How To Become a Police Detective in 8 Steps

Updated November 15, 2023

A police detective is a specialized law enforcement officer who investigates criminal activity and solves crimes. They work in units like homicide, cold cases or the public sector to investigate corporate or government crimes. Understanding what a police detective does and what it takes to become one can help you plan your law enforcement career path appropriately.In this article, we show you how to become a police detective, describe the skills you might need and provide police detective salary and job outlook information.

How to become a police detective

If you want to learn how to become a police detective, follow these steps:

1. Consider your options

The first step to becoming a police detective is considering all options available. Being a detective means first being a police officer, which can require a certain amount of training and determination. Not every police officer becomes a detective, but it's possible if you show determination and commitment to upholding the law. Consider how you might pursue the position of detective, the steps required, typical career progression in your area, training options and what jobs are available.Related: Pros and Cons of Being a Detective (Plus Helpful Tips)

2. Check local requirements

Requirements to become a detective vary by state. Variants include education level/credits earned, age and military background. Check with your local government to find out the requirements for eligibility. There may be fast-track programs that don't require a degree, though some police academies require applicants to possess at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law or a similar field. Some municipalities might require additional training, education and a clean public record.Related: How To Become a Homicide Detective (With Salary and Skills)

3. Get a bachelor's degree in criminal justice

The educational requirements for a detective vary state by state, but in most cases, some college education is a requirement. If you want to position yourself as a prime candidate for a detective position within the police force, you can study criminal justice and learn about the legal system. This can help position you for when a potential promotion arises. You already have the education for the position, which you can combine with your experience as an officer to be the prime candidate.Related: 7 Types of Detectives

4. Become a police officer

With your degree finished, there are requirements to meet for joining the police force. While requirements vary from state to state, to become a police officer, you must typically:

Have a high school diploma or GED
Be a citizen and have a driver's license
Pass a law enforcement entrance exam
Meet any physical requirements
Complete academy training
Undergo firearm training
Adhere to any psychological requirements
Possess a clean record

5. Learn what detectives do

As you pursue a detective career path, ask detectives questions about their job. If you have the opportunity to observe or shadow a detective, you might want to take the opportunity to learn about what detectives do each day. Observe the behavior and duties of a detective to determine if your skills can match the job requirements. You might also inquire with your chief or supervisor about what requirements your department has for becoming a detective.Related: How To Craft a Detective Resume (With Template and Example)

6. Work as a police officer and develop skills

Competent police skills are often the core of a detective's abilities. One way to develop these and other detective skills is through extensive experience. Serve time working in the field, interacting with the public and other officers and learning everything you can about the public you serve, the crimes you investigate and the team you work with. Learn how to handle crime scenes, how to ask questions and how to be an effective public servant.Detectives are law enforcement officers with a strong understanding of the legal system and strong communication skills. These professionals interview witnesses and victims to determine the cause of a crime or to extract crucial details for a case. Detectives also have some administrative duties, like filing paperwork and submitting reports to a judge.Related: Detective Job Requirements

7. Get certified

There are a variety of certifications for the police detective career path. When you have several years of experience in law enforcement, you may be eligible for the National Detective/Investigative Test (NDIT) which tests a police officer's preparedness to become a detective. Other certifications include:

Police Detective (PDET) 200 Series
Certified legal investigator (CLI)
ASIS International

8. Get promoted

To become a police detective, promotion is a requirement. You typically start as an officer in the field, performing basic police duties, then advance to detective once you improve your skill set and gain experience. It's important to distinguish yourself as a committed, capable officer to attract the right attention for a promotion. Try to take pride in your work, put forth extra effort when you can and focus on becoming an exceptional officer.Related: Detective vs. Investigator: What's the Difference?

What does a police detective do?

A police detective investigates all kinds of crime. Many television shows and books depict detectives as homicide investigators, but this is only one part of the job, as detectives can investigate all kinds of crimes. Detectives gather evidence to help build a prosecution case against alleged criminals. They play an essential role in the criminal justice process, working cases until they can find a resolution or leave the case as unsolved. Detectives are also administrative professionals who take thorough notes, file paperwork and reports and participate in meetings. They also provide leadership and guidance to other officers.Related: Police Officer Cover Letter

Salary information

The average salary for police detectives is $52,270 per year. Depending on the level of experience you have, you might earn more. A bachelor's degree, experience in the field and the state you're working in can all affect your initial salary. Many officers also receive benefits like state or city pensions and state-sponsored health insurance.For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link provided.Related: 15 Top Criminal Justice Degree Jobs (With Salaries)

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Frequently asked questions

Here are some answers to FAQs about being a police detective:

What education do detectives typically need?

Depending on your location and individual department, the minimum requirements to be a detective may include a bachelor's degree. In some cases, a specialized education or degree might be a requirement. Most police departments require some college, like an associate's degree in criminal justice.Related: Learn About Being a Detective

What skills should police detectives possess?

A detective typically has these skills:

Problem-solving
Critical thinking
Skilled in technology
Detail-oriented
Written and oral communication
Analytical skills
Advanced driving skills
Firearm and personal defense skills
Interpersonal skills
Proper judgment

What is the job outlook for police detectives?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, police officers and detectives are currently in demand, with an expected growth of about 7% between 2020 and 2030. The bureau predicts around 52,000 additional jobs for the field. As of 2020, there were about 795,000 filled positions.Please note that the company mentioned in this article is not affiliated with Indeed.

Private & criminal investigators