Should I become a Detective?

Question

Ive got a pretty good idea about what I want to do with my life, and it includes maybe becoming a homicide detective. Now, Is this a valid career? What are the benifits? Should I think about the F.B.I or other governmental agencies? Help!

Answer 1

Becoming a detective
In most American police departments, a candidate for detective must have served as a uniformed officer for a period of one to five years before becoming qualified for the position. Prospective British police detectives must have completed at least two years as a uniformed officer before applying to join the Criminal Investigation Department. In European police systems, most detectives are university graduates who join directly from civilian life without first serving as uniformed officers. In fact, many European police experts cannot understand why British, Irish, American and Commonwealth police forces insist on recruiting their detectives from the ranks of uniformed officers, arguing that they do a completely different job and therefore require completely different training, qualifications, qualities and abilities. The opposing argument is that without previous service as a uniformed patrol officer a detective cannot have a great enough command of standard police procedures and problems and will find it difficult to work with uniformed colleagues.

In addition, in some US police departments, policies exist that limit the term that an officer may serve continuously as a detective, and mandate that detectives must regularly return to patrol duties for a minimum period of time. This is based upon a perception that the most important and essential police work is accomplished on patrol, and that the skills, experience and familiarity with their beats that patrol officers maintain are essential for detectives to maintain as well. Investigations, by contrast, often take weeks or months to complete, during which time detectives may spend much of their time away from the streets. In this thinking, rotating officers also promotes cross-training in a wider variety of skills, producing both better detectives and uniformed officers. Such policies also serve to prevent "cliques" within detective bureaus that can contribute to corruption or other unethical behavior.

Answer 2

Seems like a good goal to obtain. Remember though that you will see the absolute worst in society. Also remember that the profession(s) that you are looking into have a very high suicide rate. Don't go into it unless you are mentally Strong.

Also another concern. I used to be homeless so perhaps this concerns me more than most. Always be just. I know that sounds weird; but many police tend to harass segments of the population just because they tend not to have the power to do anything about it. That is wrong. I doubt they went into the police force wishing to become that and some don't. However; I must admit many of the police are worse than the criminals they are sworn to apprehend.

However; I have known a few good police officers and they are as good as gold. I can count them on one hand but that's another matter entirely. Just make sure you do not let the position make you. If you are the type that will-- then let it go.

Answer 3

If becoming a detective is something you think you would like to do, then try to become one. If you want to become a police detective, you must first become a police officer. Requirements to become a police officer vary and how you become a police officer varies depending on the police department. Visit the websites of the police departments that you might be interested in working for. Police department websites often provide information about their applicant requirements, about how to apply, and about their hiring process. How you become a detective also depends on the department. Most departments require officers to work as patrol officers for at least 2 (usually more) years before being eligible to become detectives. If you want to become a detective, become the best police officer that you can. Maintain an excellent record and reputation as an officer. Becoming a detective can be a very competitive process. Many officers that want to become detectives won't be able to.

Answer 4

you can't just become a homicide detective, you have to get accepted into thepolice force first then work your way up to detective, Most take upwards of 15 years of being a regular beat cop before becoming a detective. If you want to be a fbi agent, take law , or pre-med in university, since most fbi agents are lawers ar doctors, or accountants.

Answer 5

Either do one of these:

College Education - If you want to join the FBI or Higher up at a PD

Military or Join police force right off.

Then from there you work your way to Homicide Det. If you are good enough.

Be prepared to deal with the worst people on earth. It is NOT like what you see on Tee Vee.

Answer 6

Hey, a less dangerous job in that field would be forensic science. Can you hack that? I just love that type of stuff. You go Honey! Go for whatever you want to do because if you want it bad enough, you can get there. No problem. Forensic science is a bit safer, I think because you are locked in a nice safe lab doing what you know how to do. Your butt isn't out there, quite probably becoming target practice for those who lack morals and brains and ethics. I think the pay is probably better too. :)

Answer 7

Absolutely that is a valid career choice. If you have the talent I would certainly follow your heart. It would be wise for you explore all the agencies, but just because you start off with one, it doesn't mean that you are locked in for life. Best of luck to you.

Answer 8

What about starting the job in Israel. World need a good, honest Detective to the good job in there.

Answer 9

Sound more valid then most ideas I have seen up here. Seems to me it would be quite interesting, however it could be rather depressing as well. Make sure you have the stomach for it.

Answer 10

if you cant make up your mind then you can not and should not be a detective or work for a federal agency. you wouldnt be good at it