the invention relates to an optoelectronic detection device , in particular a laser scanner , comprising at least one transmitter unit for the transmission of electromagnetic radiation , preferably pulsed electromagnetic radiation , at least one receiver unit associated with the transmitter unit and at least one radiation deflection device with which radiation transmitted by the transmitter unit can be guided into a monitored zone and radiation reflected from the monitored zone can be guided onto the receiver unit , with the front of the radiation propagating in the direction of the deflection device being of elongated shape and the deflection device being formed and being movable relative to the elongated radiation front such that the radiation front reflected into the monitored zone adopts different orientations in space in dependence on the position of the moved deflection device .