How to Become a Detective

Silhouette of a private detective isolated on a blue background

Working as a detective is a fun, challenging, and fulfilling career choice. Detective work is rarely boring and offers you the chance to help people, while serving the community. Becoming a detective is not an easy process, but the pay off will be well worth the effort in the end.

First Steps

The first step in becoming a detective is to decide what type of detective work you want to do. There are distinct career paths for a private detective versus a police detective. A private detective is one who works either for themselves, or with a private investigation firm, and works on cases brought in from private individuals. A police detective is employed by a city or state police department and works on cases that are of interest to law enforcement.

How to be a Private Detective

If you want to become a private detective, you should begin by researching your area's various licensing procedures. You may be required to get a business license, undergo specific training, pay fees, and more.

The internet is a great source of information, but visiting your local business license office is the only way to be sure.

Once you have completed all of the requirements needed to begin detective work, you will need to set up an office, as well as advertise your services. You may want to get a dedicated phone line for your business. Purchasing the proper equipment, such as evidence collection tools and monitoring technology, would be a wise idea, as these tools will come in handy later. At this point, you can start working as a detective, solving cases for customers, and remaining fulfilled, knowing that you are helping people.

How to be a Police Detective

If you want to become a police detective, you should start by visiting your local police department and filling out an application. If you don't have an educational background in criminal justice, you may consider going to school to earn a degree. Once your application has been reviewed, you may be called in for an interview. The police interview process is tough and lengthy, often being spread out over a number of weeks. If you are hired, you will have to attend a training academy. Once that is completed, you will begin to work as a police officer. From there, you will spend years working your way up in rank until you reach the level of detective.

Detective work is rarely boring and offers you the chance to help people