How to Become a SVU Detective

Detective Jones

Becoming a detective in any field is a difficult career for anyone. An SVU detective works specifically with special victims in the special victims unit. You must be able to work well with people when they are at their worst, and understand how to handle dangerous situations. Some qualities in a person that contribute to being an excellent SVU detective are empathy, leadership qualities, discipline, determination, observation skills and more. Do not become influenced by television shows and movies to become an SVU detective. These shows are not realistic. If this is your influence, you may be surprised at some of the requirements. I suggest talking with an SVU detective and interviewing them about their career.

Instructions

How to Become a SVU Detective

1. Earn a degree in criminal justice at a college or university.

2. Become a patrol officer. You have to serve as a police officer for up to five years in order to qualify to become a detective of any kind. This is where you will learn the basic skills necessary to become a detective.

3. Go to the law enforcement academy (police academy) from where you got hired to work as a patrol officer.

4. Take the exam and apply for a position as a detective (after meeting the basic requirement working as a patrol officer for as long as it takes) either at the station you work or for a transfer to another station. It is a civil service exam. If you don't pass the exam the first time you may retake it until you do. Most police stations allow the most qualified patrol officers to take the exam and pass one detective at a time. Sometimes there are more than one detective needed. It is usually done once a year.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you apply for a detective position in a Special Victims Unit (SVU) unit.

• Ask your chief or captain at the police station where you were hired how long it takes to become eligible to apply for a detective's position as some stations vary on this.

Resources

• Civil Service Exam Help