Expert: Jack Toomey - 1/2/2012

Question
Hello,

Basically, I am considering/leaning towards becoming a Detective, specifically an
SVU detective working with the NYPD or LAPD. I understand completley that the
Tv shows are not realistic, so I was hoping you could give me advice on reaching
This goal, and tell me what it is like to be a detective. I have the basics, like ALOT
Paperwork, cases (that may not all get solved) and you need to be able to work with
Difficult people. But what else is there?

I thank you SO MUCH for your time and hope to hear back soon!

Answer
Jordyn,

I don't know how old you are but I would guess that you are in high school.  The first thing that you need to concentrate on is graduating with a high GPA.  Then you need to be accepted by a college and graduate.  Do not let anyone tell you that you need to get a degree in criminal justice.  There are thousands of young people sitting in criminal justice classrooms because they think that its going to help them get a job in law enforcement.  In fact most of them have no chance because they do not have the aptitude to do police work.

Assuming that you get your degree you would then apply one or both of the departments that you mentioned.  You should be aware that the NYPD and LAPD have tens of thousands of applicants every year.  Just a small percentage get hired. Assuming that you are hired you would go to their police academy and upon graduation you would be assigned to a precinct where you would work as a uniformed patrol officer for years before you would have the experience and ability to do detective work.  After years of detective work you might be considered for a position such as SVU.

Now here is the problem.  As you mentioned nothing that you see on television is realistic.  Nothing.  So your idea of the job of an SVU detective is formed by what you see.  All detectives work with their victims.  In fact sometimes that is half of the job.


If you are prepared to move to one of those two cities to apply for a job that only a miniscule percentage of officers are selected to do then I wish you well.  But you should be realistic.  If you want to go into police work apply for a department near to where you live.  You will advance faster and your desire to help victims can be fulfilled.