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What is a Police Detective?

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered July 26 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
A Police Detective is a police officer who has risen to the rank of Detective. They collect information to solve crimes by talking to victims, witnesses, and other informants. Detectives are lead investigators of crimes such as robberies, homicide, corporate malpractice, insurance fraud, and other fields. 

 Detectives are promoted from within police departments. If you want to become a Detective, you first need to pass all the requirements to be a Police Officer. 

Most people perceive what a Detective is and what they do based on films and television shows like Law and Order. However, the reality of Detectives is not as glamorous as the media portrays. Real Detective work requires a lot of patience, investigative rigor, and determination.

Personality of a Police Detective
Detectives are usually curious, analytical, and detail-oriented. Here are some other qualities that can help you succeed as a Detective. 
  • Mentally Strong
Police Detectives see firsthand a lot of blood, gore, and abuse. It can be tough to see day in and day. Taking care of your mental health can seem like a hassle when trying to solve murder cases, but it is essential. 
  • Investigative Skills
Police Detectives are often faced with limited information about a case and need to figure how to put puzzle pieces together to solve a case. 
  • Communication Skills
Police Detectives need to interview witnesses, suspects, and experts to get all the information they need to close the case. They need to be able to listen carefully and ask carefully worded questions.
  • Patience
Solving a crime can take months or years. Detectives need to stay patient, try new lines of inquiry, and not get discouraged by roadblocks in cases. 
  • Resourcefulness
Police Detectives need to think outside the box and put the resources they have at hand, such as forensics, psychologist, and pathologists, to good use. 
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