Expert: Dick Rogers - 11/19/2007

Question
Hi Dick, My name is Ryan I am 18 and currently majoring in civil engineering at ASU. I was wondering If there was a particular degree I needed to get (like Criminal Justice degree) in order to be successful. By successful I mean I want to be either a detective or maybe make SWAT. Also I was wondering as far as entry level positions... I know I'll have to put in some time at the lower levels but I was I really don't like the idea of just giving people speeding tickets... Is there an alternative? Thanks so much for your time.

Answer
Ryan, as far as a position on a swat team, you can do that soon after being assigned to a patrol station.  What usually occurs is that the department will evaluate your shooting skills with a rifle (my department has a "shoot off" where all persons interested in joining the swat units competed with a typical sniper rifle.  As far as becoming a detective and particularly in becoming a homicide detective, you must put in a vast amount of time in patrol and getting your  head on right regarding case law, evidence, etc.  Your not liking the idea of giving speeding tickets, I think, will change when  you, as a patrol officer, see the results of reckless speeding.  Good luck with you career.