Which detective has solved the most crimes?

Asked by: Dr. Darien Lowe  |  Last update: February 23, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (39 votes)

While there's no single official record, Lt. Joe Kenda of Colorado Springs is famous for solving 356 out of 387 homicide cases (a 92% rate) on Homicide Hunter, while McFadden from Charlotte solved nearly 700, and LAPD's Jigsaw John St. John handled over 1,000, suggesting Kenda is known for high rates, but others might have higher raw numbers over longer careers, with McFadden and St. John mentioned for very high totals.

What detective has solved the most cases?

Joe Kenda. Joseph Patrick Kenda (born August 28, 1946) is a retired Colorado Springs Police Department detective lieutenant who was involved in 387 homicide cases over a 23-year career. He solved 356 cases, a closure rate of 92%.

Who was the most successful detective?

Top ten real life detectives

  • Izzy Einstein and Moe Smith. In prohibition-era US, Izzy Einstein and Moe Smith were federal police officers who achieved the greatest number of arrests and convictions between 1920–1925. ...
  • Kiran Bedi. ...
  • Jay J Armes. ...
  • Alice Clement. ...
  • Dave Toschi. ...
  • William E Fairbairn. ...
  • Francois Vidocq. ...
  • Allan Pinkerton.

Who is the greatest TV detective of all time?

These are the best TV detectives of all time, and the ones who are waiting on the other end of the line when there's trouble afoot.

  1. 1 Lieutenant Columbo.
  2. 2 Sherlock Holmes. ...
  3. 3 Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler. ...
  4. 4 Lennie Briscoe. ...
  5. 5 Adrian Monk. ...
  6. 6 Shawn Spencer. ...
  7. 7 Frank Pembleton. ...
  8. 8 John Luther. ...

Who is the best homicide detective in the United States?

Homicide Detective Julissa Trapp was voted America's Greatest Detective, presented by Law&Crime, at CrimeCon 2025 for work on the case of serial killer Steven Dean Gordon.

Worst Murders In California (SOLVED!) | TRIPLE EPISODE | New Detectives

19 related questions found

Who is World No. 1 detective?

At the heart of these detective stories is often a fascinating character—someone like Sherlock Holmes, the world's greatest detective, whose sharp mind and keen observation skills have become legendary.

Who is better, Poirot or Holmes?

Sherlock Holmes has solved 60 cases after appearing in 62 stories in total, 4 novels and 58 short stories. In comparison, Hercule Poirot has solved 80 cases and has appeared in 33 of Christie's novels, 51 short stories and a play.

Who is America's best detective?

There's no single "best detective," but recent top honors went to Sgt. Julissa Trapp (Anaheim PD) for "America's Greatest Detective" (2025), recognizing her work on serial killer cases. Other highly regarded detectives include retired Lt. Joe Kenda (Colorado Springs PD), known for his high closure rate on Homicide Hunter, and cold case expert Detective Kevin Hutchison (Sunnyvale, CA). Historical figures like Kate Warne, Pinkerton's first female detective, are also legendary. 

What is the most watched True Detective series?

Night Country is the most watched of True Detective's four seasons, and received widespread critical acclaim. It earned the highest number of Emmy Award nominations for the series.

Who is the ultimate detective?

Ultimate Detective refers to Kyoko Kirigiri and Shuichi Saihara. Although they have the same talent, their personalities and their detective skills are different. Kyoko, in Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, is stoic and reserved about her feelings, not wanting them to affect her cases.

What's higher than a detective?

Promotion from Police Officer

Promotion from Sergeant or Detective is to Police Lieutenant; from there on, there is only one promotional ladder. Successive rungs of the promotional ladder are Police Captain, Police Commander, Police Deputy Chief, and Chief of Police.

Who was the greatest detective who never lived?

The Great Detective: The Amazing Rise and Immortal Life of Sherlock Holmes. I confess to a long-held fascination with Holmes and Watson and was instantly intrigued at this promised “biography of someone who never lived”.

Which is the best true detective?

Season 1 is generally recognized as True Detective's best season, with the dynamic between Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey making the most of a compelling mystery, but the show's other seasons also have plenty of great moments.

Who was the best detective ever in real life?

Here are some of the best detectives you'll want to get to know from history.

  1. Kate Warne. Warner was the only woman hired by Allan Pinkerton to be a detective with his agency. ...
  2. Dave Toschi. ...
  3. Kiran Bedi. ...
  4. William Fairbairn. ...
  5. Francois Vidocq. ...
  6. Mary Doyle. ...
  7. Moe Smith and Izzy Einstein.

What is the most famous case ever?

There's no single "most famous case," but contenders include the O.J. Simpson Trial (U.S. pop culture phenomenon), the Nuremberg Trials (war crimes, global impact), the Adolf Eichmann Trial (Holocaust justice), Lizzie Borden (enduring nursery rhyme mystery), and historical events like the Osage Murders Investigation (early FBI work) or the Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping ("crime of the century"). Famous cases often involve high-profile figures, unsolved mysteries, immense public interest, or significant historical/legal impact, making them iconic. 

How many murders never get solved?

That places the U.S. far behind other countries like Germany, where more than 90% of homicide cases are solved, according to Our World in Data. The murder clearance rate hit an all-time low in 2020. In 2021, only 51% of homicides were solved, according to FBI statistics analyzed by the Murder Accountability Project.

Who is the greatest TV detective?

The "best" TV detective is subjective, but top contenders often include Sherlock Holmes (especially Jeremy Brett or modern BBC versions), Columbo (Peter Falk's iconic rumpled genius), and modern favorites like John Luther (Idris Elba), Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet in Mare of Easttown), and Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay in Law & Order: SVU), praised for their distinct personalities, deduction skills, or deep character studies. The choice often depends on whether you prefer classic deduction, gritty realism, or quirky charm.
 

What is Matthew McConaughey's favorite season of True Detective?

Matthew McConaughey's favorite True Detective season is Season 1, the one he starred in, calling it "one of the greatest events in TV" and "incredible television," even though he was part of it, he enjoyed watching it like any other fan for the water cooler talk. He praised the original season's writing and the performances, finding it an immersive viewing experience despite his involvement. 

What is the top 5 TV series of all time?

There's no single definitive list, but critically acclaimed and fan-favorite TV series consistently appearing in top 5 all-time rankings include Breaking Bad, The Wire, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and The Simpsons, often alongside shows like Mad Men, Seinfeld, and The Twilight Zone, based on ratings, cultural impact, and critical consensus. 

Why is Poirot better than Holmes?

The contrast between his physical features and his outstanding brain is one of his most important weapons. While Holmes is a master at disguise, Poirot does not need to, and perhaps could not, disguise.

What is the salary of a detective in America?

As of Jan 17, 2026, the average annual pay for a Detective in the United States is $61,905 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $29.76 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,190/week or $5,158/month.

What is the greatest detective show of all time?

The 15 Best Detective TV Shows Ever Made, Ranked

  1. Mindhunter. Patrick Harbron/Netflix.
  2. Broadchurch. Patrick Redmond/ITV. ...
  3. Luther. BBC. ...
  4. True Detective. HBO. ...
  5. Poker Face. Peacock. ...
  6. Poirot. ITV. ...
  7. Columbo. NBC. ...
  8. Happy Valley. BBC. ...

Which Poirot story was deemed unfilmable?

The Agatha Christie short story deemed "unfilmable" by David Suchet, preventing him from portraying Poirot in every story, was "The Lemesurier Inheritance," a tale involving a family curse where the firstborn son supposedly won't inherit the title, with the difficulty possibly lying in its structure or a key plot element. While Black Coffee (a play) was also not filmed, "The Lemesurier Inheritance" is specifically cited as the one short story due to its perceived unfilmable nature, according to Agatha Christie Wiki and WordPress.com. 

Who is the best Poirot ever?

While personal preference varies, David Suchet is overwhelmingly considered the definitive and best Hercule Poirot for his unparalleled fidelity to Agatha Christie's detailed character, embodying his meticulousness, vanity, and brilliance over 25 years on television. Other popular choices include Peter Ustinov, praised for his charming wit, and Albert Finney, who delivered a memorable cinematic performance, though Suchet's deep immersion into the character's psyche makes him the top choice for most fans.
 

What is the famous line from Sherlock Holmes?

"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?