ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

Who is recognized as the first detective in the United States?

1. Henry Fielding

2. Edward Henry

3. Allan Pinkerton

4. Juan Vucetich

The correct answer is: Allan Pinkerton

Allan Pinkerton is recognized as the first detective in the United States due to his significant contributions to the field of criminal investigation. He founded the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in 1850, which became the first private detective agency in the U.S. Pinkerton pioneered many investigative techniques and practices that are still in use today, such as undercover work and background checks. His agency was known for its involvement in high-profile cases and for providing security to various businesses and railroads, especially during a time of increased criminal activity in America. While the other individuals mentioned contributed to law enforcement or criminal investigation in various capacities, their roles did not align as closely with the concept of a detective in the modern sense. Henry Fielding, for example, was a notable figure in the establishment of the Bow Street Runners in London, which served as an early form of organized policing but was based in England rather than the United States. Edward Henry was influential in the development of fingerprint identification and policing methods later on. Juan Vucetich was known for his work in forensic science and fingerprinting in Argentina, thus he did not operate in the context of the U.S. detective field during its formative years.