Law Degree To Detective: Career Transition Strategies

If you have a law degree, you may be wondering how you can use it to become a detective. While a law degree is not necessary to become a detective, it can be advantageous. Most detectives start their careers as police officers, and a law degree can help you stand out as an applicant. However, it is important to note that becoming a detective requires more than just a degree; you will also need to gain experience in law enforcement and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

To become a detective, you will typically need to follow these steps: complete a high school education, obtain a bachelor's degree (preferably in a related field like criminal justice), pass the necessary exams and training (including police academy training), gain experience as a police officer, and finally, apply for promotion to detective.

While the path to becoming a detective may vary depending on your location and the specific requirements of your local law enforcement agencies, having a law degree can be a beneficial step in the right direction.

Check local requirements for police detectives

The requirements to become a detective vary by state or region, so it's important to research the specific criteria for your desired location. Here are some key local requirements that you should be aware of:

• Age: Most jurisdictions require candidates to be at at least 18 or 21 years old.
• Education: While a high school diploma is typically the minimum requirement, some states or departments may mandate a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law, or a related field. A degree can make you a more competitive applicant and increase your chances of becoming a detective.
• Training: In addition to academic education, many agencies require candidates to graduate from their training academy and complete on-the-job training. This training covers various topics, including state and federal laws, ethics, community policing, tactical communication, self-defence, and emergency response.
• Physical Fitness: Candidates must meet rigorous physical fitness criteria and pass physical agility tests.
• Psychological Requirements: Detectives must undergo psychological evaluations to ensure they are suitable for the role and can handle the demands of the job.
• Background Checks: A clean criminal record is typically required. Some agencies may also conduct polygraph (lie detector) tests as part of the screening process.
• Examinations: Candidates may need to pass written exams, such as the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) exam, to become police officers and later the National Detective/Investigative Test (NDIT) to become detectives.
• Work Experience: Gaining work experience as a police officer is crucial before transitioning into a detective role. Most departments require at least two to five years of police experience, during which you should focus on developing your investigation and law enforcement skills.
• Certifications: Obtaining specialised certifications, such as the Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) or certifications offered by ASIS International, can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your competence in advanced investigative techniques.
• Other Prerequisites: Some regions may have additional prerequisites, such as a driver's license, US citizenship, or specific academic credits earned.

It is important to contact local law enforcement agencies or visit their official websites to get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the hiring process, requirements, and any other essential criteria for becoming a police detective in your desired location.

Get a bachelor's degree in criminal justice

Getting a bachelor's degree in criminal justice is an important step towards becoming a detective. This field of study deepens your understanding of the legal system, criminal behaviour, societal dynamics, and human psychology. Courses in these programs often include studies in forensic science, law enforcement ethics, and victimology, providing a framework that underpins successful detective work.

The University of Maryland—College Park, the University of Pennsylvania, and UC Irvine are some of the best schools in the USA for criminology. These programs take four years to complete and will give you a competitive advantage when applying for detective roles.

Some states, such as Michigan, require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law, security management, or computer forensics to qualify for a detective license. Gaining a bachelor's degree can also open up opportunities for further specialization and advancement in law enforcement careers.

In addition to a bachelor's degree, you can also pursue specialized certifications to enhance your qualifications. For example, after gaining some law enforcement experience, you may be eligible for the National Detective/Investigator Test (NDIT), which assesses your readiness to transition into a detective role. Other notable certifications include the Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) and the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) credential.

While a bachelor's degree in criminal justice is strongly preferred, any college degree can be beneficial. It demonstrates that you have developed critical thinking and writing skills, which are essential for detective work.

So, if you're aiming to become a detective, obtaining a bachelor's degree in criminal justice will provide you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications to excel in this career path.

Complete police academy training

Police academy training is a rigorous program that typically takes five to six months to complete. It is designed to equip recruits with the physical skills and practical experience needed to succeed as law enforcers. The training may conclude with a final academic examination, or recruits may need to take examinations throughout the course.

Coursework varies from one academy to another, but the scope is usually quite similar. For example, new recruits for Florida State trooper jobs must complete 770 hours of Florida-mandated courses in their six-month academy program, covering crime scene investigation, criminal investigations, traffic crash investigation, law enforcement vehicle operations, and human relations.

Human relations coursework typically includes cultural sensitivity training and disability awareness. Study in law-related topics often includes crimes against persons and property, general crime statutes, and state/city-specific laws and statutes.

Training topics are often specific to the region or department. For example, the Los Angeles Police Department Police Academy trains all new recruits in Spanish due to the large Spanish-speaking population of the city.

All police academies have specific requirements that recruits must meet. Candidates for police officer jobs often qualify for police academy training by successfully passing a written examination and a physical abilities test, both of which are designed to assess their ability to complete the academy training program.

Situational training during police academy training involves hands-on exercises covering defensive driving techniques and the use of department weapons (e.g., batons, pepper spray). Physical training is an integral part of any academy training program, with most programs concluding with a final physical fitness exam that must be passed.

Cadets in police academy training are expected to maintain proper discipline, meet attendance requirements, maintain their personal appearance and issued equipment, and follow all academy rules and regulations. Many academies, such as the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, are run like paramilitary organizations, requiring cadets to practice military courtesy and discipline.

On-the-job training

Training for police officers or deputies working toward detective careers does not end with academy training. New recruits must attend on-the-job training upon leaving the academy, allowing them to apply what they learned in the academy to real-world situations under the guidance of a training supervisor. For example, new police officer recruits for the Greensboro, North Carolina Police Department must receive an additional 14 weeks of training through a field assignment after their 27-week academy training.

Gain experience as a police officer

Becoming a police officer is typically the entry point for aspiring detectives. This role requires candidates to go through a detailed selection process that includes written exams, physical agility tests, and thorough interviews to assess both physical readiness and psychological suitability.

Successful candidates then undergo rigorous training at a police academy, which covers a wide range of topics, including state and federal laws, self-defence, emergency response, ethics, community policing, and tactical communication. This training equips future police officers with the practical experience and physical skills needed to succeed in law enforcement.

The period spent as a police officer is crucial as it helps build foundational skills in investigation, evidence collection, and effective interaction with the public and other law enforcement personnel. These skills are critical when transitioning into a detective role. Obtaining specialised certifications during this time can also be beneficial for those aspiring to become detectives.

Most detective positions require at least two to five years of police experience. Aspiring detectives should aim to gain as much investigation experience as possible, even if it means observing investigations with senior officers or detectives. Since most police departments promote detectives from within their own force, building strong connections with peers and mentors is essential. Working hard to establish a good reputation for being knowledgeable, reliable, and hardworking can also increase the chances of a successful transition to a detective role.

Gaining experience in other roles

While becoming a police officer is the most common path to becoming a detective, there are other routes that can provide relevant experience. These include:

• Member of an investigative service unit in a branch of the US Armed Forces
• Investigator at a federal investigative agency
• Military police officer
• Licensed repossessor
• Public defender's office investigator

Pass the National Detective/Investigator Test

Passing the National Detective/Investigator Test (NDIT) is a crucial step in becoming a detective. It is a promotional exam that assesses a police officer's readiness to transition to detective work. The NDIT is a written exam consisting of 75 questions derived from three textbooks covering Criminal Investigations, Major Court Cases, and Investigative Interviewing. Candidates are advised to refer to the study guide and the textbooks to prepare for the exam. A study period of 30 days or more is recommended.

The NDIT is similar to The National First & Second Line Supervisor Tests and is intended for agencies looking to assign officers to detective or investigator roles. The exam evaluates the candidate's knowledge in areas such as criminal investigations, court cases, and interviewing techniques, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and understanding to excel in their new position.

The NDIT is just one component of the comprehensive process of becoming a detective. Other essential steps include obtaining a high school diploma or GED, pursuing a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, completing police academy training, gaining experience as a police officer, and networking within the department.

Frequently asked questions