Q: What should I study to become a detective?

You should study criminal justice to become a detective. Other degrees you can earn and courses you should take to become a detective include criminology and sociology. Advanced degrees, such as a master's, are not required, but can help those that want to become detectives compete for the best positions.

Q: What is the highest-paid detective?

The highest-paid detective is a chief detective. A chief detective earns over $100,00 a year, while a regular detective averages $86,030 a year. A chief detective makes more money due to their higher rank, increased responsibilities, and the supervisory role they play within the law enforcement agency.

Q: How hard is it to become a detective?

It is fairly difficult to become a detective. While the path to becoming a police detective may vary, generally, after obtaining a high school diploma or GED, it can take anywhere from five to eight years to be promoted from a police officer to a detective.

Question 1

What are the pros and cons of being a detective?

Accepted Answer

The pros and cons of being a detective include ones relating to helping people, dangerous working conditions, and salary. Here is a look at the pros and cons of being a detective:

Pros:

You get to help people

Question 2

What degree do you need to be a detective?

Accepted Answer

You need a two-year associate's or a four-year bachelor's degree to be a detective. Whether you need a two-year or four-year degree depends largely on the department. Specific educational requirements vary from one police department to the next.

Question 3

What is the difference between a detective and a criminal investigator?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a detective and a criminal investigator is that detectives work on cases involving homicides and felonies, while criminal investigators work on a range of criminal and civil cases, such as fraud and missing persons.

Question 4

What should I study to become a detective?

Accepted Answer

You should study criminal justice to become a detective. Other degrees you can earn and courses you should take to become a detective include criminology and sociology.

Advanced degrees, such as a master's, are not required, but can help those that want to become detectives compete for the best positions.

Question 5

What is the highest-paid detective?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid detective is a chief detective. A chief detective earns over $100,00 a year, while a regular detective averages $86,030 a year. A chief detective makes more money due to their higher rank, increased responsibilities, and the supervisory role they play within the law enforcement agency.

Question 6

What are the qualifications of a detective?

Accepted Answer

The qualifications to become a detective are graduating from a police academy and gaining experience. Police academies generally require a high school diploma to enroll. Once in the academy, there are challenging physical tests that require preparation to pass.

Prospective detectives begin their careers as police officers. It takes at least two years before you can investigate significant and major crimes.

Police academy acceptance and becoming a detective can be competitive. In some cases having a degree or previous educational experience can be beneficial.

It is also possible to stand out from the competition through your dedication. There may be certifications in your state, such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification, that can help you to stand out. Working hard is essential, and certifications can give you that extra boost.

Question 7

What is a typical day for a detective?

Accepted Answer

A typical day for a detective involves reviewing case files, conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses or suspects, and filling out any necessary paperwork.

The exact day-to-day activities of a detective can vary greatly depending on the specific nature of their cases and their current workloads. However, a common element in a detective's daily routine is the review and analysis of case files. This involves studying the details of ongoing investigations, and looking for new leads or connections that can help solve the case.

Question 8

How hard is it to become a detective?

Accepted Answer

It is fairly difficult to become a detective. While the path to becoming a police detective may vary, generally, after obtaining a high school diploma or GED, it can take anywhere from five to eight years to be promoted from a police officer to a detective.

Question 9

How many hours do detectives work?

Accepted Answer

Detectives tend to have work weeks in the range of 40 to 60 hours in the United States. The number of hours a detective works can vary widely and depends on several different factors, including:

Question 10

How many hours does a detective work?

Accepted Answer

A detective works close to a traditional workweek of 40 hours per week. The number of hours a detective works can vary depending on the department and its specific role. However, detectives might be required to work overtime, especially during investigations or when trying to meet deadlines.

Question 11

What do detectives do on a daily basis?

Accepted Answer

Detectives perform investigations, write reports, and collaborate with other law enforcement professionals on a daily basis. Here are some details on the daily activities of a detectives:

Question 12

Where do detectives work?

Accepted Answer

Detectives work in local police and sheriff's offices and for federal agencies. Most detectives work in police and sheriff's offices serving specific communities, like towns, cities, or counties.

Frequently asked questions about detectives

Questions about becoming a detective