Are investigators the same as detectives?

A private investigator and private detective are the same thing, and a criminal investigator is similar to a criminal detective. In the case of the former, their duties are often the same, and it is simply a person’s choice as to whether they call themselves a private detective or investigator. In law enforcement, criminal investigators and detectives perform similar duties, such as overseeing the crime scene, gathering evidence and witnesses, and coordinating efforts. The principal difference between these two careers is simply the type of cases they investigate. Detectives usually handle homicide and missing persons cases, while investigators might conduct an investigation on anything from fraud to terrorism.