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Detective Mode (also called Detective Vision) is an advanced forensics examination device built into the cowl of Batman's costume. Using it, Batman can identify hostiles, evidence and objects of interest in the area. Robin, Batgirl and Nightwing were also equipped with the Detective Mode, though it's unclear whether theirs was as advances as Batman's.

Overview[]

Capabilities[]

Detective Mode is built into the cowl of the Batsuit, giving Batman an edge in terms of investigations and as a means of taking on various criminals he faces throughout Gotham City. It can be activated at will and acts in a similar way to Superman's power of x-ray vision due to the fact that he can see either a blue or orange silhouette of friends and foes he comes across through walls at short ranges. Blue usually depicts non-hostile people and thugs armed with melee weapons, such as knives, stun rods and riot shields. Red/Orange silhouettes depicted anyone armed with firearms and mines.

As a detective, Batman utilizes this device as a means of investigating crime scenes via the use of the mode's evidence scanner. It gives him a way of detecting evidence that could be overlooked by a standard police investigation and with the evidence gathered, can reconstruct a crime scene piece by piece with each bit of evidence he finds. Evidence includes finger and footprints, shell casings and bits of clothing, as well as how long ago a certain event occurred via oxidization. Reconstructing a crime scene utilizes advanced holographic silhouettes of people either living or recently deceased placed at the scene before they leave or died. He can also replay the reconstruction to look for further evidence.

The device is known to also have long distance connection with the Batcomputer as a means of identifying victims and criminals. It gives him access to the missing person's database, as well as criminal records and even information on various possible weapons used at the scene. He can also send collected evidence to the Batcomputer which Alfred Pennyworth can send to the police.

Weaknesses[]

Against various criminals, Batman's Detective Mode seems virtually flawless. However, his enemies gradually developed technology to counter or mitigate its effectiveness. During the Christmas eve of his second year, Batman discovered various disruptors interfered with the signals with the Batcomputer and limited its functionality until they were deactivated. The same devices also interfered with Batman's Cryptographic Sequencer. Similar devices were also equipped by henchmen working for Bane, Joker and Penguin. To use it again, Batman would have to take out the henchmen and destroy their transmitters, though the mode was configured to show the interference source.

The Arkham Knight and his militia also used various equipment to counter Detective Mode. In addition to signal jammers, several soldiers were issued uniforms capable of rendering them undetectable by Detective Mode, preventing Batman from tracking or viewing their vitals. Some were also equipped with equipment that tracked Batman when he used Detective Mode for too long.

Other Appearances[]

  • In LEGO DC Super-Villains, Batman and other characters are able to use a "Detective Mode" ability. This allows them to discover objects that are either hidden or rendered invisible, allowing them to use them whilst the mode is activated.
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