Become a Police Detective
Within all types of police departments, a specialized detective unit conducts criminal investigations. Police detectives collect evidence, conduct interrogations and more to solve crimes. If you become a police detective, you'll likely earn a good salary and have an excellent benefits package.
Instructions
1. Start out as a patrol officer. A police department will not hire an initial applicant as a police detective. You need to go through the hiring process and police academy as a patrol officer first.
2. Find out the minimum requirements to qualify for a transfer to the detective bureau. Many departments will mandate that the applicant work in patrol for at least 3 to 5 years before making detective.
3. Determine if you need any additional schooling to become a police detective. Certain departments require that the potential detective complete at least 60 credit hours of college coursework. In specialized departments, police detectives may need to possess a 4-year degree.
4. Request a transfer to the detective bureau. Most departments require applicants to write a letter of intent. Once a position opens up, you will probably have to undergo a series of written, physical and psychological exams in order to obtain the detective job.
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