3 answers
Serenity
Student
Maywood, Illinois
5
Questions
3 answers
Paladin "Pj" Jordan, CPP
Private detective
7
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Paladin "Pj"’s Answer
First, you must decide what type of detective you want to become.
Let’s define detective. A detective is also called an investigator. Both are truth seekers. They use their observation skills, communication skills, persistence, training and thinking skills to determine how an incident happened.
They also determine who is the criminal or person responsible for the incident or crime. Next they document their investigation in a report.
Other people like judges, lawyers, supervisors and victims use the detective’s investigation and report to decide what should be done next.
There are 3 types of detectives: law enforcement, which are police, FBI, and sheriff’s deputy detectives. These detectives work for the government. Their duties are to solve crimes, arrest offenders and prevent future crimes.
The second type of detective is a government detective/investigator who is not a police officer. Examples are detectives who investigate child abuse allegations, meat and health inspectors, and detectives who investigate airplane and train crashes.
The third type of detective is a private detective. This person investigates all types of incidents and crimes-but they are hired by private citizens, attorneys, other companies, and government agencies. Private detectives work for clients who pay them directly.
To become a police detective you apply at the police department. Most police departments require some prior experience and training before becoming a detective.
In some police departments seniority is all that’s needed to become a detective.
Non-law enforcement detectives like child and elder abuse detectives apply directly to the agency. Most agencies have minimum education requirements to apply. For example, a child abuse detective agency may want applicants with a degree in sociology, human relations, psychology or liberal arts.
Private detective agencies will want applicants with prior law enforcement, legal affairs, criminal justice experience and training.
Do a search of the types of agencies that you are interested in. Check their website for recruiting and employment information. All law enforcement agencies have a recruitment office.
Contact them and ask for information about the agency, job duties and hiring.
They will be glad to hear from you and answer your questions. Good luck and follow your Dreams!!!
Let’s define detective. A detective is also called an investigator. Both are truth seekers. They use their observation skills, communication skills, persistence, training and thinking skills to determine how an incident happened.
They also determine who is the criminal or person responsible for the incident or crime. Next they document their investigation in a report.
Other people like judges, lawyers, supervisors and victims use the detective’s investigation and report to decide what should be done next.
There are 3 types of detectives: law enforcement, which are police, FBI, and sheriff’s deputy detectives. These detectives work for the government. Their duties are to solve crimes, arrest offenders and prevent future crimes.
The second type of detective is a government detective/investigator who is not a police officer. Examples are detectives who investigate child abuse allegations, meat and health inspectors, and detectives who investigate airplane and train crashes.
The third type of detective is a private detective. This person investigates all types of incidents and crimes-but they are hired by private citizens, attorneys, other companies, and government agencies. Private detectives work for clients who pay them directly.
To become a police detective you apply at the police department. Most police departments require some prior experience and training before becoming a detective.
In some police departments seniority is all that’s needed to become a detective.
Non-law enforcement detectives like child and elder abuse detectives apply directly to the agency. Most agencies have minimum education requirements to apply. For example, a child abuse detective agency may want applicants with a degree in sociology, human relations, psychology or liberal arts.
Private detective agencies will want applicants with prior law enforcement, legal affairs, criminal justice experience and training.
Do a search of the types of agencies that you are interested in. Check their website for recruiting and employment information. All law enforcement agencies have a recruitment office.
Contact them and ask for information about the agency, job duties and hiring.
They will be glad to hear from you and answer your questions. Good luck and follow your Dreams!!!
Hi Pj: your advice is very insightful; awesome job! Thanks for sharing.
Sheila Jordan
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
716
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Serenity:
The education typically required to enter the occupation ranges from a high school diploma to a college degree. Most police and detectives must graduate from their agency’s training academy before completing a period of on-the-job training. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, usually at least 21 years old, and able to meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. It appears that Private Detective, "Pj" has laid out some great points for your consideration. . . Best of luck to you!
How to Become a Detective • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-4
The education typically required to enter the occupation ranges from a high school diploma to a college degree. Most police and detectives must graduate from their agency’s training academy before completing a period of on-the-job training. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, usually at least 21 years old, and able to meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. It appears that Private Detective, "Pj" has laid out some great points for your consideration. . . Best of luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Mauro Blardony
Recruiter
61
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Mauro’s Answer
I would believe you would need to start in the police force and climb through the ranks. Then at a certain rank with a IQ test, possible able to transfer from there.