How to Become a Detective in Chicago

Whether you want to become a police detective or a private detective in the city of Chicago, you must complete extensive training and obtain an education in the art of detective work. The number of jobs for police detectives was expected to increase by 10 percent from 2008 to 2018, while the number of jobs for private detective was expected to increase by about 22 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Instructions

1. Complete two years of postsecondary education. To serve as an officer in the Chicago Police Department, you need to have a minimum of two years of college education, preferably in a field related to police work. Possible programs of study can include forensics, police science, criminology, criminal justice and psychology. Chicago offers several different avenues for pursuing a college education. Community colleges in the city are a part of the City Colleges of Chicago system. The city is also home to several universities like Roosevelt University, the University of Chicago, University of Illinois-Chicago, DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago.

2. Submit your application to the Chicago Police Department. The department requires that you be at least 21 years old and have the equivalent of two years of college education. You can, however, substitute one year of military experience or other peace officer duty for up to one year of college education. Getting hired by the department requires passing a written examination, a physical fitness test, psychological and medical evaluation and make it through the interview process. You also have to complete academy training. If successful in making it through the hiring process, you have to complete an 18-month probationary period before becoming a full officer.

3. Complete a minimum of three years on the force as a patrol officer. Whether you plan on becoming a detective for the department or working as a private detective, you need experience. Police department detectives are generally promoted from within, but this process can take several years. According to the Illinois Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor and Locksmith Act of 2004, private detectives must have at least three years of experience in law enforcement or working for a licensed private investigation agency. An associate degree will count for one year of experience and a bachelor's degree for up to two.

4. Submit your application to the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation. You must have a clean record and be of good moral character in order to be licensed. You have to submit your fingerprints for a full background check and pass the state's written examination for private detectives in order to receive your license.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Police and Detectives
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Private Detectives
• Ilinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules: Part 1240 Private Detective
• Illinois General Assembly: Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004
• Chicago Police Department: Chicago Police Officer Career Information