Constable vs. Detective — What's the Difference?

A constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in criminal law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions.

A detective is an investigator, usually a member of a law enforcement agency. They often collect information to solve crimes by talking to witnesses and informants, collecting physical evidence, or searching records in databases.

A peace officer with less authority and smaller jurisdiction than a sheriff, empowered to serve writs and warrants and make arrests.

A person, usually a member of a police force, who investigates crimes and obtains evidence or information.

A medieval officer of high rank, usually serving as military commander in the absence of a monarch.

Of or relating to detectives or their work

The governor of a royal castle.

Suited for or used in detection.

Chiefly British A police officer.

(law enforcement) A police officer who looks for evidence as part of solving a crime; an investigator.

One holding the lowest rank in most Commonwealth police forces. (See also chief constable.)

A person employed to find information not otherwise available to the public.

A police officer or an officer with equivalent powers.

Employed in detecting.

(historical) An officer of a noble court in the Middle Ages, usually a senior army commander. (See also marshal).

Fitted for, or skilled in, detecting; employed in detecting crime or criminals; as, a detective officer.

The warden of a castle.

One who business it is so detect criminals or discover matters of secrecy.

(US) An elected or appointed public officer, usually at municipal level, responsible for maintaining order or serving writs and court orders.

A police officer who investigates crimes

(Channel Islands) An elected head of a parish (also known as a connétable)

An investigator engaged or employed in obtaining information not easily available to the public

A large butterfly, Dichorragia nesimachus, family Nymphalidae, of Asia.

To act as a constable or policeman.

A high officer in the monarchical establishments of the Middle Ages.

An officer of the peace having power as a conservator of the public peace, and bound to execute the warrants of judicial officers.

A lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff

English landscape painter (1776-1837)

A police officer of the lowest rank