Have you ever wondered how police officers know who to arrest for a crime? Well, to catch criminals, you need to collect evidence and witnesses. Those who perform these tasks are known as detectives. Detectives are also known as criminal investigators. I've always enjoyed solving mysteries and that's exactly what detectives or criminal investigators do. I was inspired to pursue this career by the television series "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit". I watch this series a lot and the show gave me a TV feel of what a career could be like. There are many risks when considering becoming a detective. However, the benefits and end results outweigh the risks and disadvantages of becoming a detective. A detective is an undercover investigator, a member of a law enforcement agency, or a private individual. The latter may be known as private investigators or "private eyes". Informally, and mostly in fiction, a detective is a licensed or unlicensed person who solves crimes, including historical crimes, or examines records. Investigators conduct interviews and surveillance, locate missing people and criminal suspects, examine documents and write detailed reports. Some detectives make arrests and take part in a raid. Detectives have very busy lives and work schedules. Detectives' duties include: investigating crimes, collecting and securing evidence from crime scenes, conducting interviews with suspects and witnesses, observing suspects' activities, writing detailed reports and compiling documents, preparing cases, and testifying in court. Investigators often testify in court on behalf of the government and the strength of a case. Investigators need to understand the legal statuses, the chain of custody, the obvious…middle of paper…top eel, and watching the television series “Law and Order: Special Victims Units” encouraged me to watch more in this career. I will continue to find more information on Detectives.Works Cited "Detectives". Criminal justice jobs. NP, Aug. 20, 2013. Web. Feb. 9, 2014. “Detective.” Legal career path. NP, April 1, 2013. Web. February 9, 2014. http://legalcareerpath.com/detective/. Roufa, Timothy. “Detective and Criminal Investigator Career Profile.” From. NPWeb. February 9, 2014. "Crime Scene Detectives and Investigators" United States. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Northeast Washington: 1978. Web. February 9, 2012 http://www.bls.gov/ooh/“Detectives.” Encyclopedia of careers and professional orientation. Ed. Andrea Morkes. Chicago: Ferguson 2003