Question about job title capitalizations

I figure several of us in the current comp might need this.

It’s my understanding, you do NOT capitalize a title like “detective” if a name doesn’t follow the title and you are not directly addressing the person. (Correct me if I’m wrong, pls)

Ex: The detective worked the case.

And if a name follows it, capitalize the title, too, whether directly addressing the person or not. (Correct me if I’m wrong, pls)

Ex: She watched Detective Smith work the case.

What I’m confused about is if you capitalize the title if you are directly addressing the person without a name following. I have seen it both ways on the Internet.

Ex: Are you working the case, Detective? OR Are you working the case, detective?

Mods, please weigh in.

I would capitalize in that case. You're really addressing "Detective Jones" (or whatever the name is) but leaving off the name. So if directly addressing a person such that the title subs for the name, I would consider that a proper noun and capitalize.

Quote by Seeker4

I would capitalize in that case. You're really addressing "Detective Jones" (or whatever the name is) but leaving off the name. So if directly addressing a person such that the title subs for the name, I would consider that a proper noun and capitalize.

That’s what I’d think, but I found one grammar site that said otherwise. But then other sites say what you said.

Yeah, I would leave it lower case if I was just describing the profession, but capitalise it where it's a substitute for their name/title.

Thank you, Jen! 😘

I agree with the above. There are some instances where capitals are needed, for example, I’m a Senior Lecturer. I’m also a senior lecturer, but the first is more flattering. 🤣X