Expert: Loren Stevens - 1/5/2012

Question
One of my interests is to become a detective and I was wondering if you had any tips or helpful advice. I have an I.Q. of 131, I am not sure if that would help or hurt me. I also would like to ask if you had any jobs other than that of law enforcement you would recommend for me. I know these may not all be reasonable, but I am going to list them anyway. I would enjoy clandestine work, carrying a weapon would be fine by me, I don't want to have to spend a lot of time overseas (as in most C.I.A.), working for a long time just doing street patrol would not be what I am looking for, relocating is not a problem. I don't want to be part of the drug areas unless it is a prerequisite. I have great writing and reading skills. I am great at math and science. I like the idea of being undercover, but not for a long period of time. Thank you.

Answer
Hello Hanna,
Well, lets see...maybe it's a good idea for you to give more thought to what area of law enforcement that really interests you.
As for covert operations, there are plenty of covert ops that are not per se law enforcement...CIA and DIA to name a couple. Many agencies have a covert component. Many Inspectors General also have some Investigators who employ optional methods.
You might also consider a wide range of Regulatory areas of Investigations.
Most probably, you need to get hired first, at the entry level position, and distinguish yourself  with that assignment prior to being considered for special operations, or follow up Investigative duty.
Like most competitive areas of employment, the most attractive candidate, will be the one who can pony up the most/best :knowledge, skills, abilities....that are relevant, and potential oriented.
Written and oral communications are good skills, skills in more than one language is a plus..
The areas of your personal life will be under review...Stay away from trouble, drugs, alcohol abuse, domestic-violence is a deal breaker.
Keep your driving record good, and avoid 'stupid' debt...non essential debt, poor fiscal management.
Honesty and truthfulness are but spokes to the larger issue of CHARACTER, which is being sought.
You'll learn a lot at the entry level job, and get a better grip on what is being looked for, to advance to specialized duty.
Maybe do some volunteer work at an agency you favor, and you'll get an ''insider's look" at many things you will want to address.
Try to generate an interest in hobbies, that also lend themselves to police work: martial arts, fire arms training, first aid certs, computer skills etc.
And please, don't be too firm, on what you want to work, and what you favor...When you get into case work, or covert ops, they unfold in many ways, and you get tangled up in many things, that was not first on the menu.
Hope this is helpful to you, and enough to get started.
Good Luck,
loren