Detective Inspector

What does a Criminal Inspector do? – tasks and work environment

A Criminal Inspector leads and investigates crimes within the Police Authority and often plays a central role in major investigations. Tasks include planning, coordinating, and executing investigative work, interrogating suspects and witnesses, and analyzing evidence. Criminal Inspectors often collaborate closely with prosecutors and other authorities and may also be responsible for mentoring junior colleagues or specialists in their field. The work environment is diverse and can switch between office work, field investigations, and participating in operational operations, requiring both analytical skills and stress tolerance.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Criminal Inspector has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,800 SEK per month, rising to 40 800 in 2023. The latest update for 2024 shows a further increase to 44,100 SEK, which corresponds to a salary increase of about 13.6% over the period. This salary development can be linked to increased demand for qualified investigators within the police and a general push to improve conditions for qualified staff. The salary increase also reflects a greater investment in retaining competent employees and meeting demands for specialization within investigative activities.

Criminal Inspector salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 44,100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,500 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 49,200 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 265 SEK
• Women: 43 300 SEK/month
• Men: 44 500 SEK/month
• Women earn: 97% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a Criminal Inspector, a police education followed by several years of experience as a police officer is generally required. Many have further training in criminal investigation or forensic science, and it is common to hold specialist qualifications depending on the area of work. Formal requirements include basic police training and often internal leadership courses, as well as academic merits in law or social sciences.

• Police training: 2.5 years, including probationary service
• Further training: Internal courses in investigation management and criminal investigation
• Work experience: Several years as a police officer required
• Specialist skills: Opportunities for specialization in areas such as serious crimes or financial crime
• Prerequisites: Swedish citizenship, driver’s license, and good health

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for Criminal Inspectors include extra vacation days, wellness allowances, compensation for unsocial hours, and opportunities for professional development through internal and external training. Pension schemes and insurance are typically included in the employment package, and some workplaces also offer support for relocation or housing for new employees.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a Criminal Inspector is in demand, and competition for available positions can be fierce, especially in certain regions and specialist areas. Challenges often include high demands on analytical ability, stress resilience, and the capacity to handle complex cases with integrity. Workload can be high, especially during large investigations, and sometimes involves working outside regular hours. At the same time, opportunities for further education and career development are good for those who show commitment and competence.

Tips for aspiring Criminal Inspectors

To succeed as a Criminal Inspector, it is beneficial to develop both analytical skills and perseverance, as the profession requires meticulous attention to detail and big-picture thinking. Being communicative and attentive during interrogations and collaborations increases the chances of success in investigations. High integrity is crucial, especially when handling sensitive information and difficult decisions. Constantly seeking further education and staying updated on new methods and legislation provides an advantage. Additionally, the ability to manage stress and unexpected situations is valuable, as the work often involves tight schedules and challenging cases. Being solution-oriented and flexible facilitates work in complex investigations. Finally, it is important to work both independently and as part of a team, as collaboration is a central part of the role.

Key facts about Criminal Inspectors

• Education level: Police training (2.5 years) + further education
• Work environment: Office and field, often variable workdays
• Typical work hours: Full-time, daytime and sometimes evenings/weekends
• Available jobs in the profession: 191
• Gender distribution: Women earn 97% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Criminal Inspector, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, investigation supervisor, or specialized investigator in areas like organized crime or cybercrime. Some choose to further their education and take on managerial positions within the police or work as experts in international organizations. According to the Employment Service's forecast, no specific assessment is made for Criminal Inspectors, but within the police profession, there remains a continued need for qualified personnel, with a total of 191 recent job openings reported. The future outlook is considered stable, especially for those with specialist skills or experience in complex investigations.

Frequently asked questions about Criminal Inspectors

• What is the average salary of a Criminal Inspector?
  - The average salary for a Criminal Inspector is 44,100 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a Criminal Inspector?
  - Police training (2.5 years) plus several years of experience as a police officer, often supplemented with further training in investigative work.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 43 300 SEK and men 44 500 SEK, which means women earn 97% of men's salaries.
• What is the work environment like for a Criminal Inspector?
  - The work environment is varied and includes both office work and field investigations, often with a fast pace and tight schedules.
• What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Opportunities include advancement to team leader, investigation supervisor, or specialized investigator, as well as further education for managerial roles.
• How many job openings are available in the profession?
  - There are 191 available jobs within the police profession, including Criminal Inspectors.
• What is the highest salary for a Criminal Inspector?
  - The highest salary is 49,200 SEK, belonging to a male in the public sector with a research degree.