Expert: Loren Stevens - 7/29/2009

Question
I live in WI and am 17 with a year of high school left. My main question is (in your opinion) what is the best path I can take towards becoming a detective in a big city such as LA or NY, etc. I have done a lot of researching lately and gained a bit of an understanding of how it works. I know that I would first have to become a uniformed police officer for some years. I get confused and unsure about what would be the best way to go about doing this. I am thinking of enlisting in the marines for four years in a few months from now so I can ship out early next year. I will try to get a degree in something while in the marines through online college. But again I don't know if this is the best path to take. I also don't know what degree I should try to obtain (Criminal justice, Police Science or criminology or etc.) So to rehash my question question--is the path i plan to take a good one toward helping me reach my dream, and if so what degree should i major in. If you think there is a different way i should go about becoming a detective in a large city, please tell me. I am sorry I couldn't ask this question clearer or in a more efficient manner, but I GREATLY appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions for me.

Answer
Hello Chris,
You pose a good question(s).
Clearly, there is no ONE correct answer to what you ask.
Also, I would suggest you also consider some intermediate sized agencies. You have a good chance of moving around in assignments, and it is not like being lost among thousands of officers.
I don't know what the services are offering these days, but I suspect law enforcement is a field of choice, and a class one school. Usually, you would have to commit to a number of years' service to get a good school. You can examine some of those opportunities on your own.
I admire those who have served in the military, as I have.
I think it helps a young person mature faster, comprehend responsibility better, grasp organization easier, and embrace concepts of discipline without confusion or debate.
All that said, it is still your "John Hancock" that commits on the dotted line.
And, you may be interested in GI Bill benefits.
Another approach, is to try and hire on to an agency at end of high school, as a cadet, courier, maint. etc. This gets you into the system for pension/seniority. Plus, it gives you access to the inner workings of the agency. You will also get to know many of those who command various subdivisions, and be able to seek their counsel on what really matters for consideration to a unit you have interest in.
Also, know that "investigations" covers a LOT of ground....crimes against property, crimes against persons...crimes against the state et al.
All of those areas have subdivisions, and a like pecking order on how an Investigator progresses through the process.
Along with various assignments, there are also promotion opportunities.
Now, on most local and state agencies, there is usually a process of the agency reimbursing tuition for classes at college taken, and an attained grade of "C" or better earned. This is like a scholarship.
Keep in mind, you won't be taking any college the first two years or so as an officer. You'll be so engrossed in learning, field training etc that you won't have the time.
Clearly, you need to have a clean criminal record, decent driving record,no huge financial debt issues, no pending litigation that would spook off an opportunity, and absolutely clean pee.
As for college, I would recommend a double major, no minor set up, and select two areas that compliment each other.
Written and oral communications is a great choice. You WILL be doing plenty of both.
Pre-law is a decent choice, Criminalistics, criminal justice, criminology, social sciences, behavioral sciences, political science, and so on.
I think you get the drift.
Try to get your core classes...first two years of lower division undergraduate stuff done asap.
Hope this is helpful.
Good Luck,
Regards,
loren