Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I'll start off with saying that I'm 13 years old and I am going into 8th grade. For about as long as I can remember I've been interested in solving mysteries and lots of stuff that do with detective work. I've actually been playing games that basically have cases for the players to solve but I won't get into that. My question is, what do I have to do to become a police detective? What classes could I take and what could I do now to help me prepare? I live in Pennsylvania, if that helps. Thanks.

Keep away from friends who make bad decisions and drag someone else into their illegal activities, they will stick the all blame on that someone else. No drugs or alcohol. Stay away from tobacco.

Take a second language: Russian, Spanish, Chinese, all good choices.

Have excellent writing skills: good spelling, grammar, content. You will be evaluated on your ability.

Develop your computer skills and know how to use a camera.

Develop your memory and be abler to multi-task.

Be patient: detective assignments require experience as a uniformed patrol officer. Work toward the goal of first becoming a sworn police officer, the detective jobs are awarded to the best of the patrol officers.

Get a 4 year college degree, keep your grades high in the 8th through 12th grades.

Find the Detectives via the Public Information Officer at your Police Dept, ask to visit, see for yourself what they do, ask good questions, and discuss your career plans.

Good luck.

Don't do drug.......pathetic advice......I know. But its needs to be said! Even marijuana is illegal......and a little fun can get you to do stupid things or lead to other drugs.

And another thing to remember. I am still friends with ONE person who I went to school with before high school. I am only friends with four folks from high school. By frineds I mean we call each other, hang out, etc.... Keep that in mind. Schhol is about good grades, education and doing some stuff to build yourself, like clubs, volunteer work, sports, etc....

Welcome to RP and I hope your goals and dreams all come true!

My advice is when you get old enough move out of PA and go somewhere that you can do real police work.