Have you always dreamed of becoming a police detective as a child? Well, here is your chance to learn everything you need to know: how to become a police detective guide. The following lines will explain some of the main aspects of this race as stated by the National Police Association.
Training prerequisites
For this career, you must first have a good understanding of the education and training requirements for this job.
A high school diploma or GED may be sufficient for police officers. However, if you want to pursue a career as a police detective, you must continue to obtain a proper post-secondary education. This involves a two-year associate’s degree followed by a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement or criminal justice.
If you are already a police or patrol officer and want to advance your career, you should consider earning your degree online while you are still working. However, whether you choose to continue your studies online or in regular classes, make sure your institution is accredited and recognized around the world. Once you have completed the advanced degree requirements and gained sufficient knowledge while working in the field, you can apply for the detective exam and receive your certification.
Work description
The second aspect of becoming a police detective that you find necessary is the responsibilities associated with the job title.
A detective has many responsibilities that are similar to a police officer. However, as a detective, you no longer need to patrol areas or control traffic. He is usually a plainclothes policeman who specializes in one type of crime and focuses all his efforts on making arrests in the area. As a police detective, you will be asked to:
- Criminal investigation work
- Stop criminals
- Collect evidence from crime scenes
- Analyze evidence
- Conduct raids and arrests
- Write reports and complete interview documents.
Career prospects
This is a great career goal, especially since it is constantly growing. Police jobs are likely to increase by 10% by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Currently, the minimum wage is about $ 54,000 per year, but is expected to increase in the future to keep up with demand.
Now that you know all about becoming a police detective, you may be able to make a much more informed decision about your career options.