noun
police investigator; investigating officer
Refers to a law enforcement officer who conducts criminal investigations. Often used in news reports and crime dramas.
捜査官が現場に到着した。
The investigators arrived at the scene.
彼はFBIの捜査官だ。
He is an FBI investigator.
刑事 is a police detective, often used for plainclothes officers, while 捜査官 is a broader term for any investigating officer, including those from agencies like the FBI.
捜査員 is a more general term for a member of an investigation team, not necessarily a sworn officer, while 捜査官 implies an official position with authority.
Compound of 捜査 (investigation) and 官 (official, government position).