Expert: Dick Rogers - 12/3/2008

Question
Hi my name is Adetutu Adetunmbi and i want to be a detective. i am 17 years and am about to apply for university in England, however i wanted to know what course would be good for me to study to enable me a chance to get hired in a good agency later in life and what skills i need to start harboring?

Answer
Adetutu, I normally  do not respond to questions involving "how to become a detective" as there are so many, however, your query seems quite genuine, so...let me share with you some insights regarding the career path in the United States.  Usually, the path toward investigative work involves garnering experience as a patrol officer.  That is, by working the "field" dealing with various crimes and unusual suspects, you begin to develop a sense of what life on the streets is all about.  There are many things to learn...how body language suggests deceit...how it also suggests potential threat.  You learn about search and seizure rules, rules of evidence, court procedure, search warrants requirements, etc.  Basically, you become quite versed in what criminals are all about and how to proceed to prosecute them.  Once you have mastered this, you are up for grabs to work investigative work as a detective. Some units, homicide for example, are quite restrictive in that just over one percent of peace officers get to work that unit. But if that is your goal, it can be achieved.  Good luck in you efforts.