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What is the most direct route to become a detective?

I want to become a detective to help investigate and solve serious crimes. What is the best way to get there? I know there are 2 year and 4 year criminal justice degrees. I have also heard experience in the police force is required first and you have to get promoted up to detective. What is the most direct route to get there? #police #detective #criminal-justice

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Judy’s Answer

HI Stevie,

IF you're thinking about law enforcement, I really encourage you to go to college first. The best detectives I have encountered put in a lot of time in the field. THe field usually means working the streets and your community. Most police department have a test you have to take after you have finished your apprenticeship program as a rookie. If you pass the detective test, you will be placed on a list and then interviewed. Depending on the police department, you may be selected for different areas, such as drugs, gangs, vice, auto/theft, robberies, murder, etc....

To be an effective detective, you must have good writing and reading skills and this is why a college degree would benefit your career. You must also have really strong communication skills and be people-centered. Law enforcement has had a lot of scrutiny these days. You must remember that law enforcement is about helping people and the community. You must be aware of your own biases and prejudices to work with community of color and the disenfranchised.

Judy recommends the following next steps:

discuss with counselor about criminal justice or sociology degree; consider an Associates of Arts (60 Credits)
See if there's an EXPLORERS Program or something similar at your local police department.
See if you can do a project or report about your local police department with a counselor or teacher at school. You can see how many divisions they have and if they have services available for the community such as the Police Action League for disadvantaged youth.
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Kim’s Answer

Stevie,

While most detectives start as police officers and work their way up, there is in fact another option available to you. Some large cities have "Evidence Technicians" or "Crime Scene Investigators." These are civilian positions. Here is a link for San Antonio. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanantoniotx/classspecs?keywords=crime
You would want to talk to the departments to make sure this is a feasible option, if it is something you are interested in. I say that because, even though it is a civilian position, it is possible that they hire only former cops. There are also positions in the police crime labs. It sort of depends on what aspect of investigations appeals to you.

Investigators, like officers, need to be physically fit. Beyond that, I would encourage you to develop a strong understanding of sciences and technology, along with the ability to talk to people (customer service jobs are good for this!). Your background will need to be squeaky clean,that is, no criminal offenses, good credit ratings, and good grades. Since you will be representing law enforcement, do not have any visible tattoos or piercings, as different agencies have different requirements.

As far as school, I would strive for at least an Associates Degree. I don't know what the Criminal Justice curriculum consists of these days. When I went to school, eons ago, there were no classes that taught practical skills, it was all about theory and management. If that is the case, you might want to think about sciences. And I say that because, when you look at things such as traffic accident reconstruction, or, how old a bruise is, etc, there is a lot of science involved.

Great question!
Best of luck!
Kim
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