Want To Become A Detective? Here’s What You Should Do!

Published on: 22 February 2024 Last Updated on: 22 April 2026
how to become a detective

When you hear the term "detective," you might think of the fast-paced, well-groomed characters from television series. True detective work demands extreme patience, rigorous investigation, and unwavering ethics; it is very different from the glamorous portrayals in the media. The process of solving cases can take months or even years, during which time a lot of time is spent sifting through files, documents, and photos.

On top of that, solving cases may expose investigators to potentially dangerous people and situations. Notwithstanding the difficulties, though, working as a detective can be fulfilling because it offers the intense sense of accomplishment that results from cracking cases and giving victims closure.

Despite the overlap in their areas of expertise, private investigators (PIs) and police detectives are two different professions. Police detectives usually obtain investigative experience through their work in law enforcement and become detectives as a promotion through the agency. This is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022).

At work, they might interview witnesses or suspects, look through documents, gather and meticulously record evidence, write reports, watch subjects at work, secure crime scenes, obtain arrest warrants, assist in apprehending offenders, and also testify as experts in court.

In contrast, private investigators, or PIs, are citizens who usually require state licensure. They gain experience in obtaining legal, financial, and personal information about their clients through surveillance and background checks. They also participate in missing person tracking, snooping for hints in documents, and speaking with relevant individuals. Detectives can focus on corporate malpractice, insurance fraud, computer forensics, and other areas.

There are a hoard of professional courses you can do, and your scope is equally varied. Keep reading to learn about the salary detectives draw and the qualifications, training, and personality needed to enter this field. Here is everything you need to know about how to become a detective.

Skills To Become a Detective

Skills To Become a Detective

Most prosperous detectives are inquisitive, meticulous, and diligent. Perseverance may also be crucial because solving crimes isn't always a straight line or a quick process. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the following abilities are critical for successful detective work:

Communication skills: When speaking with witnesses, victims, and possible offenders, detectives need to pay close attention to what they are saying, ask the right questions, and be aware of nonverbal cues.

Decision-making skills: Detectives need to be able to make decisions quickly and calmly, especially when someone's life is in danger or when acting quickly can lead to the discovery of information that can help solve a crime.

Curiosity: Skilled investigators possess an innate ability to solve puzzles and can consider potential reasons behind a crime as well as determine the means of commission.

Perseverance: As mentioned earlier, solving a crime can take several months or even years. Crimes go unsolved occasionally, turning into cold cases that may be reopened years later, particularly with the development of forensic technologies like DNA testing.

Resourcefulness: Although detectives always need to be quick on their feet and adhere to protocol, they also need to be able to solve crimes by using their intuition and the resources at hand.

How To Become a Detective?

How To Become a Detective?

There are several ways to become a detective or private investigator (PI), but they all involve a consistent mix of classroom learning and real-world investigative experience. If you want to know how to become a detective, then this is one standard way:

Step 1: Complete your four years of high school

At this point, prospective detectives are advised to cultivate critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and inductive reasoning. To obtain practical experience in the field, some students might look for volunteer opportunities. They can do it through their local police departments, community organizations, or federal agencies.

For instance, high school students who are interested can enroll in the FBI's week-long Future Agents in Training (FAIT) program. Similarly, eligible high school and college students can apply for the Pathways Internship Program offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Many police academies require at least some college to qualify. Whereas some police academies may be able to accept prospective police detectives directly. Eileen Carlin is a state coordinator for Rasmussen College's School of Justice Studies and a 20-year law enforcement veteran. According to him, most departments prefer detectives with two- to four-year college degrees.

Step 3: Complete a police academy and gain investigative experience

The next step for someone who wants to work as a police detective is to enroll in a police academy. This is an option that can be more profitable than working as a private investigator (PI).

The qualifications for a police academy differ depending on the department and area, but applicants must be US citizens, be at least eighteen years old, have a driver's license, have never been convicted of a felony, and have some college experience.

Note that most state as well as federal agencies require a minimum of four years of undergraduate study. Typically lasting six to eight months, police academy programs provide specialized training in the use of firearms, patrol procedures, ethics, self-defense, writing reports, CPR and first aid, physical fitness, and emergency response.

Aspiring detectives can enhance their resumes by pursuing advanced training and responsibilities in investigative units after graduating from the academy. Homicide, surveillance, fraud, cybercrimes, financial crimes, and missing persons are among the different investigation branches.

Step 4: Private investigator's (PIs) licensure and on-the-job investigative experience

Prior to receiving a license, private investigators frequently need to have investigative experience gained through on-the-job training. Before being issued a license to operate, a prospective PI must first fulfill the eligibility standards of their home state, pass an exam, and finish additional state-mandated requirements. The number of hours required for this type of work varies depending on the state.

After receiving their full license, the PI may choose to focus on specific investigation fields, such as litigation support, insurance claims, cybersecurity, and criminal investigations. An online resource for investigators, Pursuit Magazine (2022), notes that 46 states (as well as certain cities) require a license for private investigators to practice, and it offers a useful table of state-by-state private investigator licensure policies.

Step 5: Police detective exam for professional certification

Both private investigators and police detectives can obtain certifications. For investigators with a focus on criminal defense or negligence, the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) offers the Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) credential.

Candidates for the CLI program must pass an exam with a minimum score of 70%, finish a 1,000-word research paper on investigations, and have at least five years of full-time experience (or qualify through appropriate academic coursework). Every three years, CLIs must complete 50 hours of continuing education (CE) to keep their certification.

For investigators who specialize in security, ASIS International offers the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) certification. Candidates must have five years of investigative experience (two of which must be in case management) and a high school diploma to be eligible. People's knowledge of case management, investigative techniques and procedures, and case presentation is tested on a 140-question exam.

Step 6: Local credentialing

State-specific requirements may differ for becoming a detective. The procedures to enter the state's detective division may differ as well. Because most states have distinct standards for becoming police officers.

Generally, some police departments only accept a GED or high school certificate. Others demand a two- or four-year college degree, as well as certain college courses. For instance, you need a high school degree or GED to work in the Los Angeles Police Department Detective Bureau. Here, the first promotion after completing officer training is detective or sergeant.

However, candidates must have completed two years of military service or 60 college credits to be considered for employment with the New York Police Department. Candidates from Dallas, Texas, between 21 and 44, must have a 2.0 GPA and 45 semester credits (college-level).

In contrast, candidates in Miami, Florida, must obtain a GED or a high school diploma and pass the Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT), a law enforcement exam. To put it briefly, state requirements for becoming a detective differ greatly. Moreover, it is advised that prospective candidates check their eligibility by contacting their local government offices.

Institutions to Consider

Institutions to Consider

When you are looking for more details regarding how to become a detective, the consequent thought to follow it up is which are the top colleges and universities offer the relevant courses. Here are some premier institutions that you should check out. 

California State University

California State University

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in criminal justice is also offered by California State University in San Bernardino (CSUSB). It combines structured coursework in criminal law and statistics in criminal justice. It also has correctional counseling with beneficial research and internship opportunities.

Graduates from this program will be well-versed in the criminal justice system, how it functions, and how laws, as well as law enforcement, affect society.

The program, which is worth 120 credits, consists of classes on topics like criminal law, research methodologies in criminal justice, statistics in criminal justice, police and police systems, theories of correctional theory and institutions, crime and delinquency, police and police systems, and criminal investigations, among other things. If you are seriously looking for the answer to how to become a detective, then CSU is your top bet.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Many respectable undergraduate degrees with criminology, criminal justice, and criminal justice management majors are offered by this institution. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice program. They will receive specialized training in constitutional law, police and community relations, and the law and politics of racial relations. It lays special emphasis on institutional theory and practice.

The 120-credit program comprises courses like:

  • Drugs, Crime, and Law in Latin America
  • Police and Urban Communities
  • An Introduction to Corrections
  • An Introduction to Police Studies
  • Criminology
  • Community-Based Approaches to Justice
  • Police and the American Criminal Justice System

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University

Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs and Penn State World Campus have partnered to offer an online associate in science (AS) degree in criminal justice through Pennsylvania State University. Through this program, students will acquire the abilities and information required to start or progress in a variety of criminal justice and social services careers.

The 64 credits that make up the program include the following courses among others:

  • Criminology
  • Policing in America
  • Courts and the prosecution process
  • Corrections in America
  • Introduction to ethics
  • Race
  • Ethnicity
  • Culture
  • Statistical Analysis for the social sciences
  • Research methods in criminal justice 

Graduates of this program will be prepared to work in the legal and correctional fields, protective services, security management, social services, court administration, and other related fields, serving both public and private interests.

How To Become a Detective: Specializations?

How To Become a Detective: Specializations?

Depending on the county as well as the state, police detectives may be able to choose a specialization within their detective division. Additionally, because of compliance regulations and technological advancements, ongoing training might be required. Certain departments might also conduct ongoing research, design, and implementation of improvement strategies. This is done to improve the caliber of their investigative methods and procedures.

Some of these specializations or divisions, which are typically headed by lieutenants, captains, or commanders, are listed below:

Homicide and Robbery: Detectives assigned to the Homicide and Robbery unit will concentrate on cases involving murders, suspicious deaths, kidnappings, and robberies.

Forensics: This section examines the digital and tangible evidence discovered at crime scenes.

Juvenile: Investigators work on cases involving minors, including those involving child abuse and exploitation.

Gangs and Narcotics: These detectives deal with violent street gangs and the use and distribution of illicit substances and weapons.

Commercial: In addition to auto theft, commercial crimes can also involve fraud and cases of forgery.

Technical Investigation: Financial crimes and online crimes against minors fall under the purview of this investigative division.

Detective Support and Vice: This division deals with pornography, animal abuse, human trafficking, missing people, and hate crimes.

Special Victims Unit: Also known as SVU, these detectives investigate violent crimes against adults, including sexual assault, domestic abuse, and crimes against children.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Detective?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Detective?

In general, there are many different routes to becoming a police detective. But it can take five to eight years to advance from police officer to detective after earning a high school degree or GED. The BLS (2022) states that to become a detective, a person must complete high school or earn a GED. Most will do so by earning an associate or bachelor's degree in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or a similar discipline.

Moreover, passing physical exams, background checks, and other requirements is necessary for prospective officers to be considered as competitive applicant in a police department. Candidates may occasionally attend a police academy to receive additional training after being hired as police officers. Academies differ in duration depending on the department, city, and state. Basic police training takes place in Portland, or, for 16 weeks, while it takes place in San Jose, CA, for 0 weeks.

In addition, prospective detectives need to work as police officers for at least three years after completing a police academy to be promoted to detective. Officers who want to advance in the police department must pass exams and/or review their service history.

How Much Do Detectives Earn?

How Much Do Detectives Earn?

It's crucial to remember that four of the states with the highest salaries in the US also have the highest cost of living. To illustrate the point, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2023) discovered that among the top fifteen most expensive states are Alaska, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Hawaii, and Washington. In contrast, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Alabama were the five states with the lowest cost of living.

Ultimately, over the next ten years, job growth rates for private investigators and police detectives are anticipated to be comparable. For example, in 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that employment for police investigators (BLS) would increase by 3% and for investigators (PIs) by 6% between 2021 and 2031. This growth is almost equal to the average growth predicted for all occupations during that period (5%).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2022) makes a distinction between police detectives and private investigators. First, the following salary ranges were reported by the 32,050 private investigators and PIs in the United States:

  • Annual mean wage: $59,400
  • 10th percentile: $33,710
  • 25th percentile: $38,360
  • 50th percentile (median): $52,120
  • 75th percentile: $75,740
  • 90th percentile: $92,660

In comparison, the salary ranges reported by criminal investigators and police detectives were significantly higher (BLS May 2022):

  • Employment: 107,400
  • Annual mean wage: $91,610
  • 10th percentile: $47,990
  • 25th percentile: $61,240
  • 50th percentile (median): $86,280
  • 75th percentile: $110,530  
  • 90th percentile: $150,570

Additionally, there's good news for Americans who want to work as federal agents nationwide: coastal states are home to the highest-paying states for criminal investigators and detectives (BLS May 2022):  

  • District of Columbia: $133,890 annual average salary
  • Alaska: $128,410
  • Hawaii: $119,290 
  • Maryland: $117,800 
  • Washington: $110,620 

If you were thinking about how to become a detective, the salary should be enough to push you towards achieving your target. It is a highly rewarding job, both morally and financially.

Wrapping Up

People who want to work in law enforcement and make their communities safer or who just have more questions about becoming detectives should check out the criminal justice degree programs offered by the various universities across the states.

If you want to serve your community and the nation at large, becoming a crime investigator in any capacity is very rewarding. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how to become a detective, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

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It alerts other employees to the danger of using the machine until the tag is taken off.  The goal of LOTO is to safeguard employees against the unplanned activation or starting of machinery and equipment as well as the potential discharge of dangerous energy while performing maintenance or repairs. This is important because unexpected machine starts might result in fatalities or severe injuries.  2. Eyeswash Stations Second on this list is the job of being at an Eyewash Station. Now you might be wondering why? To understand that, you need to first understand how work gets done at eyewash stations in the first place.  Just imagine that you are working at a factory, working with certain chemicals. If these get into your eyes, it can be pretty dangerous, leading to losing eyesight. To ensure that things like these don’t happen, it is important to have first aid.  The eyewash stations work as a first aid centre for these construction sites. It's usually mounted on a wall or can be a portable unit, and it has a special fixture with two nozzles that are positioned so that they can flush both eyes simultaneously.  In blue-collar jobs, where workers are often exposed to risks like flying debris, dust, or chemicals, having an eyewash station is not just a good idea— safety regulations often require it. To ensure that the workers can use these stations in times of emergency, the people who can assist them must be there at all times. That is why organizations are recruiting many people for this blue collar job. So, you can definitely apply for this one!  3. Truck Drivers  Thirdly, several people work in the blue-collar industries as truck drivers. And if you think it is a rather predictable option, you are right! But is it a good option? Yes!  Transporting goods from one location to another entails lengthy hours spent on the road as a truck driver.   This job requires steady driving abilities, the capacity to handle lengthy journeys, and occasionally heavy lifting to load and unload cargo.   Because it requires physical labor and is usually paid on an hourly basis, it is classified as blue-collar.  Truck driving and other blue-collar vocations were traditionally performed primarily by males, but this is beginning to change. Because these areas provide decent income, employment security, and prospects for growth, more women are pursuing them.   For instance, women who drive trucks can experience the freedom of the open road, travel to various parts of the nation, and enjoy being essential to the smooth operation of supply chains.  The trucking industry is aggressively seeking to increase the number of female drivers because it recognizes the value that women bring to the profession. This helps diversify the workforce. Additionally, it helps address the long-standing driver shortage. Women are proving to be skilled drivers who frequently offer new abilities and a fresh viewpoint to the field.  4. Landscaper  Lastly, if you are searching for some of the best blue-collar jobs for women in 2026, consider a landscaper's job. Yes, I know that the work can be physically tiring. However, nothing comes easily, right? So, what is this one about, and how can women be in this role?  Creating and maintaining lovely outdoor environments, such as gardens, parks, and residential neighborhoods, is the task of landscaping.   Landscapers create plans for plants and other features, select plants appropriate for the soil and climate, and maintain green areas to their finest appearance. It's a profession that blends art and nature.  This labor can be physically taxing because it frequently entails digging, planting, trimming, and occasionally heavy lifting.   And this is why, traditionally, males have held most blue-collar jobs like landscaping. However, this is beginning to change.   A growing number of women are joining the industry, contributing their skills and viewpoints. They demonstrate the abilities and drive to succeed in positions requiring a strong physical build and an acute sense of design.  Clients and landscaping firms alike are beginning to see the value that women offer to the workforce. As a result, the sector is opening up and providing women opportunities to pursue jobs as landscapers.   Women in the landscaping industry can work for an organization or launch their own firm, providing everything from complete landscape design and construction to basic grass care.  What are the Trends to Follow in Blue Collar Jobs for Women?  Now that you are aware of the opportunities that you may have as a woman in the blue collar jobs, you might be wondering: “Is it a growing sector? What are the statistics?”  You see, whatever I have mentioned above in this article has data behind it.  In blue-collar jobs, women are slowly but definitely building a name for themselves. Even though they currently only make up 14% to 15% of the population, their numbers have increased significantly since the pandemic outbreak.  The number of people in employment has grown significantly throughout the years, from 18 million in 1950 to 92 million expected by 2050. However, while it is true that initially, the predictions stated that women are 80% less likely than males to hold these positions, data says otherwise.   “In 2022, women comprised 17.0% of all blue-collar workers,” according to CDC’s May Bulletin. This report also stated that from 2011 to 2022, “the proportion of women increased in construction (+1.7%), blue-collar all industries (+3.1%), and blue-collar construction (+2.0%).”  Wrapping It Up! Things are looking better for women in blue-collar jobs. Women can perform these jobs, and they can do them well. It's a positive development for workplace equality. Additionally, it's creating a more varied and exciting future for blue-collar jobs.  In case you were searching for the best blue-collar jobs for women, I hope that this blog has been helpful to you. If you have any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know.   All that you need to do is scroll down until you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. I will be there to answer them all for you.  Learn More About: Is Medical Specialities A Good Career Path? – 12 Best Jobs 5 Little-Known Founder Habits To Advance Your Career & Personal Life Is Aerospace Engineering A Good Career Path? How To Be One In 2024

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How to Choose a Career

The Secret To Finding A Career That You’ll Actually Love

If you’re still in the phase of life where you’re figuring out the best job for you, there’s probably a lot on your mind. It takes a lot of “soul searching” and research to decide on a career that you’ll love. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, loving your career can be important. So here are some tips on how to choose a career. Explore Your Interests As you’re thinking about what to do for a career, think about the kinds of things that pique your interest. For example, you might be really into dentistry and want to find out what a career would be like. Explore what kind of jobs are available in that field. Whether you decide to become a dentist or study a dental assistant program. Knowing that you’re interested in a specific industry can help you narrow down your options.  Ponder On Your Passions When it comes to your passions, there could be clues in there. You could find that there are career choices that align with your passions and that could actually be ideal for your future. Perhaps you love a good debate, and you’re always found debating some topic or another.  In this type of scenario, you could always consider getting into law or something similar. The kind that puts you in touch with the kind of experiences that you already enjoy having. It doesn’t hurt to be passionate about what you do to make money.  Think About Your Skills Your passions and interests are clues to the type of career that could interest you. If you’re looking to narrow it down even more, you may want to think about your talents.  If you know you have a knack for words, something that aligns with that skill could be an ideal fit. Maybe you’re a musical person? Getting into a career where your skills allow you to be naturally good. It is also something that makes your future career a lot easier.  It helps to use your talent in your work because even if you have to study for a degree to succeed at it. Therefore, you’ll have an easier time at it than someone who may not have the natural skills that you do.  Talk To Experienced Mentors As you try to decide what work would be best for you, talk to experienced mentors. They can help you know which way to go by providing a road map of what has worked best for them.  This could be someone you know who has had a long career in the field you like. Or it could be a mentor from your school’s mentorship program.  Either way, speaking to a person who has experience in a career you’re considering can be beneficial to you and your decision-making.  Try Interning Before understanding how to choose a career, you can always dip your toes into different career options. Internships are one of them! While most people will do an internship as they are close to graduating from school, you could always try for an internship just to try out certain jobs. As long as you already have some natural skill or know-how in it.  You may not receive a lot of pay, but at least you gain the insight to know whether or not it's the job that you want in your future. It doesn’t hurt to explore options before deciding on the ultimate career path for you. It’s a big decision, don’t be afraid of not taking it lightly.  From internships to mentors, exploring your passions, skills, and interests, and making a decision on your career.  However, it can be simplified by pondering the concepts mentioned above.  Life is long, and so is a career, so take your time making a decision like this one. How Professional Career Counseling Can Help Deciding what you want to do with your life can be tough, even in the best of circumstances.  Fortunately, there are experts who are ready to help you make sense of it all. If you’re wondering how to figure out what career is right for you, a career counselor can steer you in the right direction. Here’s why. Understanding Your Aptitude Career counselors know how to help people tap into their own wants and needs when it comes to understanding what kind of work will spark joy. They’ll ask questions designed to uncover the activities that energize and excite you most in life. Then, show you how those things connect with potential careers that could be incredibly fulfilling. It Will Be Personal To Your Needs Another good thing about career counseling is that it’s individualized. Career counselors won’t give you a general answer to a generalized problem.  They’ll focus on your specific character, strengths and weaknesses, desires, and problems. From there, they can assist you in figuring out what careers would work best for someone with your qualities and abilities.  Regardless of whether you need to pick a vocation interestingly or are pondering about an alternate one. This is when customized guidance can represent the critical moment in your prosperity. Direct Assistance (Whenever You Are Lost) Career advisors are additionally incredible for offering direct assistance.  They also help you improve your resume, act in interviews, and even fruitful organizing aptitudes, all of which can be significant when hoping to get a new position or to find employment elsewhere. Plus, if you’re not even sure what kind of qualifications you need, or education, for that matter, career counseling can help with that, too. They will basically map out exactly what you need to do, from checking out different degree options to see what is best for you at the time to figuring out where the market is headed. It’s all in their master plan for you! Ultimately, career counseling exists because people need help making educated decisions about their careers.  If this looks like it’s impossible to navigate your way without some sort of guidance (let’s face it, some of us really don’t have a clue), then a career counselor could be your key. Why try to figure it out on your own and get overwhelmed when there are professionals who can make that twisted path straight? Read Also: Building Your Conceptual Skills A Guide for Career Growth What Does A Career In Anesthesiology Look Like? Click To Know

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