How To Get A Job As A Police Detective
Those interested in becoming Police Detectives must be aware that any type of Police work can be both stressful and dangerous.
Police Detectives must be honest, self-confident, determined, patient, committed, and respectful. They must also be alert to any potential danger, be attentive to detail, be able to work well with others, and have excellent communication skills.
Once Police Detectives are assigned to a case, they examine crime scenes, interview suspects, witnesses and other possibly involved individuals, collect evidence, do research, write reports and give evidence in court. They may be involved in criminal apprehensions. Police Detectives remain involved in a case until the guilty parties are found and convicted or until the case is resolved in some other fashion.
Police Detectives usually work a forty hour week although paid overtime is not uncommon. Travel may be required.
EDUCATION
Education varies throughout the states with greater education generally demanded in urban areas. It is also preferable to get as much education and training as possible, bearing in mind the possibility of potential advancements which of course mean a higher salary.
The most desirable degrees to pursue if you are interested in becoming a Police Detective would be degrees in criminal justice, or law enforcement.
Minimally, applicants are required to have a high school diploma to be Police Patrol Officers. An associate’s degree and more commonly a bachelor’s degree are required for Police Detectives. Before Patrol Officers are eligible to become Police Detectives, they must have from one to three years of Patrol experience. They must have completed training in all aspects of police work, such as use of fire arms, emergency response, first aid, and self defense.
In order to qualify as Police Detectives, officers must pass rigorous physical exams, written exams, a drug test (these are ongoing), possibly a lie detector test, as well as psychological or psychiatric testing. Applicants for Police Detectives must be at least twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States. They must have no history of domestic abuse, and must be free of criminal convictions.
Once applicants have met all the requirements, there will be a period of additional specific training of from approximately three to twelve months.
Police Detectives may or may not work in plain clothes, and may be required to carry firearms.
Demand for qualified Police Detectives continues but there is keen competition for the job, so make sure you stand out by having the best possible education and experience available.
