How do you become a police officer or detective?

Answer

These days it's best to start by getting a four-year degree in criminal justice.

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For most jurisdictions, not all, you need around 60 credit hours of college courses. (this is mostly true up north, not in the south) For the rest a high school diploma, drivers license, thorough psych. eval., good physical condition including correctable vision, and a little patience with the process will open some doors to an entry level Police Officer position. The smaller departments, although they pay much less to start, usually take on inexperienced, non degree holding applicants. Once through their academy and with your POST certification in hand, you can move to a larger, higher paying department. Don't try right away though. Stay with the smaller dept. long enough so they can recoup the cost of sending you through the academy. For Detective positions you basically need to pay your dues as a patrolman and move up into the detective ranks with the department your working for as spots come open.

Answer

The first answer is correct as is the second. Im from an officer from Houston and down here a degree is required at most agencies. Also, it helps one become a more well rounded person prior to joining the academy. As for becoming a detective, that is not a quick thing. Once you join an agency you will be placed in the Patrol Division. From there, once you are eligible, you can test for a Detective position. At small agencies it is always a good idea to learn the ins and outs of what it is that a detective actually does. Try to impliment these practices in your job function on patrol, and hope that someone with some clout notices!

First answer by Interesting. Last edit by Copgirl690. Contributor trust: 106 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 119 [recommend question]