Detective?

[ant_kem]

Do you have to be a Police Officer before becoming a detective? I never knew. There is a lady in my criminal justice class that wants to be a detective not an officer thats why she is going to school. But i thought that you had to be an officer first.

[SRT936]

To be a detective on a police department, you have to work patrol first. Often for many years with a variety of assignments before you're eligible for detective.

Many federal and state agencies will hire agents right out of college, but its a different skill set. And you don't get to go from college grad to lead investigator there either. You still need to earn your stripes.

[ant_kem]

Thank you for the info. I didnt know.

[PhilipCal]

Detective

Many agencies will require a minimum of three years in Patrol before an Officer can request a specialized assignment, such as Traffic, Detective, etc.
Even if an Officer has spent the required time in Patrol, he/she still may not get the requested assignment.

[Kpdpipes]

Depends entirely on the agency. Here in NJ the County Prosecutor's Offices hire some people directly as Detective, and hire some from other Police Agencies..NJ is kinf od "Unique" in most things though.

[ant_kem]

Depends entirely on the agency. Here in NJ the County Prosecutor's Offices hire some people directly as Detective

would they still have to go through the academy though?

[Kpdpipes]

would they still have to go through the academy though?

Of course, they are certified Police Officers... the only difference is that their Job descriotion says "Detective" rather than "Police Officer". they still have all the same powers, and liabilities as any other cop in NJ.