How to Become a Detective

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.

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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[karlmarx]

on 3/2/2008 This is all OK advice. I'll add some points.

Generally, 2 years street experience (patrol officer) is necessary before even being considered for a detective position at mid-size and large departments. I've never heard of 6 months; that's quite short. However, it may take longer than 2 years even if the department's rules say you can apply after 2 years. It all boils down to whether or not they need a person at that time. It may take 5 years. So expect to spend 2-5 years as a patrol officer before moving on to the investigative unit.

I should also add that very few departments promote officers to detective based on competitive examination. It's almost always based on merit and other factors (e.g. education) even at the largest departments (NYPD). Competitive examination is almost always for gaining rank.

Lastly, detectives generally do keep regular hours. At the department I'm a