Q&A for How to Become a Detective

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How long does it take to become a detective?

Community Answer

Being a police officer requires 6 months of training, and most typically gain 4 or 5 years of experience before they take a promotional exam to become a detective. Some police departments allow officers to substitute a college degree for a year of experience.

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Question

What GCSE subjects do I need to become a detective?

Community Answer

Basic GCSE subjects should include English, Math, and Science. A good grade in Science would be very beneficial toward becoming a detective.

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Question

Is related law and finance subject to detective?

Community Answer

Yes. It is an asset if you investigate into those fields. They are not prerequisites, but yet certainly a good way to build your portfolio when it comes to career development.

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Why do I need to be a police officer before being a detective?

Community Answer

Because becoming familiar with seeing crime scenes, talking to people, and making arrests are skills needed to be a detective and only being an officer will give you that experience.

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Question

Do I really need science? I'm terrible at science, but my dream is to become a detective.

Community Answer

You might or might not need science as a detective, depending on what sort of mysteries you solve.

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Question

How many years does it take for a police officer to be promoted to a detective?

Community Answer

It depends on how well you do your job, your qualifications/ education, and what location you are in. Each department has different yet specific requirements for a police officer to be promoted to a detective.

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Question

Are there a lot of young detectives (like between 20 and 25)?

Community Answer

I wouldn't say there are many, but if you're determined enough, you could become one!

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Question

What languages should I learn to become a detective?

Community Answer

Spanish is a good language to learn since it has become very common in the US.

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To become a detective, do I have to become a police officer first?

Community Answer

Yes, in the US, you must be a police officer before becoming a detective.

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Question

What if I want to be a police detective, I'm not a police employee, and the government only posts detective positions internally?

Community Answer

You should apply to a police officer position first and then apply to a detective position when you get a chance.

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Question

How could I become a detective without becoming an officer first?

Community Answer

You may become a private detective without first being a police officer.

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Question

Will science courses help me become a detective?

Community Answer

Yes, especially if you decide to study forensic science, or something else that may wind up relevant later on.

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Question

Do private investigators solve crimes?

Community Answer

No, but they can help to compile evidence to help the police department solve crimes.

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Question

How do I become a detective when I'm under 15?

Jay Reese

Community Answer

Unfortunately, you have to be 21 years old or older in order to qualify for any type of police work.

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Question

How do I get my child to be a good detective?

Community Answer

There are lots of ways to educate your child as a detective, but one of the main ways to do is to make him/her actually do detective work. Give him/her tasks, like find missing things, buy him/her gear, such as notebooks, and spy gear. Then, later on, he/she will have natural agility, stamina, and ability to do detective work.

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Question

What education do I need to become a detective?

Community Answer

You need at least a High School Diploma or a GED. That is for your police officer training. Then you'll need two years in Criminal Justice (or a related topic). In some forces you may be able to get higher levels of education as part of your work.

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Question

How do I get to be a police officer before becoming a private investigator?

Community Answer

To become a private investigator you don't work with the police. Being a private investigator is by yourself, and you accept cases, not the law telling you to. All you need to do is get a license for a concealed weapon, and a few more requirements. You also need to build trust in your clients so you get hired for jobs, so having some qualifications in justice or law would help, along with having an office space and clean background checks.

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Question

Do I have to have a college degree to become a detective for the NYPD?

Community Answer

In the US it's required to have two years of college to become a detective. However, you can still become a police officer.

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Question

If I have a physical disability which prevents me from passing fitness tests. Can I still become a detective?

Community Answer

Yes, but be aware that you may be hindered from partaking in specific tasks that require a healthy body.

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Question

Can I be a detective that wears glasses?

Community Answer

Of course, it does not really matter whether or not you wear glasses. As long as you are able to see while wearing them, and have the right training and knowledge, It's likely you can be a detective.

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Question

How much do police officers earn these days?

Community Answer

The average NYC police officer gains about $53900 a year. However, there are additional benefit factors for certain experienced workers and training qualifications.

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