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Careers: Police/Sex crime detective
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Question
I know that this sounds cheesy, but since I saw my first episode of Law and Order:SVU, I have wanted to become a sex crime detective. I have always wanted to help people throughout my entire life, and I believe this job would give me a fulfilling feeling. I am a senior in high school and would like to know exactly what I have to do in order to become a sex crime investigator including college degrees and schools that I should attend and receive.
Amanda:
Nothing wrong with the dream you have. But, something the TV shows always leave out is, those detectives all started out in patrol, working 'the road' or on the street, for several years before attaining that position, no matter what speciality they have. In other words, to do what they do, you have to become a police officer and go through the academy first, then compete for the position after you've worked on the street a few years. It's that way with all police departments, they never hire a detective or investigator 'right off the street'.
That having been said, federal agencies are different. They do, in fact, hire investigators directly, they have to have a four year degree. I'd counsel staying away from criminal justice degrees, though. Get a degree in something else, such as business, journalism, English, etc. That will help more in the long run than a CJ degree will.
Good luck!
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions
Experience
18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.
Organizations
Police Marksman Association
Fraternal Order of Police
Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified.
CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.
Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).
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