4 answers
Ashleigh
Student
Clifton Park, NY
1
Question
Updated
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What are the career steps in law enforcement to become a detective?
I have the dream to be a detective, but I am not sure where to start. I have had thoughts of joining the NYPD, but how dangerous is that? I have also considered being a state trooper. What are the steps and how long, on average, would the process take before I could become a detective? And would I be able to choose the department I join?
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4 answers
Kevin Czora
Law enforcement
35
Answers
Amherst, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Ashleigh,
I completely agree with DJ's assessment of the process to become a detective. In addition to what was mentioned, I'll add a few steps.
In NY, most promotional positions are done thru civil service (the same as being hired originally as a police officer). This means you must first qualify for the promotion. For my agency, it required 2 years of being a patrol officer. Once you qualify, you must take, pass, and score well enough on the promotional exam. The department then is required to hire a candidate in the top 3 on the exam. There will be interviews conducted for those candidates in consideration. Once an officer is promoted, it is for a probationary period (up to 1 year). Once that period is over, the promotion is permanent.
I personally feel that the more time you are a patrol officer, the better candidate you are. You learn the laws, how to communicate with witnesses, victims and suspects. You develope contacts and build trust on the streets. I used my street reputation and trust which I built as a patrol officer to solve homicides as a detective. Dont underestimate the value of patrol experience.
Lastely, I'll touch base on safety. No police job is "safe". It is our job to run towards gunfire. We are required to confront all threats. Officers from all size departments are killed every year. If this is a significant fear, law enforcement is not for you. I worked in a smaller department, just 34 sworn officers. Over my career, I was involved in a shooting, and had 3 "near-life" ending situations. Even as a detective and detective sargeant, I was involved in serious situations. Its always a possibility, and you must accept it. But, your training and experience will help you be prepared for the threats, and hopefully keep you safe.
I hope my added information helps you in you goals. Best of luck!
Kevin Czora
I completely agree with DJ's assessment of the process to become a detective. In addition to what was mentioned, I'll add a few steps.
In NY, most promotional positions are done thru civil service (the same as being hired originally as a police officer). This means you must first qualify for the promotion. For my agency, it required 2 years of being a patrol officer. Once you qualify, you must take, pass, and score well enough on the promotional exam. The department then is required to hire a candidate in the top 3 on the exam. There will be interviews conducted for those candidates in consideration. Once an officer is promoted, it is for a probationary period (up to 1 year). Once that period is over, the promotion is permanent.
I personally feel that the more time you are a patrol officer, the better candidate you are. You learn the laws, how to communicate with witnesses, victims and suspects. You develope contacts and build trust on the streets. I used my street reputation and trust which I built as a patrol officer to solve homicides as a detective. Dont underestimate the value of patrol experience.
Lastely, I'll touch base on safety. No police job is "safe". It is our job to run towards gunfire. We are required to confront all threats. Officers from all size departments are killed every year. If this is a significant fear, law enforcement is not for you. I worked in a smaller department, just 34 sworn officers. Over my career, I was involved in a shooting, and had 3 "near-life" ending situations. Even as a detective and detective sargeant, I was involved in serious situations. Its always a possibility, and you must accept it. But, your training and experience will help you be prepared for the threats, and hopefully keep you safe.
I hope my added information helps you in you goals. Best of luck!
Kevin Czora
D.J. Benion, MBA
Federal Law Enforcement Officer
34
Answers
Updated
D.J.’s Answer
Hey there! It's great that you already want to become a detective. Many people figure that out much later, so you're ahead. Let's make a clear plan for you.
First, you need to become a police officer or state trooper. Here's the process: Apply to a police department like NYPD or a local one. Pass a written test, fitness test, medical check, background check, and interviews. Once you pass, you'll attend a police academy for training, which lasts 6 to 9 months. So, your first step is becoming a police officer.
After the academy, you'll work in patrol. This means responding to 911 calls, handling traffic stops, investigating crimes, and writing reports. To become a detective, work in patrol for 2 to 5 years. Build a good reputation by making solid arrests, writing good reports, solving cases, and working hard. Stand out by being good at interviewing, solving problems, and writing strong cases.
When you have enough experience, apply for a detective role or get recommended by supervisors. Each department is different. For example, in the NYPD, you might qualify after 2 to 5 years. In a state police agency, it’s usually 3 to 5 years. You have to apply to the department you want and go through their process.
Regarding safety: NYPD is busier and more dangerous because it’s a big city with lots of crime. State Troopers patrol highways and rural areas, facing danger mostly during traffic stops. Both jobs have risks, but by staying smart, alert, and following your training, you can manage them.
Here's the timeline: It takes about 6–12 months to get hired and finish the academy. Then, spend 2–5 years in patrol. Most people become detectives between their 4th and 7th year.
Quick tips to get there faster: Stay in shape, as fitness tests are tough. Study hard to pass written tests. Practice communication skills for talking to people and writing reports. Apply to multiple departments. Be patient, keep your record clean, and stay focused.
Remember, the badge is about responsibility, not power. Stay humble, stay eager, and stay alert. That’s how you become a detective.
First, you need to become a police officer or state trooper. Here's the process: Apply to a police department like NYPD or a local one. Pass a written test, fitness test, medical check, background check, and interviews. Once you pass, you'll attend a police academy for training, which lasts 6 to 9 months. So, your first step is becoming a police officer.
After the academy, you'll work in patrol. This means responding to 911 calls, handling traffic stops, investigating crimes, and writing reports. To become a detective, work in patrol for 2 to 5 years. Build a good reputation by making solid arrests, writing good reports, solving cases, and working hard. Stand out by being good at interviewing, solving problems, and writing strong cases.
When you have enough experience, apply for a detective role or get recommended by supervisors. Each department is different. For example, in the NYPD, you might qualify after 2 to 5 years. In a state police agency, it’s usually 3 to 5 years. You have to apply to the department you want and go through their process.
Regarding safety: NYPD is busier and more dangerous because it’s a big city with lots of crime. State Troopers patrol highways and rural areas, facing danger mostly during traffic stops. Both jobs have risks, but by staying smart, alert, and following your training, you can manage them.
Here's the timeline: It takes about 6–12 months to get hired and finish the academy. Then, spend 2–5 years in patrol. Most people become detectives between their 4th and 7th year.
Quick tips to get there faster: Stay in shape, as fitness tests are tough. Study hard to pass written tests. Practice communication skills for talking to people and writing reports. Apply to multiple departments. Be patient, keep your record clean, and stay focused.
Remember, the badge is about responsibility, not power. Stay humble, stay eager, and stay alert. That’s how you become a detective.
James Hammond
Criminal Investigator at Dallas County District Attorney's Office
38
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
Except on very rare occasions, every officer starts in patrol. There you develop your law enforcement skills such as interview/interrogation. You will also have the opportunity to attend specialized training. It's important to remember, that while in patrol, your title may not be 'Detective', you are still the first 'Investigator' on scene. Actions you take, people you identify, can have a great impact in the overall prosecution of the case.
Jordan Buchanan, H.B.A.
Detective Staff Sergeant
8
Answers
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Jordan’s Answer
You have to spend some time as a uniformed officer learning the basics. Going to college or university first will help you gain life experience that will help you later with your career. Be patient. Don't be afraid to volunteer when a detective needs help as you can learn from this. I always think in terms of 5 years to learn the uniform police officers job through experience before making a move to detective. I was an officer for 30 years and a detective for 18 of those years. I spent 6 years in college and university and 2 years in the Reserves (Infantry) before I became a police officer. I spent 5 years as a uniformed officer, 18 as a detective, the rest as a supervisor. Don't be too quick. It takes time, knowledge and experience to become a detective but don't lose focus and it will happen.