What are the Requirements to Become a Police Detective?

<h3 id="section---PoliceDetectiveEducationRequirements">Police Detective Education Requirements</h3> <p>The educational requirements for <a href="http://learn.org/articles/Police_Detective_Become_a_Police_Detective_in_5_Steps.html">becoming a police detective</a> vary from state to state; some police departments require only a high school diploma or GED, while others require you to complete some college courses or earn a college degree. In most cases, you only need to earn an associate's degree, but a bachelor's degree might help with advancement through the ranks more quickly. You might consider a degree program in administration of justice, law enforcement, criminal justice, or police science. Some police departments waive their educational requirements if you have two to five years of active duty with the military. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Median Salary (2018) </td><td> $81,920 (<i>for detectives and criminal investigators*</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Empathy; Good judgment; Perceptiveness; Physical stamina</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2018-2028)</td><td> 5% (<i>for detectives and criminal investigators*</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> Similar Occupations</td><td> Correctional Officers; EMTs and Paramedics</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---PoliceDetectiveTraining">Police Detective Training</h3> <p>Much of your detective training can be accomplished while you're <a href="http://learn.org/articles/Police_Officer_Become_a_Police_Officer_in_5_Steps.html">working as a police officer</a>. Your time 'on the beat' can help you develop instincts about criminal activity and sharpen your investigative skills. You usually won't be able to begin working as a police detective, however, until you receive training at your department's police academy. </p> <p>Police academy training consists of both classroom and hands-on instruction. You'll learn about the laws and ordinances you must uphold, as well as how to safely perform your duties, from traffic stops to emergency calls. Your training will be conducted in a controlled environment, so that you may become comfortable before you begin working in the field. Once you've completed your training, you may be awarded certification, or you may need to pass an exam and receive licensure. Specific certification and licensing requirements are determined by the state in which you plan on working. </p> <h3 id="section---AdditionalPoliceDetectiveRequirements">Additional Police Detective Requirements</h3> <p>You can't be hired as a detective without meeting a few police detective qualifications that contribute to your safety and the safety of the public. You must be physically fit and pass a fitness test that may include timed running or fence climbing. Drug use is expressly forbidden; you'll probably undergo a drug test prior to being hired and be subject to random drug testing for the duration of your police detective career. Typically, you must be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen, have adequate vision and hearing, complete a psychological assessment, pass a polygraph examination, and undergo a background screening. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerProgression">Career Progression</h3> <p>Potential police detectives typically start out as police officers and are only allowed to become detectives after a period of probation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, <i>www.bls.gov</i>), this period could be as short as six months or as long as three years. If you wish to advance beyond the rank of detective, you may become a sergeant, lieutenant, or captain with at least five years of police experience and satisfactory job performance.</p>