A detective is an investigator, either a member of a law enforcement agency or a private person. The latter may be known as private investigators or "private eyes".
Detectives typically work in plain clothes to apprehend lawbreakers, investigate criminal cases and solve crimes. They may work for local, state or federal agencies, enforcing different aspects of the law. Completing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can be the first step toward a detective or criminal investigator career.