Expert: Dick Rogers - 8/20/2007

Question
Ok well I have a couple silly questions before my real question which is actually my subject. I'm sorry if these questions don't go with "ethical and moral dilemmas facing officers in the field". But my first question is if there is a real difference between an investigator and a detective? If so, what is it? I'm going to be a senior this year and I'm taking electives that I hope to help me decide what exactly I want to do after high school. I know i want to go to college...but the career fields I'm in the middle of are either art history or criminal justice field. So my big question is...what do i/should i do in order to become an investigator or detective? I am aware that you probably have to become a police officer first...but that's all i really know. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Ashlie, there isn't really a difference between an investigator and a detective...just some agencies use one or the other term.  You are right, you would have to have a significant background in patrol work to become either an investigator or detective...it usually provides case law, evidence and street sense background that is much needed as an investigator/detective.  Your best bet to becoming either is to go to college...major in one or the other of related law enforcement fields (i.e., criminal justice, police administration or police science then get on with an agency...work hard, establish a good reputation and try to move into investigative work.  Good luck.