Both kids and adults are equally fascinated by the charmingly shrewd character of Sherlock Holmes. More recently, the quirky Robert Downey Jr reprised the role with much flair and managed to charm us as the quick-witted and every popular English detective.

Coming to the real world, the role of a detective is even more challenging and risky and may lack the gloss associated with the word. In the technologically advancing world, detectives can also be found in front of the computer screens trying to solve cyber crimes. They are also paid well. If you have the natural instinct to solve mysterious and was curious to know what could be your monthly income as a crime investigator, you could look online into portals like salaries hub.

But apart from that, here is what you need to be a detective –

  • Intelligent and a sharp sense of instinct.

  • Physically fit in order to find your clues and unearth the mysteries.

  • Have good communication skills, both spoken and written since you will need to interact with various people from various walks of life, interrogate suspects, interview witnesses and also write detailed reports.

  • Good planning skills and excellent team work since investigators have to lead teams. They have to plan their course effectively and logically taking into consideration the risks involved.

  • A strong sense of responsibility. Investigators have to be responsible for their actions and the steps they take while solving the case.

  • A firm ethical base. Crime solvers should treat everyone with respect without giving way to any biases that they may have.

Education Qualification: Though a high school diploma is fine, usually a degree in criminology, sociology, criminal psychology, criminal Investigation or a related degree is essential.

Detectives are of two kinds:

  1. Public Detectives: These are basically authorized police officers who investigate the crime. Their role includes investigations of:

  • Robbery

  • Cyber crime

  • Frauds

  • Counter terrorism

  • Drugs

  • Domestic violence

  • Homicide

  • Public and Child protection

They are authorised to conduct raids, searches and arrests. They obtain statement from the witnesses, conduct interrogations and deal with forensic material as well. Depending on the case they also have to lead teams. They should always be updated with the changing procedures and legislation.

  1. Private Detectives: Also known as private Investigators, they are directly hired by individuals or companies or sometimes they also work alongside government departments in order to crack a puzzle or murder mystery. So they are mostly freelancers. They are also expensive. Sometimes attorneys also employ private detectives for the investigation of the case they are dealing with and to interview witnesses and take their alibi. The client has to pay their expenses. Sometimes, even the retired police officers work as private investigators.

Private detectives deal with:

  • Spouse Infidelity

  • Child support

  • Robbery

  • Wrongful death

  • Forensics

  • Security solutions

  • Frauds

  • Missing persons

In both the cases, the detectives cannot boast of having a regular workplace and timings. Especially, those involved in surveillance may have odd working hours. Those doing background checks or into Cyber surveillance may have regular work hours. They are allowed to carry firearms. They are always to be prepared to attend the duty on call in case of any emergency situation.