Becoming a detective.

[twarden]

I am currently working on becoming a LEO, but my long-term goal is to become a detective. I have talked to a lot of police officers about the pros and cons of a patrolman but I have not talked to anyone about the position of a detective. Could anyone shed some light on the pros and cons of being a detective? And is there a minimum amount of time you need to be on the force before becoming a detective. Also could anyone tell me other requirement like schooling?
Thanks

[oscarmitre]

Read this thread

http://forums.realpolice.net/showthread.php?t=9638

and then by all means come back and ask some questions if need be.

[twarden]

Thanks oscarmitre that was pretty informative it answered pretty much all my questions. One thing it didnt mention, Is there any minimum number of years you have to be on the force before becoming a detective?

[oscarmitre]

You're welcome twarden. The length of time, well it depends on the jurisdiction. I can only speak from my experience, other jurisdictions will have different approaches. I had eight years in general duties and a pretty varied service background before I applied and was accepted. I also had to pass the first level examination for promotion and be promoted to that rank before I could apply.

Most jurisdictions will require several years of patrol/general duties service and possibly other requirements before an application will be considered. If you have a particular organisation you are thinking of applying to then you might ask. The main thing is to understand that it will take time, tell them you understand that and it won't seem a naieve question

[sgtbear111]

Your report writing ability while you are a patrol officer may have a significant effect on your appointment to an investigative position.

[Saonagi]

What does the daily duties of a US Marshal entail? I always found the job interesting and never could find exact details.

[ngcsubutterbar]

pm switchback with that question.

[Saonagi]

I will thanks

[greg6099]

The only downside to becoming a detective is the mandatory labotomy required prior to being considered for the position.

(hehehehehehehehe!)

[oscarmitre]

And the worse thing about that greg is that when you leave the CIB they don't give it back to you :D

[mcsap]

We require 5 yrs as a patrolman before you can APPLY to the bureau. One needs to be a well rounded patrolman in order to move up to det.

[Smitty]

Detective? I understand your wanting to investigate the sexy cases man....but you must learn to drive a ford before you can master a porsche (yeah, I copied that).

Get hired first dude!

Good luck