We present a theoretical analysis on the use of polarized light in the detection of a model target in a scattering and absorbing turbid medium. Monte Carlo numerical simulations are used in the calculation of the effective Mueller matrix which describes the scattering process. Contrasts between various parts of the target and background are analyzed in the images created by ordinary radiance, by elements of the Mueller matrix and by the depolarization index. It is shown that the application of polarized light has distinct advantages in target detection and characterization when compared to the use of unpolarized light.