how to become a detective
How to Become a Detective
Being a detective is no way as adventurous and exciting as is portrayed in films. Read on to know more on how to become a detective.
- A detective's education requirements make it a pre-requisite to hold a college degree in order to facilitate his chances at becoming a detective. Applicants who have a degree in subjects like criminal justice or political science have better prospects of being accepted in the police department.
- Along with that, some basic knowledge in English, math, biology, and chemistry is required.
- An applicant should also know how to work the computers efficiently.
- It would give an applicant a greater advantage if he has attended a military school, as this would mean that they have related experience and knowledge in that field.
- A person who has great interpersonal and communication skills is at an advantage of being accepted into the academy.
- He should not have color blindness. He must have vision correctable to 20/20.
- He must have a clean record of driving and no violations.
- Knowledge of a second language will give him an edge over others.
- He can apply for a civil service examination and take their tests which include a physical exam, a lie detector test, several written tests, and drug tests.
- He has to gather evidence and clues from the scene of the crime.
- He has to question witnesses and suspects.
- He has to also question those people who are in some way or the other connected to the witnesses or suspects and try to gather more information through them.
- He needs to study the case thoroughly to identify any missing clues and links.
- He has to raid regular haunts of criminals and keep contacts with people who can supply information about any untoward activities.
- He has to make thorough criminal background checks on other criminals to get more clues or to get an insight into how criminals think.
- He has to write reports on the different aspects of the case and submit it to his seniors.
- He has to assist his seniors in on-field activities like arrests and questioning as well as do clerical and paperwork.
- He has to prepare all the necessary papers and gather information prior to the hearing in court.
- He needs to testify in the court, if he is required to stand in.
- Many detectives will work undercover for which they will don civilian clothes. In such a case, where he cannot divulge his true identity, he has to use his communication skills to get the story out.
- Detectives have very strenuous work programs. They have to work late nights and weekends and the hours of working are never regular.