4 answers
Taylor
Student
Callahan, Florida
1
Question
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What college would be best to become a private investigator
I want to be a private investigator or a homicide detective. #colleges
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4 answers
Michael Burke, CPP, CIPM, CFEI
Law Enforcement/Investigations
37
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Best plan? Enlist in the US Army or Marine Corps as a Military Police trainee, and serve 2-4 years as an MP.
While on active duty, work on completing your AA and possibly BA in any major BUT “Criminal Justice.” Most CJ programs repeat what you’re going to learn in any Police Academy, to include the MP School at Ft Leonard Wood.
The military is the ONLY place you can begin a career in law enforcement/investigations at age 18.
When you complete your term of service, you’ll be over 21 and eligible to apply for any police department or Sheriffs Office, where your military time will usually count for seniority and towards your pension (retirement.)
The best degrees for becoming a detective? Forensics, Accounting, Computer programming, Computer Forensics, Psychology, or English.
It would be helpful if you also take a few years to become proficient in Spanish, Russian, French, Arabic, Chinese or another foreign language common in the state or region you want to live/work in.
Another option- after the military, join the Border Patrol or Customs & Border Protection- many federal law enforcement agencies prefer applicants with that experience PLUS a degree (other than CJ).
While on active duty, work on completing your AA and possibly BA in any major BUT “Criminal Justice.” Most CJ programs repeat what you’re going to learn in any Police Academy, to include the MP School at Ft Leonard Wood.
The military is the ONLY place you can begin a career in law enforcement/investigations at age 18.
When you complete your term of service, you’ll be over 21 and eligible to apply for any police department or Sheriffs Office, where your military time will usually count for seniority and towards your pension (retirement.)
The best degrees for becoming a detective? Forensics, Accounting, Computer programming, Computer Forensics, Psychology, or English.
It would be helpful if you also take a few years to become proficient in Spanish, Russian, French, Arabic, Chinese or another foreign language common in the state or region you want to live/work in.
Another option- after the military, join the Border Patrol or Customs & Border Protection- many federal law enforcement agencies prefer applicants with that experience PLUS a degree (other than CJ).
Samuel Knight
Regional Marketing Manager
5
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
Hi Taylor! This isn't my expertise, but I found some helpful information to share with you. There seems to be a lot of "best" options depending on multiple factors, so choose one that you feel comfortable with. I'd suggest visiting colleges to get a feel for the environment. With that said, it looks like becoming a private investigator can have a slightly different educational route than becoming a homicide detective, so I'd also suggest trying to speak with someone from each profession and learn what they spend most of their time doing to see what interests you more.
For a criminology degree, it looks like you have some great options in Florida: USF, Uni of Florida, Uni of Tampa, and even Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL (https://www.collegeraptor.com/Majors/Details/45.0401/Level/Bachelors-degree/State/All/Criminology). To be a Private Investigator, follow this link (https://privateinvestigatoredu.org/florida/) to see the step-by-step process that help lay out basic qualifications all the way to formal training required. It looks like Florida State College at Jacksonville offers some relevant programs. I hope this helps. Good luck and ask questions any chance you get!
For a criminology degree, it looks like you have some great options in Florida: USF, Uni of Florida, Uni of Tampa, and even Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL (https://www.collegeraptor.com/Majors/Details/45.0401/Level/Bachelors-degree/State/All/Criminology). To be a Private Investigator, follow this link (https://privateinvestigatoredu.org/florida/) to see the step-by-step process that help lay out basic qualifications all the way to formal training required. It looks like Florida State College at Jacksonville offers some relevant programs. I hope this helps. Good luck and ask questions any chance you get!
Michael Burke, CPP, CIPM, CFEI
Law Enforcement/Investigations
37
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Before college, consider this. Enlist with the US Army or Marine Corps as a Military Police officer. You can sign up at 17 (with parental consent) and begin your law enforcement career while finishing high school. From your 18th birthday to 21, you could complete a 2, 3, or 4 year tour as a Military Police officer, gaining Veteran's Status and essential experience on the job, while other kids your age are struggling with college and retail (Starbucks or McDonald's) jobs. This military experience gives you valuable experience which will make you a better detective (criminal investigator) or private investigator.
While on active duty, you could complete a degree ON-LINE with any of several colleges, such as the University of Maryland, Global Campus, and graduate in 3 years with a BA/BS. (Most colleges and Universities give you college credit for attending military training.) The military will PAY for your college.
By the time you reach 21, you would have 3-4 years of real world law enforcement experience, a world-class university degree, and be ready (and competitive) for hire at any police agency you wish to attend.
Long term- stay in the Reserves or National Guard for 20 years, concurrent with your future LE job, and you'll qualify for a military pension and other benefits. You'll also have Veteran's Preference for every job or promotion you apply for (for life), and GI Bill benefits when you're ready to buy a home.
While on active duty, you could complete a degree ON-LINE with any of several colleges, such as the University of Maryland, Global Campus, and graduate in 3 years with a BA/BS. (Most colleges and Universities give you college credit for attending military training.) The military will PAY for your college.
By the time you reach 21, you would have 3-4 years of real world law enforcement experience, a world-class university degree, and be ready (and competitive) for hire at any police agency you wish to attend.
Long term- stay in the Reserves or National Guard for 20 years, concurrent with your future LE job, and you'll qualify for a military pension and other benefits. You'll also have Veteran's Preference for every job or promotion you apply for (for life), and GI Bill benefits when you're ready to buy a home.
naveen bharadwaj
Tech support
94
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
naveen’s Answer
Criminal investigators have at least a bachelor's degree in one of the following specialties: computer science, chemistry, biology, sociology, psychology, forensics, crime scene investigation, criminal justice or police science.Hillsborough Community College offers a 40 hour Private Investigator Intern Course in which students learn the skills they will need to pursue a career in private investigation.