3 answers
Yoshi
Student
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
7
Questions
Asked
803 views
Is there any way to become detective under these circumstances ?
I mean, can someone become a detective(not the civilian one) without starting as a patrol officer and taking years? That too, with the power to issue arrests and other such powers. (Especially in India.)
And how does one become a detective for another country if they were born in another?
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3 answers
Edward Jacobson
Law Enforcement
4
Answers
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Updated
Edward’s Answer
Hey Yoshi,
To answer your question as far as for the United States, typically if you want to be a Detective for State or Local Police, you typically need to come through patrol. You need to be a State certified police officer which requires a Field Training in patrol for a period of time.
However, you can become a Federal Special Agent (FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.) which is essentially a detective investigating Federal crime without becoming a patrol officer. The requirements are typically more stringent than becoming a patrol officer. Most Federal agencies require a minimum of a bachelors degree and a certain amount of work experience.
To answer your question as far as for the United States, typically if you want to be a Detective for State or Local Police, you typically need to come through patrol. You need to be a State certified police officer which requires a Field Training in patrol for a period of time.
However, you can become a Federal Special Agent (FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.) which is essentially a detective investigating Federal crime without becoming a patrol officer. The requirements are typically more stringent than becoming a patrol officer. Most Federal agencies require a minimum of a bachelors degree and a certain amount of work experience.
Thank you for the advice.
Yoshi
Akasha Ali
Student Researcher and Peer Advisor
25
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Akasha’s Answer
Hi Yashi,
That's a great question! The answer depends on the country, but in general, becoming a detective with police powers usually requires first becoming a police officer.
In India, detectives who have legal authority to investigate crimes, make arrests, and carry out law enforcement duties are typically police officers. In most cases, officers gain experience in policing before being assigned or promoted to detective or investigation roles. Some specialized agencies may recruit through competitive exams or direct entry in to investigative positions, but those officers still undergo formal training and become part of the law enforcement System.
If you're interested in investigative work without becoming a regular portal officer first, you could also look into agencies that hire for intelligence, forensic science, cybercrime, financial investigations, or other specialized investigative careers. These roles often focus on investigations but many have different legal powers than police detectives.
As for becoming a detective in another country, you'll usually need to meet that country's eligibility requirements. Many countries require applicant to be citizens or permanent residents before joining their police force, although the rules vary. If you plan to move abroad, check the recruitment requirements of the specific country's police or investigative agencies.
If becoming a detective is your goal, I recommend researching the exact agency and country you're interested in, as each has its own recruitment process and qualifications.
I hope this helps, and i wish you the best as you explore this career path!.
That's a great question! The answer depends on the country, but in general, becoming a detective with police powers usually requires first becoming a police officer.
In India, detectives who have legal authority to investigate crimes, make arrests, and carry out law enforcement duties are typically police officers. In most cases, officers gain experience in policing before being assigned or promoted to detective or investigation roles. Some specialized agencies may recruit through competitive exams or direct entry in to investigative positions, but those officers still undergo formal training and become part of the law enforcement System.
If you're interested in investigative work without becoming a regular portal officer first, you could also look into agencies that hire for intelligence, forensic science, cybercrime, financial investigations, or other specialized investigative careers. These roles often focus on investigations but many have different legal powers than police detectives.
As for becoming a detective in another country, you'll usually need to meet that country's eligibility requirements. Many countries require applicant to be citizens or permanent residents before joining their police force, although the rules vary. If you plan to move abroad, check the recruitment requirements of the specific country's police or investigative agencies.
If becoming a detective is your goal, I recommend researching the exact agency and country you're interested in, as each has its own recruitment process and qualifications.
I hope this helps, and i wish you the best as you explore this career path!.
Thank you, Akasha!
Yoshi
Mike K
Retired Law Enforcement
28
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi Yoshi,
Hiring and promotional requirements - including those necessary to become a detective - can vary greatly from agency to agency. There are so many police departments in existence so maybe somewhere becoming a detective without first being a police officer is possible. And with so much advancement in science and technology I wouldn't be comfortable saying it was impossible - perhaps the opportunity is available to someone with the right education/credentials. I think Edward answers your question best by explaining the typical path in the United States, along with the additional federal option. Most, if not all countries require some sort of residency/citizenship requirement to work in law enforcement, but again I believe the level at which this requirement must be met will vary between different countries. Unfortunately I was unable to research the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) website. This is presented as one of the three major investigative agencies in India, and looking into it may provide you additional information and resources.
All the best!
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Bureau_of_Investigation
Hiring and promotional requirements - including those necessary to become a detective - can vary greatly from agency to agency. There are so many police departments in existence so maybe somewhere becoming a detective without first being a police officer is possible. And with so much advancement in science and technology I wouldn't be comfortable saying it was impossible - perhaps the opportunity is available to someone with the right education/credentials. I think Edward answers your question best by explaining the typical path in the United States, along with the additional federal option. Most, if not all countries require some sort of residency/citizenship requirement to work in law enforcement, but again I believe the level at which this requirement must be met will vary between different countries. Unfortunately I was unable to research the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) website. This is presented as one of the three major investigative agencies in India, and looking into it may provide you additional information and resources.
All the best!
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This was super helpful, thank you!
Yoshi