Are there any officers on here? ?

Question

The reason I am asking is this, I work in law enforcement. I am the CID Assistant Officer. I also do all the Felony cases. I have been at this for about a year. Just wondering what kind of promotion I could be looking at to move elsewhere maybe. Just don't want to be an assistant, want to really do the investigations myself. I guess it was sparked by one I am helping with right now. Anyone got any pointers for me? Just want to know what all I need to do to really get somewhere in this field. If I continue here, I will be stuck pretty much as just a Patrolman. I really want to better myself. Just need to be headed in the right direction. Everything I know was taught to me by the old Chief, who is now in another location. I am starting on my Criminal Justice Degree, but want to know what else I could do. Any help is appreciated. You can even e-mail any extras. Thanks!

Answer 1

Well, you don't say how long you've been an officer. There are three things I consider that bring an officer to the point of being a competent investigator. One is native talent, and you can't do much about that. One is a body of considerable experience dealing with witnesses and suspects in all sorts of situations and with all sorts of people, largely developing your bull***t detector. The other is training. Since everything you have been taught was informally by the old chief, seek out training. If the department doesn't have much training budget, you may have to invest some of your own money and ask them for at least the time to go. Build your resume. During a period when you can't get to training, read. Develop a list of books on investigative topics and watch for them on Half.com . Many of them are fearfully expensive new. Check the relevant books published by CRC. They publish many of the best texts, like Practical Homicide Investigation and all sorts of technical topics. Join professional organizations and try, if possible, to attend the conferences. The IAI is one.

And be meticulous in your present work and your report writing. It will be noticed, not just by your boss but by the prosecutors. One year in grade is not so long. Spend the time learning, so that when you're on your own you're really competent. (You won't be all-around competent, but you'll be better set to keep learning.)  

Answer 2

Chances of being hired by some other agency as an investigator are very slim.

Most detectives/investigators have years of experience and have worked up to the duties involved.

Very few, if any, agencies advertise or hire 'an investigator'. When the rare occasion does occur, they'll only hire an investigator with years of front line experience.