How to Become a Detective Inspector
Detective and inspector are two titles used interchangeably (depending upon department) to describe a law enforcement officer with specific duties and authority. Whether the position is in a local, state or federal police department, the detective's (or inspector's, depending on the department) job generally involves protecting and securing the community, maintaining law and order, conducting investigations and collecting evidence. A detective/inspector wears plainclothes rather than a uniform; dedicates his investigations to one type of violation (such as fraud or homicide); is assigned to interagency groups and task forces; and performs a number of specialized duties: interviews, records examination, suspect observation and questioning, raids, arrests and participation. These are the steps to becoming a detective/inspector.
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Things You'll Need
- US citizenship
- High school diploma or GED
- College education
- Physical and psychological aptitude
- Demonstrated written competency
- Several years of service as an entry-level patrol officer
- Interpersonal and communication skills
Instructions
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How to Become a Police Detective or Inspector
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1
Acquire a college education. Start with a high school diploma or equivalent. Enroll in an accredited college and earn a minimum of 60 semester units. Endeavor to earn an associate's degree or even a bachelor's degree in a relevant law enforcement or criminal justice degree program.
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Apply to be a police patrol officer with a local police department or any other recruiting police department. Contact the department about the application process, requirements and any current recruitment for open positions.
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Prepare for service. Take a number of required tests, including a medical exam, physical fitness test, written competency and psychological assessment. Upon acceptance, enter the police academy or training program as directed by your police department. Spend 12 weeks to 1 year training at this institution before beginning standard police duty.
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Serve in a routine patrol police officer position for 2 to 3 years and, in some cases, up to 5 years. Inquire about your department's requirements for promotional testing. Prepare for these promotional opportunities, and take the required exams as they become available.
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Continue to apply to work your way up the promotional ladder within your police department until you've achieved your desire rank. Maintain good relationships and communication with all peers and superiors within your department. Understand that the process of becoming a detective or inspector is not a quick one; it will take time, effort and determination.
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Tips & Warnings
Most police departments require a minimum of 60 semester units or an associate's degree to become a police officer. Larger agencies, like state and federal police, require a 4-year bachelor's degree. Associate's and bachelor's degrees in the following areas are recommended for police detective careers: law enforcement, criminal justice, criminology, political science, government, justice administration, public administration and psychology. It is possible to meet the minimum qualification for becoming a police officer, and then pursue a 4-year degree while serving in the department. Many police departments and state and federal agencies have programs to pay for all or part of the tuition required when officers pursue a college or advanced degree. Learn a foreign language. Bilingual skills are not only useful for service in urban areas, but will help make you a more competitive candidate for promotion.
Civil service regulations require that all applicants must be a U.S. citizen and a minimum of 20 years old. This regulation is applicable to all civil service agencies: police departments, state and federal agencies, municipalities and smaller jurisdictions as well. Before you can become a police detective or inspector, you must begin as a police patrol officer. Without several years of street experience, you would lack the experience and credibility necessary to perform a detective job effectively. Competitive examinations are required for promotion with virtually every existing civil service agency.
