Education:
32%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
20%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
This is a sub-career of
Police Officer or Detective
More sub-careers
Select a specialized sub-career for more details.
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Job Outlook:
As fast as average
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent
Salary
High:
$150,570.00
Average:
$91,610.00
Hourly
Average:
$44.04
What they do:
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
On the job, you would:
- Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
- Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
Important Qualities
Communication skills. Police and detectives must be able to speak with people and to express details in writing about an incident.
Empathy. Police officers need to understand the perspectives of a variety of people in their jurisdiction and be willing to help the public.
Good judgment. Police and detectives must be able to determine the best way to solve an array of problems.
Leadership skills. Police officers must be comfortable with being a highly visible member of their community, as the public looks to them for help in emergencies.
Perceptiveness. Officers, detectives, and fish and game wardens must be able to anticipate people’s reactions and understand why they act a certain way.
Physical stamina. Officers and detectives must be in good physical shape, both to pass required tests for entry into the field and to keep up with the daily rigors of the job.
Physical strength. Police officers must be strong enough to physically apprehend suspects and to assist people in precarious situations.
Personality
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Characteristics of this Career |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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98% | Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical. | |
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92% | Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. | |
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91% | Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. | |
|
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90% | Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. | |
|
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89% | Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. | |
|
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85% | Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. | |
|
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84% | Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. | |
|
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83% | Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. | |
|
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83% | Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. | |
|
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82% | Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. | |
|
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79% | Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. | |
|
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79% | Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. | |
|
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76% | Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. | |
|
|
74% | Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. | |
|
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69% | Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. | |
|
|
65% | Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
86% | Enterprising - Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law. | |
|
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75% | Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Values of the Work Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
70% | Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
|
|
70% | Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
|
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67% | Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
|
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64% | Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
|
|
64% | Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
Aptitude
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
85% | Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). | |
|
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85% | Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. | |
|
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78% | Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. | |
|
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78% | Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. | |
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78% | Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. | |
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75% | Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. | |
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72% | Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. | |
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72% | Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). | |
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72% | Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). | |
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72% | Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. | |
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69% | Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. | |
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66% | Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance. | |
|
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66% | Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. | |
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66% | Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
Job Details
Responsibilities
Check physical condition of people or animals.
Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.
Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.
Prevent unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas.
Record information about suspects or criminals.
Prepare investigation or incident reports.
Document legal or regulatory information.
Analyze crime scene evidence.
Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.
Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.
Prepare investigation or incident reports.
Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.
Use databases to locate investigation details or other information.
Detain suspects or witnesses.
Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.
Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.
Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence.
Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.
Serve court ordered documents.
Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence.
Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.
Investigate accidents to determine causes.
Apprehend criminal suspects.
Direct criminal investigations.
Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
Request emergency personnel.
Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
Request emergency personnel.
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
Block physical access to restricted areas.
Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.
Determine operational procedures.
Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.
Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information.
Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.
Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
98% | Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? | |
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97% | Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job? | |
|
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97% | Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? | |
|
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96% | Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? | |
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96% | Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? | |
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92% | In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment - How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)? | |
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91% | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? | |
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90% | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? | |
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90% | Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? | |
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90% | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? | |
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89% | Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? | |
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88% | Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? | |
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85% | Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? | |
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83% | Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? | |
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83% | Consequence of Error - How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? | |
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79% | Frequency of Conflict Situations - How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? | |
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78% | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People - How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? | |
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77% | Outdoors, Exposed to Weather - How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions? | |
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76% | Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos? | |
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75% | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety - How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? | |
|
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72% | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? | |
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70% | Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? | |
|
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69% | Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? | |
|
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74% | Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Tasks & Values |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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94% | Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. | |
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90% | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. | |
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88% | Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. | |
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86% | Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. | |
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86% | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. | |
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86% | Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. | |
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82% | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. | |
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81% | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. | |
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80% | Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. | |
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79% | Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. | |
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77% | Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. | |
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76% | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. | |
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76% | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. | |
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74% | Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft. | |
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72% | Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. | |
|
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69% | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. | |
|
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68% | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. | |
|
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67% | Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. | |
|
|
67% | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. | |
|
|
65% | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
What Police and Detectives Do
Police officers use computers to check license information.
Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of crimes.
Duties
Police officers, detectives, and criminal investigators typically do the following:
- Respond to emergency and nonemergency calls
- Patrol assigned areas, observing people and activities
- Conduct traffic stops and issue citations
- Search restricted-access databases for vehicle or other records and warrants
- Obtain and serve warrants for arrests, searches, and other purposes
- Arrest people suspected of committing crimes
- Collect and secure evidence from crime scenes
- Observe the activities of suspects
- Write detailed reports and fill out forms
- Prepare cases for legal proceedings and testify in court
Job duties differ by employer and function, but police and detectives are required by law to write detailed reports and keep meticulous records. Most carry law enforcement equipment such as radios, handcuffs, and guns.
The following are examples of types of police and detectives:
Detectives and criminal investigators are uniformed or plainclothes officers who gather facts and collect evidence related to criminal cases. They conduct interviews, examine records, monitor suspects, and participate in raids and arrests. Detectives typically investigate serious crimes, such as assaults, robberies, and homicides. In large police departments, detectives usually specialize in investigating one type of crime, such as homicide or fraud. They are typically assigned cases on a rotating basis and work on them until an arrest and trial are completed or until the case is dropped.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, sometimes called special agents, investigate and pursue criminal cases that violate federal law. FBI agents are responsible for crimes against public agencies, such as Medicare fraud, or that cross state lines. In addition, federal agents may join or take over investigations of certain types of state cases, such as those related to prescription drugs or large sums of money.
Fish and game wardens enforce fishing, hunting, and boating laws. They patrol fishing and hunting areas, conduct search and rescue operations, investigate complaints and accidents, and educate the public about laws pertaining to the outdoors. Federal fish and game wardens are often referred to as Federal Wildlife Officers.
Police and sheriff’s patrol officers are the most common type of police and detectives, and they have general law enforcement duties. They wear uniforms that allow the public to easily recognize them as police officers. They have regular patrols and also respond to emergency and nonemergency calls. During patrols, officers observe people and activities to ensure order and safety.
Some police officers work only on a specific type of crime, such as narcotics. Officers, especially those working in large departments, may work in special units, such as mounted (horseback), motorcycle, or special weapons and tactics (SWAT). Typically, officers must work as patrol officers for a certain number of years before they are appointed to a special unit.
Transit and railroad police patrol train yards and transportation hubs, such as subway stations. They protect property, employees, and passengers from crimes such as thefts and robberies. They remove trespassers from railroad and transit properties and check IDs of people who try to enter secure areas.
Work Environment
Police and detectives held about 808,700 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up police and detectives was distributed as follows:
| Police and sheriff’s patrol officers | 684,000 |
| Detectives and criminal investigators | 114,400 |
| Fish and game wardens | 6,900 |
| Transit and railroad police | 3,400 |
The largest employers of police and detectives were as follows:
| Government | 96% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 4 |
Police and detective work can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous. Officers must be alert and ready to react throughout their entire shift. Officers regularly work at crime and accident scenes and encounter suffering and the results of violence. Although a career in law enforcement may be stressful, many officers find it rewarding to help members of their communities.
Some federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Secret Service, require extensive travel, often on short notice. These agents may relocate a number of times over the course of their careers. Other agencies, such as U.S. Border Patrol, may require work outdoors in rugged terrain and in all kinds of weather.
Injuries and Illnesses
Police and sheriff's patrol officers and transit and railroad police have some of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. They may face physical injuries during conflicts with criminals and other high-risk situations.
Work Schedules
Most police and detectives work full time. Paid overtime is common, and shift work is necessary to protect the public at all times.
FBI special agents must work at least 50 hours a week and are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Getting Started
How to Become a Police Officer or Detective
Police and detectives must use good judgment and have strong communication skills when gathering facts about a crime.
The education typically required to enter the occupation ranges from a high school diploma to a college degree. Most police and detectives must graduate from their agency’s training academy before completing a period of on-the-job training. Other requirements vary, but candidates usually must be at least 21 years old and able to meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. A felony conviction or drug use may disqualify a candidate.
Education
Police and detective applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some federal agencies and police departments may require that applicants have completed college coursework or a college degree. Many community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities offer programs in law enforcement and criminal justice. Knowledge of a foreign language is an asset in many federal agencies and geographical regions.
Fish and game wardens typically need a bachelor’s degree; desirable fields of study include wildlife science, biology, or natural resources. Federal Wildlife Officers and some state-level fish and game wardens typically do not need a bachelor’s degree.
Federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation may require prospective detectives and investigators to have a bachelor's degree.
Many applicants for entry-level police jobs have completed some college coursework, and a significant number are college graduates. Common fields of degree include security and protective service and social science.
Training
Candidates for law enforcement appointment usually attend a training academy before becoming an officer. Training includes classroom instruction in state and local laws and constitutional law, civil rights, and police ethics. Recruits also receive training and supervised experience in subjects such as patrol, traffic control, firearm use, self-defense, first aid, and emergency response.
Federal law enforcement agents undergo extensive training, usually at the U.S. Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, or at a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Because they need experience in law enforcement, detectives typically begin their careers as police officers.
FBI special agent applicants must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience, or 1 year of experience plus an advanced degree (master’s or higher).
Other Experience
Some police departments have cadet programs for people interested in a career in law enforcement who do not yet meet age requirements for becoming an officer. These cadets do clerical work and attend classes until they reach the minimum age requirement and can apply for a position with the regular force. Military or police experience may be considered beneficial for prospective cadets.
Cadet candidates usually must be at least 18 years old, have a driver’s license, and meet specific physical qualifications. Applicants may have to pass physical exams of vision, hearing, strength, and agility, as well as written exams. Candidates typically go through a series of interviews and may be asked to take polygraph (lie detector) and drug tests. A felony conviction may disqualify a candidate.
Most states and local jurisdictions require candidates to be U.S. citizens, but some do not. Federal officers must be U.S. citizens.
Advancement
Police officers usually become eligible for promotion after a probationary period. Promotions to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain usually are made according to scores on a written examination and on-the-job performance. In large departments, an officer may be promoted to detective or to specialize in one type of police work, such as working with juveniles.
Along with exam and performance scores, a bachelor’s degree may be required for advancement to positions of lieutenant or higher rank.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 64,500 openings for police and detectives are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Projected employment of police and detectives varies by occupation (see table).
A desire for public safety may result in a need for more officers. However, demand for employment is expected to vary by location, driven largely by local and state budgets. Even when crime rates fall, demand for police services to maintain public safety is expected to continue.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about federal law enforcement, visit
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Drug Enforcement Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
For more information about police and detective careers, contact your state or local law enforcement agency.
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of police and detectives.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs |
Correctional officers guard people in penal institutions and guard those in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain order in courtrooms. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $49,610 |
|
EMTs and Paramedics |
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care, and may transport patients to medical facilities. |
Postsecondary nondegree award | $39,410 |
|
Firefighters |
Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies involving life, property, or the environment. |
Postsecondary nondegree award | $51,680 |
|
Private Detectives and Investigators |
Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $52,120 |
|
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists |
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. |
Bachelor's degree | $59,860 |
|
Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance Officers |
Security guards and gambling surveillance officers protect property from illegal activity. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $34,770 |
|
Emergency Management Directors |
Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after emergencies. |
Bachelor's degree | $79,180 |
|
Forensic Science Technicians |
Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. |
Bachelor's degree | $63,740 |
|
Fire Inspectors |
Fire inspectors detect fire hazards, recommend prevention measures, ensure compliance with state and local fire regulations, and investigate causes of fires. |
See How to Become One | $65,800 |