Police detectives participate in many of the processes needed to apprehend and convict criminals, including visiting crime scenes, interviewing witnesses, interrogating suspects, managing evidence, consulting with prosecutors and criminal psychologists, and giving testimony in court. Nearly 80% of detectives are employed by a government agency, from the usually at the city, county or state level. Some investigative officers, like FBI agents, are employed by the federal government. Police detectives must be prepared to deal with unpleasant people and situations, from examining dead bodies to interviewing potentially violent or unstable criminals to visiting a crime scene or making an arrest during the middle of the night. Police detectives also find themselves in dangerous situations that require them to be armed and to chase or come into physical contact with criminals. Police detectives have the authority to give out tickets, ask for and use warrants, conduct raids and searches, make arrests, interrogate suspects and interview witnesses, implement fines, issue fines and more.
Police detectives earn higher salaries than regular police officers, and those who live in major cities where crime is high can earn some of the highest salaries for their field. The mean salary for a police detective in 2006 was $58,260, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. FBI agents and detectives employed by federal agencies can earn between $48,159 and $60,199 early in their careers. Benefits packages are awarded to police detectives, and those who work for the government will have access to the best benefits. These can include health insurance and life insurance, retirement savings plans, paid training, paid time off, paid holidays and more.
One of the most important qualifications for becoming a police detective is participation in and passing the police academy. You also need to have a high school diploma, and perhaps even an associate’s degree or some college experience. Police detectives can get promoted through the department after years of service as a regular police officer, and they must pass another exam to become a detective. Those with a higher college degree or experience in the military may be able to reach detective status faster than someone with only a high school diploma. If you are going to pursue a higher degree for the purpose of becoming a police detective, choose a field that will be related to your job, like criminal justice. A graduate level criminal justice program will teach you about terrorism, the legal system, criminal behavior, investigations, and more.
Top 10 Criminal Justice Colleges
Search our rankings of the 10 top criminal justice colleges in the US below and request free information packets directly from the top criminal justice degree programs for your needs.
1.
University of Phoenix -
Master's Degree. University of Phoenix provides highly rated resources that fosters independent learning and enables the student for success. University of Phoenix graduates have shown a history of success by having long careers in the field of Criminal Justice.
2.
Everest University Online -
Master's Degree. With a career-oriented focus, a student graduating with a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Everest University Online will have the skills necessary to pursue numerous careers upon graduation.
3.
Walden University -
Master's Degree. At Walden University, the Master's Degree in Criminal Justice degree plan can be completed completely online and at the convenience of the student. Walden University is the premiere online college for students interested in pursuing a degree in the legal and justice field.
4.
Colorado Technical University -
Master's Degree. The university's Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare individuals for roles in the emerging administrative and leadership sectors in the criminal justice system. Students are offered flexible courses online, allowing them to pursue this prestigious degree while maintaining other priorities in their lives as well.
5.
Kaplan University -
Master's Degree. The wide variety of courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated Masters in Criminal Justice school with the following options: Master’s of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Law, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice.
6.
Capella University -
Master's Degree. Capella University Online’s top ranked job placement statistics make it a top choice by any student who wants a future in criminal justice. A Masters of Science in Public Safety - Criminal Justice, is offered.
7.
Saint Joesph's University -
Master's Degree. Saint Joesph's University Master's in Criminal Justice program is at the forefront of education in providing a dynamic curriculum to every student. Saint Joesph's makes it easy to obtain a Criminal Justice degree online affordably and from the comfort of home.
8.
Virginia College -
Master's Degree - At Virginia College, students are equipped with proper skills and training before graduation in order to succeed in their career of choice. Their Master's in Criminal Justice degree will prepare students for mid to upper-level management positions in the legal field.
9.
University of Cincinnati -
Master's Degree - This highly regarded criminal justice department prepares the student with a well respected faculty, a quick degree plan, and the choice to move on to get a Doctorate. Options include M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice (1 Year Program).
10.
Bowling Green State University -
Master's Degree. Bowling Green State University’s Criminal Justice school provides students with excellent academic training and experience. The department offers both a Masters of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice.
11.
South University -
Master's Degree. The South University Masters in Criminal Justice department allows you the option of specializing in Homeland Security. The school offers two masters options: Masters of Science( M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security.
