How to Become a Special Investigations Officer
A special investigations officer investigates many different situations, depending on which branch of law enforcement he chooses to enter. He could be investigating narcotics complaints by conducting undercover operations including surveillance and drug buys. He could be assisting rangers with the National Park Service or the Department of Natural Resources. Or he could be probing violations of gaming laws. These are just a few of the jobs a special investigations officer might perform.
In some small law enforcement departments, a special investigations officer runs the investigation of most major cases involving narcotics, sex abuse, child abuse, child pornography, computer crimes, fraud, burglaries, robberies, felony assault and homicides.
Training to become a Special Investigations Officer includes meeting specific educational requirements, on-the-job training and ongoing coursework and detailed training.
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Things You'll Need
- U.S. citizenship
- High school diploma
- Driver's license
- Firearms eligibility card
Instructions
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Requirements
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Be or become a U.S. citizen. Citizenship is granted by birth in the United States, through naturalization, through parents who are both U.S. citizens or through adoption.
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Get a high school diploma. Physical education classes and participation in sports are especially helpful in developing the agility, stamina and competitiveness needed for a police officer. Police departments in small areas sometimes hire teens as cadets or trainees; they perform clerical work or other duties until they reach the department's age requirement for officers, usually 21.
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Get a valid driver's license. Check with the local bureau of motor vehicles if there is any question about the validity of a license.
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Go to college. Some departments require a college degree or coursework in the areas of law enforcement or the administration of justice. Agencies interested in an applicant might be willing to pay all or at least a portion of the tuition to work toward degrees in criminal justice, police science, administration of justice or public administration. Those with degrees earn higher pay.
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Attend the local police academy. State and local law enforcement agencies generally send their recruits for academy training, which is about 12 to 14 weeks. This training teaches the law, as well as patrol work, traffic control, use of firearms, self-defense, first aid and emergency response. A civil service exam is required prior to attendance.
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Have the legal ability to possess a firearm. Request that the U.S. Department of Justice conduct a firearms eligibility background check by submitting a Personal Firearms Eligibility Check application to the Department of Justice. An identification card will be issued.
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Complete orientation in a chosen law enforcement department. This means meeting physical qualifications and being tested in the areas of vision, strength, hearing and agility. A written test may be given, as well as an interview investigating character traits and background. Candidates might be given a personality test or interviewed by a psychologist. Lie detector examinations and drug testing are likely to be performed. Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony.
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Work within a chosen department throughout a probationary period. In general, this period lasts from six months to three years. Continue to take additional training as it is offered.
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Complete extensive training at the U.S. Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, or the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.
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Tips & Warnings
Bilingual applicants or those with military police experience have the best opportunities, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Expect a certain amount of danger and stress.
According to national statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, job opportunities with local law enforcement departments are expected to increase over time due in part to population increase. Jobs with state and federal agencies are expected to be competitive.
