You may wonder how do you become a detective or an investigator? Well, the answer is twofold for those considering a career in law enforcement.
If you would like to become a detective, you may want to consider which department you would like to work for, first. Do you want to handle robberies, homicides, car thefts, or something else? But before then, you will most likely have to be a police officer. You will have to go through a probation period which may last anywhere from 6 to 24 months, depending on the Police Department. Exams might not be offered to you until you complete a certain number of years on the force.
In most cases an educational requirement must be met in order to qualify for the detective exam. This also varies by the Police Department, but usually requires no more than a bachelor degree.
Once you have that covered, you apply for the detective exam. Granted you pass the exam, you will be stationed in a precinct where your newly acquired skill may be needed the most. If you passed the exam with flying colors you may have the opportunity to pick your new precinct, but don’t count on it.
If you would like to become an investigator then you have to consider what type of investigator you would like to be:
- Would you like to become a homicide detective or one that handles, robberies and other crimes?
- Would you like to become a forensic investigator? This definitely requires more schooling, but is a very rewarding position which has many opportunities in local, state, and federal law enforcement.
- Would you like to become an arson investigator? If so, your skills can be used in local law enforcement, as well as federal positions, like: ATF, FBI, or US Forest Service (which has a law-enforcement branch).
The investigator and the detective positions pay considerably more when compared with the title of a police officer. However, with higher pay come higher expectations. These expectations may include a sharp mind and a higher level of education.
Both positions are usually a step beyond the entry-level position and either require additional training, examination, or both.
If you are busy expanding your career, then you should consider criminal justice online courses, certificates, and degree programs. I hope this blog could be of an assistance to you.
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- What Can I Do With an Online Criminal Justice Degree?
- Difference Between a Detective and a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
- What’s the Difference Between Criminal Justice and Criminology?
- Criminal Justice Degree Not Always A Requirement
- A New Year – A New Criminal Justice Career
- Can Police Officers Carry Guns on Planes?
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey okay I’m very far from being a detective or an investigator but I love this industry so much!! That I have a million & one questions because I’m afraid I’m probably not fit for the job but boy would I love to become something in the criminal justice industry its like my dream and passion if there was a way or someone I could like keep in contact to help me out that would be so great!!
Annmarie,
That’s great to hear. If by “I’m probably not fit for the job” you mean that you may not be the right candidate, then you should take some time to weigh your options and look at other criminal justice career options. If you mean “not fit” physically, then I highly recommend working on the issues prior to becoming a police officer / detective. Also, there are CJ careers that do not require stringent physical requirements, and many are listed on this very site. Keep in touch.
I highly recommend working on the issues prior to becoming a police officer / detective. Also, there are CJ careers that do not require stringent physical requirements, and many are listed on this very site. Thanks.
HI I REALLY WANT TO WORK IN CRIME DEPARTMENT.BUT THE THING IS THAT I M PURSUING MY M.SC IN ZOOLOGY.IS THERE ANY HOPE IN CRIME DEPARTMENT AFTER I COMPLETED MY MASTER? AND ONE THING ALSO I HAVE COMPLETED MY MASTER IN HUMAN RIGHTS TOO.I REALLY WANT A JOB IN CRIME DEPARTMENT.IS THERE ANYTHING I COULD DO TO GET A JOB?ANYBODY PLEASE HELP.
My question is i am from Asia, if i want to be a US police officer or detective even i have bachelor degree and American nationality so can i be a officer or detective in US is that possible.Even i have American nationality.
If you’re an American national, you should be fine. You may be required to live in the US prior to starting work, however. Your English and communication skills will be tested, too.
Ok if i have bachelor degree in criminology so what kind of jobs for me even i have English and communication skills.
Ali, click around the site. Check out the “Careers” section on top.
how much does a homicide detective gets paid? and how many homicides been solved?
how many years it takes to graduate from criminal investigator?
Usually a Criminal Investigator, or a Detective, tends to need more experience than education under his or her belt. Basically, one should qualify for becoming a police officer first, and then, move onto being an investigator. There are some State investigative agencies that hire straight out of college, but usually a bachelor level education is required.
First let me start by saying that you have an amazing website and it’s very detailed and helpful. Well, I’m a freshman in high school and I have already chosen the career path i want to go in to after high school. I would like to become a detective working in homicides definitely and maybe other things alongside homicides, can detectives do that? Also what are the requirements in Massachusetts if any, and any degrees that are needed and degrees that are recommended that will help me in attaining my very possible dream of becoming a detective. thank you so much .
-Jorge
Jorge,
Usually detectives are set up to work in their unit, like: homicide, robbery, auto-theft, sex crimes, and etc. However, there are those that jump from one to the other. This is usually NOT the norm and that may happen in smaller departments more than anywhere else.
I’m not too sure on the requirements for MA, but I did write about best criminal justice schools in Massachusetts and that should help you get started. Also, check out the Detective Career page for more great info (make sure to read the comments, too).
i love to be a detective but am still stuck because i really want to be a probation officer. Now that am gonna start college in a couple months am still not decided on what to be, but at the same time i feel if i become a detective its gonna take time from my life and i want to have a family in the future. So idk what ill be but i know its gonna be something in criminal justice
Is there any other faster way to become a detective/investigator without having to be a police officer for X amount of years.? Like a degree will get you straight to detective/investigator.??
thankz
most of the time, NO. A college degree may work for state and federal investigative agencies, but often law enforcement / investigative experience may be preferred.
i want to be detective but do i really have to be a police officer? i want to work with kids who are being abused. this website has really helped thanks!!!!!!!!
hey I’m in school now getting my AS degree in Criminal Justice, will that get me to be a investigator/ detective, or will I have to attend a police academy?
hey i was wondering if you can get a job as a /investigator or detective/ if you have a AS degree without doing the police academy?
Most detectives are police officers first. That said, not all police officers / detectives go to a “police academy.” Many states have certification courses that help certify a person for law enforcement positions for which he or she will need to apply. Where as, a police academy is a big investment in a recruit by the police department that teaches more than the certification courses would alone. Even though not everyone who goes through the police academy passes the tests and makes it on the force, it seems a more “sure” way of knowing that you’ll have a job. Thousands of dollars are invested in your education and training, and many departments pay a recruit while he or she attends the academy; where a certification would actually cost money to obtain. Still, there are those departments, especially in rural areas where they would love for the applicant to have gone through the State certification process.
Education, even a Master’s or a PhD, does not substitute for the training requirements set forth by the State or individual police departments that follow the State mandate.
I was in the police academy at a Community college many years ago. I am beyond the age limit for police officer. I recently graduated with an Associates degree in Law enforcement, since I can not work as a police officer I would like to become a detective…what would I have to do..?
A vast majority of detective positions, with the exception of a private detective, are law enforcement positions. Thus, one would have to become a police officer first.
After performing a cursory search at the State Bureaus of Investigation (ie. Georgia and Tennessee has one), where Special Agents investigate various crimes, I couldn’t find any info on the max age limit; at least it’s not prominently shown. I would shoot them an email or give them a ring to find out more.
Certain agencies may forgo the max age limit or stretch it several years if you have prior law enforcement experience or have been a member of the U.S. Military. Otherwise, it can be hard to find employment as a detective over the age of 35.
Hello, everyone my name is John Alvarez. I am very interesting become detective or police officer. I always want to police because I love to help people solve a problem. I have a small problem and i want to share with my life. When i was born deaf and mute all my life until now my life is very competeing become hearing impaired and speak too. I can hear the radio and speak too. I know I can become a police officer but they afraid of me to become a police officer because i am disabled. My mind said (not true) because I can show them i can do it and prove them that i am one can become police officer dream my true. I am tired of same thing over over over time so only way it s time new 2012 year as move new step by step let people see me that I am really want challenge hearing people are same human being. I can handle with people and disable too. Anyone can help me out and what is your opinion? I know U.S. LAW but I disagree!
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