Detectives gather evidence, sort through facts and examine details to solve crimes. For people who thrive on solving problems and who possess good observational skills, becoming a detective is one career to consider pursuing. For many police officers, it's a natural progression in their law enforcement career. Once they retire from the force, many detectives opt to keep working, either as private investigators, store detectives or house detectives.
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Difficulty:
Challenging
Instructions
1
Go to college. Many police forces require detectives to have either a couple of years of college or a bachelor's degree prior to promoting them.
2
Become a U.S. citizen if you're not already one. Most police forces don't hire non-citizens due to civil service regulations.
3
Get experience. Many police departments require a minimum of six months experience as a patrol officer before they'll consider hiring someone as a detective. In most cases, two or more years of experience is required.
4
Prepare to take additional tests. As part of the application process to become a detective, you'll be tested on your knowledge of local laws, police procedures, and your analytical aptitude. You'll also most likely be required to take a physical test, so keep fit.
5
Hone your interpersonal skills. You'll need effective communication skills for interviewing witnesses, interrogating suspects, and dealing with other law enforcement personnel.
Tips & Warnings
Criminal justice, criminology, psychology, or political science are all good degrees to consider getting if you want to become a detective.
Don't expect to keep regular hours. You won't. Often you'll work long hours.
Don't expect the job not to interfere with your personal life. It will.
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