5 answers
Ella-Marie
Student
Jeffersonville, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
962 views
how do I become a detective?
I am a 10th grade girl who is not sure how to start looking to become a detective. Any advise??
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5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1945
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Becoming a police detective Ella-Marie requires you to first become a police officer.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• AGE: Minimum 21yrs by academy graduation
• CITIZENSHIP: U.S. Citizen
• EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED
• CRIMINAL RECORD: No felony/convictions
• LICENSE: Valid Driver’s License.
• POLICE ACADEMY: The police officer academy is a rigorous, 15 to 29-week training program that will you as a police officer through intense physical training, classroom instruction on law and ethics, and scenario-based exercises like traffic stops and defensive tactics.
DETECTIVE PROMOTION
Advancing to the rank of detective within a police department is the culmination of meeting stringent experience and performance criteria. As a process, it is highly competitive—candidates must demonstrate exceptional skills, integrity, and a consistent record of successful case handling. Effective strategies to stand out in the promotion process include excelling as a police officer, pursuing continuous education, and specializing in areas crucial for detective work, such as cybercrime, forensic analysis, or financial crime investigations. However, becoming a detective is not the end of career advancement opportunities. Detectives can further ascend into more senior roles, such as detective sergeant or detective chief inspector, where they oversee operations, manage investigative teams, and contribute to major case strategies. Each step up requires additional leadership skills, deeper knowledge, and a proven track record of success in solving complex cases.
I hope this was helpful Ella-Marie
RIDE-ALONGS: Participate in police ride-alongs to understand the daily demands and see if this career fits your expectations Ella-Marie.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• AGE: Minimum 21yrs by academy graduation
• CITIZENSHIP: U.S. Citizen
• EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED
• CRIMINAL RECORD: No felony/convictions
• LICENSE: Valid Driver’s License.
• POLICE ACADEMY: The police officer academy is a rigorous, 15 to 29-week training program that will you as a police officer through intense physical training, classroom instruction on law and ethics, and scenario-based exercises like traffic stops and defensive tactics.
DETECTIVE PROMOTION
Advancing to the rank of detective within a police department is the culmination of meeting stringent experience and performance criteria. As a process, it is highly competitive—candidates must demonstrate exceptional skills, integrity, and a consistent record of successful case handling. Effective strategies to stand out in the promotion process include excelling as a police officer, pursuing continuous education, and specializing in areas crucial for detective work, such as cybercrime, forensic analysis, or financial crime investigations. However, becoming a detective is not the end of career advancement opportunities. Detectives can further ascend into more senior roles, such as detective sergeant or detective chief inspector, where they oversee operations, manage investigative teams, and contribute to major case strategies. Each step up requires additional leadership skills, deeper knowledge, and a proven track record of success in solving complex cases.
I hope this was helpful Ella-Marie
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Doc!
Ella-Marie
Remember Ella-Marie an expert in anything was once a beginner.
Doc Frick
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1862
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Ella-Marie,
If you are not adverse to it, consider enlisting in one of the military branches. You will get some awesome training, and be better positioned for a civilian detective position. It also builds self-confidence!
While most detectives are in law enforcement, there are other options. For example, becoming an insurance fraud investigator. Or, taking a civilian "evidence technician" position within the police department. Or going into corporate loss prevention programs, perhaps targeting employee embezzlement. Wherever there are opportunities for people to "get rich quick," there are often people who specialize in catching them!
Hope this helps to expand the possibilities for you!
Kim
If you are not adverse to it, consider enlisting in one of the military branches. You will get some awesome training, and be better positioned for a civilian detective position. It also builds self-confidence!
While most detectives are in law enforcement, there are other options. For example, becoming an insurance fraud investigator. Or, taking a civilian "evidence technician" position within the police department. Or going into corporate loss prevention programs, perhaps targeting employee embezzlement. Wherever there are opportunities for people to "get rich quick," there are often people who specialize in catching them!
Hope this helps to expand the possibilities for you!
Kim
Brandi Skarpa
Project Management
1
Answer
League City, Texas
Updated
Brandi’s Answer
First you need to contact a local police department and have your mom or dad involved. Go to local PD and talk to the Chief of Police, they will be glad to give you advise on best avenue for your city and state requirements.
Better approach is State side like Trooper for your State. Talk to a back ground investigator.
Becoming a detective takes time and patience to rank up to that. Doesn't happen overnight. Good luck, don't let anyone tell you, you can't do it. It's a males line of work and many others don't understand that women are to never be underestimated.
Better approach is State side like Trooper for your State. Talk to a back ground investigator.
Becoming a detective takes time and patience to rank up to that. Doesn't happen overnight. Good luck, don't let anyone tell you, you can't do it. It's a males line of work and many others don't understand that women are to never be underestimated.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Ella-Marie
Jin Yue
Supplychain
22
Answers
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Jin’s Answer
Being a detective can be tough and risky, but it's also satisfying. If you're interested in solving crimes, check what your local police department needs and think about getting a degree in criminal justice.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Ella-Marie
Elias Abraham Gonzalez Resendiz
Employe
1
Answer
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Elias Abraham’s Answer
According to my experience and depending on where you live, there is a certain level of work independence, which makes it very difficult to find that kind of job unless you work for a government department. I also believe that it is quite difficult to specialize in this field. Additionally, if you are a good researcher, you should further train yourself by looking for someone who does the same. Good luck."
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Ella-Marie