They conduct interviews, examine records, monitor suspects, and participate in raids and arrests. Detectives typically investigate serious crimes, such as assaults, robberies, and homicides. In large police departments, detectives usually specialize in investigating one type of crime, such as homicide or fraud.

What do detectives actually do?

Police detectives, also called criminal investigators, investigate crimes such as arson, homicide, robbery, vandalism, fraud, burglary, and assault. They interview witnesses and victims, gather evidence, prepare search and arrest warrants, question suspects, make arrests, and when necessary, testify in court.

Does a detective get paid?

The BLS reports that as of May 2016, the average annual pay of a police detective was $81,490 a year, and the median income was $78,120 a year. Fifty percent of police investigators earned between $55,180 and $103,330 a year.