You are here:

Careers: Police/becoming a detective

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/16/2009


Question
My name is Danny, and I am currently taking courses at Hazard Community College for my basics then I plan on going to Eastern Kentucky University.  My question is what do I need to take in college in order to become a detective?  Do I need to specialize in a certain area like drug enforcement or murder investigation? In order for me to become a detective because i know that when one becomes a detective they usually speaclize in one certain area in order to be a part of those specialized areas?  If you could let me know what kind of course to take to become a detective, I would like to specialize in murder investigations so that may help you out a little more.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hey Danny,

I hate to admit this but there really is non one set of courses that will help you get hired more. But I can tell you from experience, if you plan on being a crimes against persons detective (Homicide and the such) then Physiology and Anatomy will be very helpful. Chemistry, and the physical sciences, including physics. Those will all be helpful. All of those will help you in the homicide realm. I have to say they were very helpful, especially in dealing with autopsies and such. Understanding what the medical examiner finds and such.

Hope that helps. The hard sciences will be your best bet, with some psychology thrown in to help.


Be well and stay safe.. good luck on your schooling and becoming a police officer..  

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Chris Wagoner

Expertise

I have been a police officer for 30+ years! I am the Police Academy Commander at the Santa Fe College, Institute of Public Safety in Gainesville Florida It is a full service Law Enforcement and Corrections training facility. I can answer most questions concerning law enforcement procedures, law enforcement training and general questions about law enforcment. I can also answer questions about becoming a law enfocement officer. I have a booklet and web page I have written that answers many questions about how to become a police officer called "So you want to be a cop (police Officer) in Florida?", which is free, Google it.. All you have to do is ask. I teach the following subjects: RADAR/LASER, Law Enforcement Driving, Law Enforcement Firearms and Patrol Techniques, Officer Safety, WMD's for Patrol Officers, Application of Law, Communications skills, Dealing with the Mentally and physically handicapped, and many more subjects. I have worked as a subject matter expert for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and helped to write the police curriculum for the State of Florida. I like answering questions about how to become a police officer, and questions about why did an officer do this or that type questions. I also like answering any questions you may have about police work in general. I do not mind helping with homework questions or trying to answer your questions about legal subjects that I have knowledge of. You will never know the answer until you ask! If you do ask a question, PLEASE take the time to at least rate the answer. I do not get paid to answer these questions and do it on my own time. If you ask, please rate it when I answer. Thanks!!! If its a question about becoming a police officer, it may be answered here: http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/ My "hobby" website - http://www.youtube.com/user/3rdID8487 Military Videos on YouTube and Facebook!!

Experience

I am a 30+ year veteran police officer, I am currently the Police Academy Commander of an Academy in North FLorida. I have been training police officers since 1993 and have trained them in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms, Driving and legal subjects including patrol techniques and others and training all over the world. I have trained over 5000 officers worldwide in the last 16 years of training.

Publications
I am a published author in Accident Investigation from the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management. Also have written and published on the Internet, "So You Want to be a Cop (Police Officer) in Florida?" you can Google it..

Education/Credentials
I have 2 degrees, in Criminal Justice.

Awards and Honors
Phi Theta Kappa, plus 50+ Departmental Awards over the years. FBI Directors award for assisting in a Nationwide investigation into Child pornography.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.