

Detectives are almost always plainclothes investigators who gather difficult-to-obtain information on criminal activity and other subjects. They conduct interviews and surveillance, locate missing persons and criminal suspects, examine records, and write detailed reports. Some make arrests and take part in raids. There are 110,700 police detectives and criminal investigators and 33,000 private detectives and investigators employed in the United States. 

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

About as Fast as the Average
Personality Traits

Organized

Problem-Solving

Realistic

Career Ladder
Upper-Level Management Positions

Chief Detective

Detective

Police Officer