How to Become a Police Detective

Within all types of police departments, a specialized detective unit conducts criminal investigations. Police detectives collect evidence, conduct interrogations and more to solve crimes. If you become a police detective, you'll likely earn a good salary and have an excellent benefits package.

Instructions

1. Start out as a patrol officer. A police department will not hire an initial applicant as a police detective. You need to go through the hiring process and police academy as a patrol officer first.

2. Find out the minimum requirements to qualify for a transfer to the detective bureau. Many departments will mandate that the applicant work in patrol for at least 3 to 5 years before making detective.

3. Determine if you need any additional schooling to become a police detective. Certain departments require that the potential detective complete at least 60 credit hours of college coursework. In specialized departments, police detectives may need to possess a 4-year degree.

4. Request a transfer to the detective bureau. Most departments require applicants to write a letter of intent. Once a position opens up, you will probably have to undergo a series of written, physical and psychological exams in order to obtain the detective job.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to research the median salaries and more for police detectives, you can check out the statistics listed on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

• The department heads normally take your police record into consideration prior to transferring you to the detective bureau. You'll want to have an impeccable performance record with outstanding attendance and punctuality.

Resources

• Get detective salary info from the Bureau of Labor Statistics