4 answers
Anne
Student
1
Question
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I need to know the subjects I need to be a detective/ SWAT officer or any other post in that field?
#police #police-officer #criminal-justice #law-enforcement
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4 answers
Kenneth Cochran
Law Enforcement Officer
14
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
Kenneth’s Answer
Both Detective and SWAT take time to enter. They are not entry-level position, but they can me lateral. That means that some teams and agencies will hire people directly into those positions if they have government or military experience such as Special Forces Operators getting out and joining a SWAT team. Taking the initiative to get ahead however is admirable. Physical fitness is a high priority for SWAT, but not as much for Detective. Both require sound decision making skills. If you are looking at which academic courses will help you achieve Detective I would suggest; Forensic Science, Criminal Justice (anything), Ethics, an advanced Math, Economics or Accounting, and Technical Writing. These are of course the college courses to consider. For High School look into Language Arts, a Foreign Language (Spanish is highly recommended), any type of advanced Algebra or Geometry, and Biological Sciences.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Anne
Is it Okay if I do economics, IT and then later on do à degree in criminal justice?
Anne
So I have a friend I went to the Academy with who had a degree in economics and went on to be a criminal investigator for the IRS. IT will also open up opportunities with Cyber Crimes. The Federal Agency HSI hires a lot of those types of graduates.
Kenneth Cochran
Thank you soo muchh
Anne
Brian DeBauche
Lawyer
4
Answers
Exmore, Virginia
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Entry into many police or sheriff's departments will be accompanied by time in their own academies and training programs. If you want to explore academic background or training, the easiest way to find those courses is under a criminal justice associates' degree at most community colleges. You can look up curricula for those local colleges by searching on line, and can find the course descriptions and choices. States may vary a bit but you may want to look into your state's requirements for officer certification; state programs for certification for law enforcement will also describe some of their own requirements for academic training. Ultimately if you are looking to advance in investigations and become a detective, the degree is called 'criminal justice' or criminology; a quick online search shows many online and remote learning programs.
Shannon Conroy
Supervisor
3
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Hey Anne,
The first place to start would be around criminal justice. You would need time and experience as an officer prior to getting into SWAT/ detective rolls.
The first place to start would be around criminal justice. You would need time and experience as an officer prior to getting into SWAT/ detective rolls.
Thanks for the help.
Anne
Gabe A
Federal Police Officer
2
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Gabe’s Answer
The need for competent law enforcement pretty much requires a college and attaining at least an Associate's Degree. That said, any degree is acceptable for most law enforcement agency's. To be a SWAT team member one must be in excellent physical condition. I served as a member and our PT (physical training) test was rigorous. I served in the US Army Infantry so the skill set was already established. Be fit. The process of recruit training will give you the skills. SWAT school builds on them and then some.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Anne