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Get to the Bottom of What It Takes to Become a Police DetectivePolice Detective OverviewInterested in a career in law enforcement? If you possess physical endurance and agility, sound decision-making skills, inquisitiveness, and excellent interpersonal abilities, you may want to consider training to become a police detective. Unlike uniformed officers, police detectives are plainclothes investigators who work undercover to gather evidence for criminal cases. With recourse to records, interviews, raids, and fieldwork, police detectives work cases on a rotating basis and investigate them until arrests/convictions are made, or until the case is dropped. Detectives usually specialize in specific types of crime, such as drugs or homicide. They may work alone, in partners, or as members of special task forces. If you're up for this by turns dangerous and rewarding career, read on to see what it takes to become a successful police detective. Educational Requirements Educational requirements range from high school diplomas to college degrees; however, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that applicants with bachelor's degrees stand the best chance of getting hired in all types of agencies. Typical coursework for aspiring police detectives includes instruction in:
Job & Salary Outlook Employment of detectives is expected to grow 17 percent in the 2006-16 decade, more than any other police occupation. According to 2008 BLS earnings reports, detectives and criminal investigators earn a mean annual wage of $63,840. |
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