Detective vs. Investigator: Key Differences and Career Paths

While detectives and investigators both conduct investigations, their roles differ in several important ways. Detectives typically work within the criminal justice system at the federal, state or local level and focus on criminal cases. In contrast, private investigators are hired by private clients and may handle a broader range of issues, not limited to criminal matters. As a result, their responsibilities, authority and career paths can vary significantly.

If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in criminal justice, it can be helpful to learn more about the differences between a detective and an investigator. In this guide, you’ll explore the differences between the roles and career paths of investigators and detectives. 

In This Article:

• Detective vs. Investigator
• Types of Detectives
• Choosing the Right Path for You

Detective vs. Investigator

There is a significant difference between law enforcement detectives and private investigators. However, keep in mind that sometimes criminal detectives are called investigators because they are investigating a crime. These criminal detectives may work on a variety of cases for law enforcement agencies, such as fraud and missing persons.

More often the job title investigator refers to a private investigator. There is a substantial difference between detectives and private investigators. A detective is employed by a law enforcement agency, such as a city police department. In contrast, a private investigator is hired privately by individuals and private companies to conduct investigations.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between detectives vs. investigators:

• Responsibilities: Detectives enforce the law and maintain peace. They investigate a variety of criminal cases. Private investigators search for information for their clients, which may include conducting surveillance, interviewing people and conducting background checks.
• Legal authority: Detectives carry a badge; they are legally allowed to arrest suspects within the boundaries of the law. Private investigators do not carry a badge, nor do they have the authority to make arrests, and these professionals typically don’t carry weapons.
• Work settings: Detectives work for police departments and other law enforcement agencies. Private investigators may run their own investigation business, or they may work for a private firm.¹

What Does a Detective Do?

A detective who works for a law enforcement agency at the local, state or federal level is typically a plainclothes officer (rather than a uniformed patrol officer) who is responsible for responding to crime scenes. The detective collects evidence, interviews witnesses and investigates suspects in an effort to solve crimes. Detectives also testify in court in support of cases they investigated.

Plainclothes detectives typically handle felony cases. For example, rather than investigating the shoplifting of a $10 item, they investigate more serious crimes, such as murder cases. A detective’s caseload might include the following types of cases:

• Arson
• Assault
• Sexual assault
• Robbery
• Homicide
• Abduction

In small police departments, detectives may handle quite a wide spectrum of cases. In larger departments, detectives typically specialize. For example, a detective who primarily investigates murder cases is a homicide detective.

The requirements to become a detective vary by jurisdiction. Some employers prefer detectives to hold a bachelor’s degree, such as a degree in criminal justice, although there are no specific degree requirements. Typically, future officers are required to complete a police officer training academy and then gain on-the-job experience before pursuing a position as a detective.²

Types of Detectives

At larger law enforcement agencies, detectives may specialize according to the type of case they typically work on. For example, homicide detectives investigate murders.

Other types of detectives include:

• Homicide Detective: Investigates suspiscious deaths
• Narcotics detective: Investigates drug-related cases
• Cybercrime detective: Investigates crimes committed using computer or internet technology.
• Financial crimes detective: Investigates financial crimes such as fraud and embezzlement
• Undercover detective: Goes undercover to conduct covert investigations
• Cold case detective: Investigates unsolved crimes committed many years using new technologies

What Does an Investigator Do?

As mentioned earlier, law enforcement agency detectives handle only criminal cases. In contrast, a private investigator (PI) can handle just about any kind of private investigation—from insurance claims to corporate fraud to infidelity. The possibilities include criminal and civil cases as well as personal matters, such as the following: 

• Child custody: PIs are hired for the purpose of determining custody arrangements to investigate whether one or both parents are caring for a child appropriately. The PI may report directly to the family court, or the PI might be hired by one parent with the intent of uncovering evidence to prove the other parent’s inability to properly care for a child.
• Infidelity: People who suspect that their spouse is being unfaithful may hire a PI to look for evidence of cheating.
• Background checks: PIs who specialize in background checks are responsible for thoroughly assessing individuals, such as job applicants.
• Insurance fraud: Insurance companies often hire PIs to determine whether an insured individual is committing fraud. For example, a PI might find that a worker who is reported as injured and receiving worker’s compensation is, in fact, capable of performing the usual job duties.
• Missing persons: When a family is missing a loved one whom law enforcement is unable to find, the family may opt to hire a PI to increase the chances of a successful recovery.
• Corporate investigations: Companies may hire a PI to conduct a third-party investigation of vendors, employees or management to determine whether wrongdoing has taken place.

These are just a few examples of the variety of cases a PI may investigate. Private investigators may work for a PI agency or start their own agency.¹

To do their job properly, private investigators can benefit from having a thorough understanding of investigation techniques, as well as skills like:³

• Attention to detail
• Communication
• Problem-solving skills
• Inquisitiveness
• Patience

Career requirements vary, but it’s common for employers to require a bachelor’s degree. Most states require private investigators to obtain a license, and licensure requirements vary by state. Many private investigators have prior experience in law enforcement or the military.³

Choosing the Right Path for You

Either of these roles can offer a career you may find meaningful that allows you to help other people. To determine which path is right for you, consider your interests and career goals. If you would like to open your own business someday, consider becoming a private investigator. On the other hand, if you prefer the thought of rising through the ranks of a police department, then consider exploring the requirements to enter a police academy.

Before making your decision, it’s important to take a closer look at the differences between these two careers and what a typical day in the life of a detective vs. investigator might look like. Consider signing up for job shadowing opportunities or internships.

Another important step to take is to explore degree programs and certifications that could align with your career goals. Regardless of whether you decide to pursue a career in law enforcement or private investigations, a justice studies degree can provide a solid foundation in core concepts for these fields.

At Grand Canyon University, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies degree. Explore competencies in criminology, analytical investigation techniques, victimology and more. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about your options at GCU.