How long would it take for me to become a Detective?

Question

Starting from College - How long would it take for me to become a Detective?

Answer 1

It will probably be a much longer process on a large department than a small one.

Many times, on departments smaller than 40 officers, it is an assigned job if you have performed well in the past and show the right aptitude. Problem with smaller departments, like the one I was on, is the cases you will work will mostly be follow ups to theft, and criminal damage. Yes ,you get real homicides but not very often unless you are near a larger metropolitan area.

Our department had four homicide cases with six victims since 1935. All our cases were between 1983 and 2000. I happened to be in investigations during those times. Seems like whenever they put me back in, we got a homicide. They didn't put me back after the last double.

There are perks like soft clothes, unmarked car, and you will meet a lot of other detectives from other departments and the training will be a little different than what you were used to. All in all, it is not very much like TV. It can be interesting and you get to see and do stuff hardly anyone gets a chance to see. But it still ain't like the movies.

Answer 2

That depends a lot on the individual and the police department. 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.

Many people that want to become police officers choose criminal justice or a similar major. However, you don't have to. There are many majors that are good for police officers and people that want to become police officers. Accounting, communications, computer science, a foreign language, and psychology are some examples. You should choose a major that interests you and that is marketable. When choosing a major, consider what you might want to do if you decide not to become a police officer or if you can't become a police officer. It is great that you plan on getting a college degree. Getting a college degree is one of the best things that you can do. Many police departments require or prefer applicants to have college. Having a degree could help you get hired by some departments. Some departments pay their officers more if they have a degree. Having a degree could also help you get promoted during your career. Whatever major you choose, make the most of your time in college. Get the highest grade point average that you can, participate in a couple extracurricular activities, get a good internship, do some regular volunteer work, don't do anything illegal, and maintain a good reputation.

Answer 3

Most departments have a 1 year, some have an 18 month probation. The general rule is you have to be off probation before you can be eligible for reassignment. That is just to be eligible... these positions are normally sought after and very competetive. Departments take into consideration written test results and seniority, along with job performance and recommmendation from a supervisor. From a realistic standpoint, it may take years, and several attempts. Because each department sets its own rules, you would have to contact the department you are interested in to see what the requirements are.

Answer 4

In most real Police Departments you would have to be a Police Officer First.
Go with the Federal Government, they might get you in because they need women to fill some quota.It won't matter if you have a clue what you are doing.

Answer 5

A lot of it depends on the department, and how well you perform.

Some agencies it's a minimum of 10 or 15 years, some smaller agencies you could do it in less than 5. It will not happen overnight.

Answer 6

Once you become a police officer anywhere from 3-5 years. It all depends on the department you get hired at. You dont just apply.

Answer 7

You have to join a police force and demonstrate extreme tact and skill and if they think you have the goods, they will assign you to be a detective.