Detectives are part of a special division in the Police force that focuses on different crime cases ranging from homicide to robbery or can work for a private company to help carry out investigative work. A Detective's goal is to uncover and collect as much evidence as possible about a crime or problem to help solve it. The roles and responsibilities that a Detective will have depend on the particular case they are investigating, which can vary significantly. For example, a Detective could be present at a crime scene to collect evidence, or a Detective could perform surveillance for a private person.     
  
Detectives that work with the Police earn their position through experience as Police or Patrol Officers. Police Detectives work directly with cases related to the public such as homicide, gang-related crimes, robberies and burglaries, undercover investigations, and more. It's typical for Police to be one of the first responders at a crime scene. Still, Detectives are specialized professionals that conduct additional detailed services regarding the cases they are investigating.  
  
Private Detectives carry out other tasks that do not pertain to the public. Private Detectives, also known as Private Investigators, are often hired to help solve personal issues or other cases requiring additional investigation. Their clients will tailor Their roles and responsibilities, whether employed by large corporations or individuals. 
  
Detectives do not work regular hours, and there is no typical day for a Detective because no case is the same as another. 

Roles and responsibilities of a Detective 

• Interviewing people to collect information
• Tracking down people that are involved with an investigation
• Conducting interviews to gather information and evidence
• Writing reports based on findings
• Researching information
• Going through legal or financial records
• Finding information for research
• Verifying the integrity and source of all information found
• Collecting and examining evidence
• Performing surveillance
• Following crime suspects or persons of interest for the investigation 
• Recording their activities and whereabouts
• Informing clients of the findings
• Investigating computer-related crimes, kidnappings, disappearances, homicides, suspicious activity, and theft
• Issuing and reviewing the warrants for suspects linked to a crime  
• Working closely with all parties under investigation, including family members, Police, and anyone else involved
• Deciphering strict timelines and keeping track of all information that is related to the criminal investigation 
• Running background checks and gathering as much information on people of interest