In which country did the modern concept of the detective first emerge?

The modern concept of the detective first emerged in France, primarily due to the influential work of individuals such as Eugène François Vidocq, who is often referred to as the father of modern criminology. In the early 19th century, Vidocq established the first known private detective agency, which laid the groundwork for future policing and detective work. His methods of investigation and emphasis on using scientific techniques to solve crimes significantly shaped the role of detectives in law enforcement.

Moreover, the development of detective fiction during this period, particularly with writers like Edgar Allan Poe and later Arthur Conan Doyle, was heavily influenced by the French approach to crime and investigation. The systemic and analytical nature of French investigations became a model for detective work, which focused on observation, deduction, and logical reasoning. This framework ultimately led to the establishment of modern police forces and investigative methodologies not just in France, but throughout the world.