Potential Career in Criminal Justice: Police Detective
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Police Detective
Detectives fall under law enforcement, are part of criminal investigations, and handle obtaining evidence tenable in a court of justice (Cole, DeJong & Smith, 2014). They protect people and property, travel within jurisdictions for investigative tasks, and commonly work as agents and duties depend on the specialty and the employing agency.
Duties and Responsibilities
Detectives participate in the examining scenes of crime to obtain evidence and ideas about criminal activity. A detective acts to secure a crime scene and evidences to prevent them from being tampered with prior to investigations. They go a step further to obtain evidence from suspects and witnesses to present in court as a witness in supporting a criminal legal proceeding (Cole, DeJong & Smith, 2014).
Police officers prepares reports to present to courts, however before such reports are given, a detective would analyze such statement to point out areas that require additional information and investigation before the final presentation. The detective then sources for the additional information or proceed to conduct further studies as per the report requirements. An investigator is also responsible for the preparation of charges and responses or presents required information in courts, according to the procedures in place.
Detectives mark and take photographs of a criminal scene and objects found. They go a step further of obtaining a summary of the events at a crime scene from an in-charge officer with proper caution to prevent disturbance of evidence. Data about suspects could be incomplete on initial instances. To obtain identifying data of a suspect, the detective will examine government agency files and records. The career holders handle the preparation and of serving and arrest warrants (Cole, DeJong & Smith, 2014).
Detective source for medical assistance for the injured persons and monitor victims on consciousness levels to obtain statements from them. They provide relevant information to laboratory personnel on the test to be performed on an evidence item and any such information relevant to it (Jackson, 2009). It is the responsibility of a detective to record the progress of investigation, maintains and analyzes evidence and files and submits reports to the judicial or commanding officer. Investigators confirm information given to patrol officers by questioning individuals or observing them and the scene of the crime.
The officers obtain any detail of a scene of evidence, and their role in the search is thorough within proper measures. They offer assistance for raids and arrests and coordinate with agencies and task forces in combating criminal activities. Detectives on another hand maintain surveillance on areas of interest to monitor events and obtain proper information about the establishment. They give notification of command of situations and source for assistance and offer protection to the undercover investigators.
Educational Requirements and other Qualifications
Detectives commonly have pursued a degree in criminal justice before joining agency training academy to become a detective (Goodman & Grimming, 2007). After completion of the agency training, an officer undergoes on-field training under probation, with a field officer. Different agencies and academies have different entry requirements with Central Intelligence Agency preferring degree holders whereas the Federal Bureau a college diploma or a degree. There are clusters of admission on different agency some basing on the level of training others experience. The persons on the path to becoming detectives after the completion of the field training serve as patrol officers for some period (Babbie & Maxfield, 2014). The officers sit for a written examination qualifying them to become detectives.
A person with a criminal justice degree may have a competitive advantage over other while applying for the position of a detective or salary and promotions. Other courses relating to crime and justice may also be beneficial to the investigators and taking an associate program maybe of importance to those already serving (Goodman & Grimming, 2007).
A detective must have knowledge in the legal field, government regulations, and the rules of the agencies and embrace the democratic political process (Jackson, 2009). An excellent command of (English) language with its contexts and structures, vocabulary, and proper grammar is a requirement. One must be conversant with public security and safety and promote strategies for the protection of people, property, information, data, and institutions. Knowledge in a behavioral science such as the human behavior, different personalities and interests, and the assessment and treatment of personal and psychological disorders is also an area of importance.
A detective must also have knowledge of administration and management practices. Strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership and human resource coordination and mobilization are core competencies that a person deserves to possess. Knowledge on the effect of instructions and communication to individuals, and own training curriculum and effects are some of the cores (Babbie & Maxfield, 2014). Finally, provision of personal services makes up day-to-day activities. Ability to assess the needs of the people and situation, maintaining quality standards and evaluation of the effect of service delivery is of benefit. A detective must be a person of proactive intelligence and analytics.
Active listening, accurate comprehension and interpretation, critical transformative thinking, speaking ability, fast learning and having the social perspective of the people is a unique skill necessary for the position. A detective must be apt in time management, proper judgment, complex problem solving, and negotiation and be service oriented.
Agencies Hiring Requirements
In the United States, the common agencies are the Central Intelligence Agency, which serves on global intelligence, gives information about possible global crimes, and protects national security. Federal Bureau of Investigation is another agency responsible for the states and the federal government (Jackson, 2009). The body serves to defend the states and the country against any form of intelligence threat and help to enforce the criminal laws. The bureau was established in 1908 under the Government of Theodore Roosevelt and serve through different situations of the country to date. The agency has various units including criminal investigation systems, information technology, training academy, intelligence, and national security and laboratory services (Cole, DeJong & Smith, 2014).
The Bureau offers the opportunity to students and professionals from varied fields that must commit to the agency priorities and uphold its core values. It provides entry-level opportunities and career move for professionals. The FBI hires only nationals who are not convicted felon and are not users of illegal drugs. Those who qualify for entry to the agency are then admitted to the training academy for two years followed by a year field task (Babbie & Maxfield, 2014). The successful candidates of the process often start working as patrol officers before qualifying a written examination to be a detective. The salary range for the position is $25,000 to $60,000 and having higher qualifications and exceptional work performance may be a qualifier for higher pay or promotional option.
A career in the field of a detective is challenging with the vastness of the legal systems, the country structures, and the political process. A passion for wellbeing of the people and the belief in having the capability of service is a motivational factor for this position. Putting on an effort would mean service to the nation, the benefit to the people and possibility of a promotion.