5 answers
Autumn
Student
Ladson, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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Is it hard to become an investigator/detective without previously being a cop? And what majors would be beneficial for pursuing this career?
I know that a lot of investigators are or were police and worked to rank up to that position. I want to go into his field without joining the police. As for majors, I know criminal justice and law are good starts but what about psychology? Other than this career, I would love to go into something do do with psychology and sociology and work to understand and help people. Would this help a career in becoming an investigator?
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5 answers
john brotzman
engineering manager
3
Answers
Windsor, Connecticut
Updated
john’s Answer
Some people study 'criminal justice' in college but most investigators are drawn from the ranks of policemen. That experience trains them in the ways crime occurs, who does it and how to navigate through the difficult dance of determining truth and falsehood in tough situations. It also gives the departments an opportunity to evaluate a person's drive and ability to commit to the job.
Academic psychology study is very helpful in living life, both personally and as a therapist.
There is a stark contrast between cop/investigator and psychologist. One is very calm and the other is very high stakes/high stress. One deals with slow, thoughtful consideration. The other with people in high distress and often at the worst moments of their lives.
Find a copy of the book "Ghettoside" by Jill Leovy, an LA crime reporter for a good exposition of an investigator's røle.
Academic psychology study is very helpful in living life, both personally and as a therapist.
There is a stark contrast between cop/investigator and psychologist. One is very calm and the other is very high stakes/high stress. One deals with slow, thoughtful consideration. The other with people in high distress and often at the worst moments of their lives.
Find a copy of the book "Ghettoside" by Jill Leovy, an LA crime reporter for a good exposition of an investigator's røle.
Michael Burke, CPP, CIPM, CFEI
Law Enforcement/Investigations
34
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
It’s quite difficult to become a detective/investigator without beginning as a sworn law enforcement officer with some agency at the beginning of your career.
For the duration of your career, you’ll miss having the network of connections that begins at your police academy. Networking is half the secret of development in your career.
To really start your journey, I’d suggest enlisting in one of the Armed Forces in a law enforcement specialty. That will give you a solid foundation in training and connections (for life) that non-veterans sorely lack. Plus a lifetime of less tangible benefits.
From there, 2-4 years as a patrol officer or deputy will prepare you for the detective exams in most agencies, with the bonus obtained from Veterans Preference.
The alternative (no military/no law enforcement) means limiting yourself to loss prevention or private investigations, neither of which come with much benefits, or pension, or opportunities for advancement.
http://aem.usarec.army.mil:4502/careers-and-jobs/career-match/support-logistics/safety-order-legal/31b-military-police.html
https://www.careersinthemilitary.com/career-detail/law-enforcement-officers
https://www.military.com/benefits
https://fbijobs.gov/special-agents
https://www.ice.gov/careers
For the duration of your career, you’ll miss having the network of connections that begins at your police academy. Networking is half the secret of development in your career.
To really start your journey, I’d suggest enlisting in one of the Armed Forces in a law enforcement specialty. That will give you a solid foundation in training and connections (for life) that non-veterans sorely lack. Plus a lifetime of less tangible benefits.
From there, 2-4 years as a patrol officer or deputy will prepare you for the detective exams in most agencies, with the bonus obtained from Veterans Preference.
The alternative (no military/no law enforcement) means limiting yourself to loss prevention or private investigations, neither of which come with much benefits, or pension, or opportunities for advancement.
Michael recommends the following next steps:
Michael Branham
Retired 40 plus years Officer to Chief (Director/Constable, as well).
30
Answers
Peoria, Arizona
Updated
Michael’s Answer
John's answer was very good. Law Enforcement at the local and county level (along with a number of state police) require successful completion of all required phases of Field Training and Probation before you can be considered for a specialty assignment like Detectives/Investigations.
Some State Agencies and several to almost all Federal Agencies recruit and send you to their academies without the prior patrol experience.
The background John mentioned would come in handy at the FBI or Secret Service and a number of agencies with a SWAT or Criminal Profiling Assignments, or those with a Behavioral Health Nexus.
All Law Enforcement work has a core value of "Understanding & Helping People". That's the reason to choose the profession.
Best Wishes!
Some State Agencies and several to almost all Federal Agencies recruit and send you to their academies without the prior patrol experience.
The background John mentioned would come in handy at the FBI or Secret Service and a number of agencies with a SWAT or Criminal Profiling Assignments, or those with a Behavioral Health Nexus.
All Law Enforcement work has a core value of "Understanding & Helping People". That's the reason to choose the profession.
Best Wishes!
Hilary Hanna
Work with forensic populations on mental health issues
23
Answers
Oregon, Illinois
Updated
Hilary’s Answer
Hello!
If you are interested in policing and psychology you should research forensic psychology. I am a forensic psychologist and a social worker. I am able to be a police social worker which allows me to assist police in crisis situations. There are many facets to taking psychology, however, a BS in forensic psychology would be a useful start.
Hilary Hanna
M.S., LSW
If you are interested in policing and psychology you should research forensic psychology. I am a forensic psychologist and a social worker. I am able to be a police social worker which allows me to assist police in crisis situations. There are many facets to taking psychology, however, a BS in forensic psychology would be a useful start.
Hilary Hanna
M.S., LSW
James Hammond
Investigator at Dallas County District Attorney's Office
29
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
To be a good detective means laying the foundation as a police officer. Patrol officers/first responders are more than just uniformed personnel, they are the first investigators on the scene. Actions they take, evidence they protect, people they speak with, are critical to solving the crime. Many times, contacts and relationships they have established by being in the community on a daily basis, has produced valuable leads.