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SUGGESTED MAJOR:

CRIMINOLOGY

In a public safety agency, detectives investigate crimes, including homicides, robberies, sexual assaults, burglaries, fraud, and more. They collect physical evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA, and weapons, and conduct interviews with witnesses, victims, and suspects to gather information and elicit relevant details.


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RELATED MAJORS:

  • Criminal Justice

  • Forensic Science

  • Psychology

  • Sociology


*A college degree is not always required but may help prepare for Law Enforcement Training, which is required

CAREERS:

  • Detective Homicide Detective (murders)

  • Narcotics Detective (drug-related crimes)

  • Fraud Investigator

  • Special Victims Unit Detective (domestic violence)

  • Cold Case Investigator (unsolved cases)

  • Robbery Detective (theft)

  • Missing Persons Investigator

  • Gang Unit Detective

  • Arson Investigator

Plus Many More!!!

"STEREOTYPICAL" TRAITS:

  • Observant

  • Analytical

  • Intelligent

  • Perseverance 

  • Independent

  • Detail-Oriented

  • Problem-Solver

  • Persistence

SALARY:

$71,882

U.S. Average 2023

Detective

Source: Salary.com

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