4 answers
Peter
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
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What is the mean different between a detective and a police officer?
My dream job is to work for the police. But I don't know what job...
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4 answers
Joel Lozano
San Jose Police Officer
3
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Joel’s Answer
The title “Detective” is a subset of a “law enforcement officer” or “police officer” title. Just as every person in the Army is a soldier and every person in the Air Force is an airman, there are a litany of ranks and titles within those overarching titles. In some agencies, being a detective is a lateral move. In others, it is a promotion. Rarely is a detective hired directly into the position without having police patrol or equal basic investigative experience. One notable exception to this is most Federal law enforcement officers, who are considered “agents.” Their role is similar to that of a local city or county law enforcement detective.
A detective usually investigates cases that another law enforcement officer already began. For example, a felony crime occurs. A police officer gathers statements from the victim and witnesses, video footage is collected as evidence for an unidentified suspect. The case is then forwarded to the investigating detective who attempts to exhaust all leads to identifying and locating the suspect. Usually someone with a tactical or undercover title will apprehend the suspect later once identified and there is probable cause to arrest, or a warrant for the arrest has been coordinated and approved through a judge.
To apply to be a detective, one must set themselves apart from their peers in investigating crimes. A few years on regular police patrol (proactive stops and calls for service) usually results in the necessary experience to reach this point of applying and interviewing for the title of detective.
Other career paths within police or law enforcement officers include SWAT team, undercover officers, intelligence, narcotics, and a few others.
A detective usually investigates cases that another law enforcement officer already began. For example, a felony crime occurs. A police officer gathers statements from the victim and witnesses, video footage is collected as evidence for an unidentified suspect. The case is then forwarded to the investigating detective who attempts to exhaust all leads to identifying and locating the suspect. Usually someone with a tactical or undercover title will apprehend the suspect later once identified and there is probable cause to arrest, or a warrant for the arrest has been coordinated and approved through a judge.
To apply to be a detective, one must set themselves apart from their peers in investigating crimes. A few years on regular police patrol (proactive stops and calls for service) usually results in the necessary experience to reach this point of applying and interviewing for the title of detective.
Other career paths within police or law enforcement officers include SWAT team, undercover officers, intelligence, narcotics, and a few others.
By the way my assignment has changed since answering the question above. If anyone is interested in doing any of the things I've described above, I am now helping out with the San Jose Police Department recruiting unit and I'd be happy to further assist anyone in state or out of state who has interest. Here's a resource for our specific department: https://www.sjpdyou.com/
Joel Lozano
Dave Garcia
Senior Detective
4
Answers
El Monte, California
Updated
Dave’s Answer
What Joel said is spot on. When you join a police department or a sheriff's office everyone is a police officer or a deputy sheriff repectively.
I personally think that a patrol officer is the most important assignment in any department. A patrol officer represents a departments values and mission statement, and should display those values while contacting the public.
While working patrol, a person has the ability to make their own mark. When working patrol a person has to be thorough in their report writing, handling your investigations completely and most importantly treating the public right. Unfortantely, I've seen young officers careers derailed because of misconduct towards the public.
But if a patrol officer does their job correctly, there is a very good chance that they can promote to detective.
A detctive handles the follow up investigation that stems from the patrol officers work. As Joel stated, a detectives job is to exhaust all leads in an investigation. The detective must be concise in report writing and evidence collection before submitting a case to a district attorney for review.
Regardless, law enforcement is an excellent career. The good times have far outweighed the bad times in my career. So if this is the path you choose to take, I wish you the best of luck!
I personally think that a patrol officer is the most important assignment in any department. A patrol officer represents a departments values and mission statement, and should display those values while contacting the public.
While working patrol, a person has the ability to make their own mark. When working patrol a person has to be thorough in their report writing, handling your investigations completely and most importantly treating the public right. Unfortantely, I've seen young officers careers derailed because of misconduct towards the public.
But if a patrol officer does their job correctly, there is a very good chance that they can promote to detective.
A detctive handles the follow up investigation that stems from the patrol officers work. As Joel stated, a detectives job is to exhaust all leads in an investigation. The detective must be concise in report writing and evidence collection before submitting a case to a district attorney for review.
Regardless, law enforcement is an excellent career. The good times have far outweighed the bad times in my career. So if this is the path you choose to take, I wish you the best of luck!
Baljit Gill
Lawyer paralegal
127
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Peter,
Detectives investigate and gather facts about crimes. They take perpetrators to court. Detectives also charge criminals after a meticulous investigation
Police officers provide security over people and belongings (also known as law enforcement). They both have to compile reports about the situations that they come across.
To become a police officer or it takes numerous steps such as physical endurance, interviews from many upper ranking police officers. And also a lie detector test (including personal situations). You also have to do a drug test. There is also the police academy that you need to pass.
Detectives investigate and gather facts about crimes. They take perpetrators to court. Detectives also charge criminals after a meticulous investigation
Police officers provide security over people and belongings (also known as law enforcement). They both have to compile reports about the situations that they come across.
To become a police officer or it takes numerous steps such as physical endurance, interviews from many upper ranking police officers. And also a lie detector test (including personal situations). You also have to do a drug test. There is also the police academy that you need to pass.
Cynthia Egole
student
11
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
police serves a a confirmation of an act already done
detective work at interim.
detective work at interim.
Hi Cynthia! I’m not sure I understand your advice. Could you reword this answer, or maybe provide more details? Thanks so much for your response.
Alexandra Carpenter, Admin