Expert: Loren Stevens - 5/11/2010

Question
what kind of things can i get into as an 9th grader to become better at my futur job as an detevtive?

Answer
Hello Jemila,
I salute you Jemila, for thinking about your future, and what you can do early, to prepare for that future.

I will be speaking from the local and state law enforcement perspective on this. The Federal agencies are a bit different.
Be it a city, county or state agency, you'll first need to get hired on, at the entry level position. This is usually that of a uniform patrol officer. You can generally expect to work at that position, (and excel) for 4-6 years....rough estimate. You'll need to be off probation, and have had to distinguish yourself at that position. Paying attention to details, and being able to craft a comprehensive and word economy report are HUGE.
Remember, getting hired is a tall hurdle to jump. Most agencies hire a little less than 10% of their applicants. So make getting hired your primary goal, and don't worry about a subsequent duty assignments, as they'll come.
NO DRUGS, no alcohol abuse, NO domestic violence, no criminal trouble...actually, you are better off, by staying away from those kids who do bad things, as you can get splashed on, by merely being 'there'.
When you get your driver's lic. you'll want a clean record. No agency will hire a person who is a driving liability. You'll need to avoid foolish debt problems.
Try to take classes in written and oral communications. I know they are not exciting stuff, but you'll be way ahead by being able to articulate yourself in a correct manner, than otherwise.
Work on your health and fitness. Upper body and hand strength are important, as is stamina.
There are books on non verbal communications, that you might find useful (Body Language).
Finding a hobby that lends well to a police career is a good idea: martial arts, fire arms,photography, things along those lines.
Later, you can take classes in the hard sciences, biology, chemistry and math skills.
Any books you can find on: "Observation/perception" are good, as it helps you pay attention to details. Like watching a movie, and looking for the visual errors.
A second language may be relevant, as would be computer skills. The thing is, you try to pony up as much as you can to be an attractive candidate to hire, which in generalized sense are similar to those for Investigators.
Investigation work starts out working property crimes, burglary, larceny, auto theft etc. Then, moving up to crimes against the person, like robbery, homicide, sex crimes etc.
Hope this is helpful.
Good Luck,
loren