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Detective investigator vs patrol officer

The differences between detective investigators and patrol officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a detective investigator has an average salary of $53,616, which is higher than the $35,621 average annual salary of a patrol officer.

The top three skills for a detective investigator include physical evidence, patrol and law enforcement agencies. The most important skills for a patrol officer are patrol, customer service, and public safety.

Detective investigator vs patrol officer overview

Detective InvestigatorPatrol Officer
Yearly salary$53,616$35,621
Hourly rate$25.78$17.13
Growth rate6%3%
Number of jobs20,213123,265
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Average age4440
Years of experience6-

Detective investigator vs patrol officer salary

Detective investigators and patrol officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Detective InvestigatorPatrol Officer
Average salary$53,616$35,621
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $76,000Between $27,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-North Dakota
Best paying company-Mount St. Mary's University
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between detective investigator and patrol officer education

There are a few differences between a detective investigator and a patrol officer in terms of educational background:

Detective InvestigatorPatrol Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Detective investigator vs patrol officer demographics

Here are the differences between detective investigators' and patrol officers' demographics:

Detective InvestigatorPatrol Officer
Average age4440
Gender ratioMale, 87.3% Female, 12.7%Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 4.6% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 3.5% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%7%

Differences between detective investigator and patrol officer duties and responsibilities

Detective investigator example responsibilities.

  • Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
  • Prepare in-depth detail reports including arrest warrants, search warrants, subpoenas and court orders for criminal prosecution.
  • Prepare subpoenas and search warrants for account information from various companies and entities for follow-up investigations.
  • Analyze high risk transaction activity and provide final approval of investigative case analyses utilize for SAR preparation and filing.
  • Establish a review procedure with IRS and assign an analyst.

Patrol officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage surveillance of DUI traffic offenders in Jacksonville
  • Report and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
  • Enforce NYS racing guidelines state, rules and regulations.
  • Protect life and property at the largest regional aviation facility in NYS.
  • Provide emergency medical assistance as a first responder.
  • Utilize security vehicle to patrol all residential areas and parking lot ensuring resident safety.
  • Show more

Detective investigator vs patrol officer skills

Common detective investigator skills
  • Physical Evidence, 14%
  • Patrol, 12%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 7%
  • Insurance Fraud, 5%
  • Homicide, 5%
  • Electronic Surveillance, 4%
Common patrol officer skills
  • Patrol, 48%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Public Safety, 7%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
  • Emergency Situations, 5%
  • Incident Reports, 2%

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