Daily Workload of a US Police Detective: Beyond the TV Show

As a detective novel and TV show enthusiast, it's fascinating to see how detectives typically seem to work on one case at a time. How many different cases can a real US police detective handle in a day?

Managing Multiple Cases Simultaneously

In a busy police department, detectives often have to manage dozens of cases at once. The typical number of active cases can range from 30 to 40. However, many of these cases turn out to be unworkable or too simple, requiring minimal effort. A detective might spend just 15 minutes writing up some of these cases. Other cases are resolved quickly through simple investigations that take just a few minutes to complete. Therefore, a detective might only be actively working on 5 to 10 cases at any given time.

Case Prioritization and Urgency

Depending on the type of case, the workload can vary significantly. Fresh cases, for example, can keep a detective busy for an entire day. Cold cases or cases with little to no evidence might require working on 10 to 20 cases. Homicide cases, on the other hand, demand all of the detective's time for the first 48 hours. If another homicide or a new crime scene arises, the detective must shift their focus back to those.

Lost in Paperwork and Urgency

While handling multiple cases, detectives manage a significant amount of paperwork. A seasoned detective like Hike, who handled around 220 cases annually, could manage about 5 cases a day. This workload includes various tasks such as updating reports, making follow-up phone calls, and gathering more evidence. If a detective does not touch at least a few of their ongoing cases, they can quickly find themselves overwhelmed with paperwork. It's a constant balancing act between fieldwork and administrative tasks.

Real-World Differences and Challenges

When delving into the reality of a detective's workload, it's important to consider the varying degrees of cases and the urgency they present. As a young uniformed constable in the RCMP, I had around 10 minor investigations on the go at any one time. As a detective, this number remained similar, but the cases were more serious. The priority often shifts to the more urgent and serious cases, such as a murder investigation. These cases demand immediate attention, pushing other investigations to a lower priority.

The workload also varies depending on the crime rate in the region. Due to the high crime rate in North America, many cases do not get the full attention they deserve. Most police agencies would prefer not to publicly admit this, but it's a reality. Fortunately, many criminals make it easy for police to solve their cases quickly, thanks to their lack of sophistication in committing their offenses.

Conclusion

The daily workload of a US police detective is far more complex and varied than the portrayal in TV shows suggests. From managing dozens of cases to prioritizing urgent investigations, detectives face a challenging and multifaceted job. Understanding the true nature of their work provides a valuable perspective on the dedication and skill required of them in their role.

For those interested in police work or criminal investigations, this insight into the daily life of a detective offers a realistic view of the dynamic and demanding nature of their profession.