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Question
I am very interested in becoming a detective. I need help deciding what exactly i want to be. I want to work with severe cases such as the sex crimes, the homicide, and ect. I know i can handle it. Can you tell me what detective i should be and what i have to go through to become one? please and thank you. Zoe Clairmont
Zoe,
The first thing that you need to realize that nothing that you see on television is realistic. NOTHING. Every police show is produced to attract viewers. If real police work was put on television no one would watch because there would be hours and hours between times when something actually happens.
To become a detective you first have to be hired by a police department. A very small percentage of those who apply for jobs on police departments are actually hired. A very small percentage. The rest are simply not qualified even though they may have college degrees and are 6-3 and 225 pounds.
Assuming that you are hired you would go to the police academy for up to six months and upon graduation you would be assigned to a precinct station where you would spend many years as a uniformed patrol officer learning the skills necessary to become a detective. Assuming that there someday would be an opening in the detective section you would have the opportunity to compete with others with the same aspirations.
I can't possibly tell you what kind of detective you should be. If you do get hired your instincts and what you learn on the street will guide you in the right direction.
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Answers by Expert:
Jack Toomey
Expertise
U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.
Experience
Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.
Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.
Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.
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