Expert: Dick Rogers - 11/20/2004

Question
I have always wanted to follow my dream as a criminal investigator.  I'm entering college at Kent State University in Ohio for an associates of arts in criminal justice.  Do I still have to go through a police academy?  I also have a failure to control in 2001 and two speeding tickets both in 2003.  How will this influence my getting into the career?

Answer
Jody, I am not sure what "failure to control" is all about, hopefully something to do with an out of control dog.  At any rate, your speeding tickets just last year is not good but it is not a terminal problem.  When it comes time for your oral board exam you can try to explain away why this occurred.  It isn't the end of the world for applicants but it suggests that you are not 100 percent law abiding yourself.  That said, if your plans center on becoming a criminal investigator (detective), it will involve your going to a regular police academy, spending your time in the streets as a beat cop...gaining experience with people, snitches, evidence, courtroom testimony and procedures and as a result of your good work being assigned to a detective unit.  There are very few detectives who haven't spend their time on the "bricks" getting to be a good cop.  Do this and keep the heavy foot off the pedal and you should succeed.  Good luck!