Detective inspector
Detective inspectors are responsible for the investigation and handling of crime scenes and the evidence found there. They handle and protect evidence in accordance with rules and regulations and protect the crime scene by cordoning it off. They take photographs at the crime scene, ensure that the evidence is properly taken care of, and write reports. The Detective inspectors work for the local police, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service. The work requires practical management and supervisory skills as well as the ability to make responsible decisions quickly.
Various units in the police organisation.
A detective inspector must be able to lead criminal investigations. The detective inspector must be capable of planning and directing extensive and often complex criminal investigations, making legally sustainable decisions, and ensuring that the pre-trial investigation is carried out lawfully and efficiently. This requires analytical ability, the capacity to manage broad entities, and the ability to make decisions even under pressure. Ethical judgment and responsibility are emphasised in the work, as decisions may have significant effects on individuals’ legal protection and on the progress of the criminal process.
Since the detective inspector often acts as a supervisor, leadership and personnel management skills are important. They must be able to motivate and guide the investigation team, ensure occupational wellbeing, and manage the use of resources. Interaction skills are also central in cooperation with prosecutors, other authorities, and stakeholders. In addition, good written skills are required, as decisions and documents related to the investigation must be drafted clearly and precisely.
Reliability and the ability to handle stressful situations are also valued. The work further requires continuous learning, as legislation and the operating environment are constantly changing.
- criminology
- investigation research methods
- law enforcement
- legal use-of-force
Police officers are trained at Police University College in Tampere. A master’s degree in police services allows graduates to work in commanding positions, including as a chief inspector and superintendent.
Persons with a bachelor’s degree in police services, another applicable academic degree or a basic police degree, or who have completed comparable basic police studies, can apply for a master’s degree programme in police services. If the applicant has completed comparable basic police studies, they must complete replacement studies at Police University College before being admitted to the master’s degree programme in police services.
After completing a degree, at least three years of work experience must be gained in the internal security sector.
Chief inspectors and superintendents are required to have completed a master’s degree in police services, official qualifications for a commanding position or part A of the master’s degree in police services, or an academic degree, and possess knowledge of task areas.
Median salary
4548 €/mo
Public sector
4548 €/mo
The data is based on the median income, meaning the amount of salary which is the middle of the salary amounts arranged in order of magnitude.
Source: Statistics Finland's structural statistics on wages and salaries
- chief inspector
- inspector of police
- police superintendent
- superintendent