How to Become a Police Detective
Police detectives investigate tough-to-solve crimes and help to keep peace on the streets. Whether they are providing support for victims or tracking down hardened criminals, police detectives serve a very important role within the criminal justice field. If you are interested in becoming a police detective and getting started in this lucrative and rewarding profession, you’ll need to make sure you have the right education and understand the duties you will have to perform.
Police Detective Job Duties
It is the Police detective’s job to maintain law and order, collect evidence, and conduct interrogations and investigations whether in the local, state, federal police departments. Such duties help determine the cause of a crime and identify people of interest in order to solve the crime and persecute criminals.
Police Detective Education and Expereince
Training and education that is required to become a Police Detective will vary from state to state. Generally, a Police Detective must have a 2-year or 4-year associate or bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Police Science, or Criminal Justice. Once you have completed your post-secondary education, Police Detective candidates enroll in a police academy. Training in a police academy will provide you with specific education needed for you to work in the police department or any other area you want to work for. Ideal course programs for anyone pursuing a career as a Police Detective include Police Science, Criminal Justice, Constitutional Law, First-Aid, and Firearms Safety. You may also opt to enroll in a private police academy that has no connections to a particular police department.
Before you can advance to a Police Detective position, you may be required to first serve as a patrol officer. Some will require around 2-3 months or even up to 6 years. Other advancements in positions include promotion to corporal or lieutenant and are assigned according to work assessments, written tests, or seniority. If you complete additional state or federal training, you may be considered for advancement or promotion much quicker than your peers. Police departments will have adequate facilities for further training and career advancement which will greatly benefit your career growth.
If you aim to specialize in a specific field of detective work, you can. But from the start, you must already be certain of what your career goals are and you must also clearly define the terms of the role you wish to take.
Police Detective Career Job Prospects
Remember, the higher paying jobs for police officers and detectives are found in the more affluent areas of the country. It also means that it is much more competitive field out there when it comes to applying for jobs. Stand out from the pack by earning a college degree. A college degree will make you more marketable in all areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS states that candidates with education and training in Police Science or Criminal Justice should receive better opportunities.
Around 80% of Police Detectives in 2008 earned annual salaries between $36,000 and $98,000. The BLS also states that there will be continuing high demand for Police Officers and Detectives through 2012.
