What do police departments look for when selecting Narcotics, Vice Squad members?

Question

I'm interested in becoming a cop, but I would really like to work in a plain clothes squad like Narcotics or Vice or even SWAT instead.

What kind of qualities do departments look for when selecting officers for these positions?

Answer 1

You are selected by your ability and performance as a police officer.

Answer 2

Just like any other job, you have to move up in the chain.

Most narcotics agents are Detectives.

Answer 3

As already said, you have to start as a patrolman. Hardly any departments hire right into detective or narcotics.

The features they might look for are the ability to think and act on the spot. You have to lie and sometimes prove enough for your lies to be convincing. You also have to be able to make and break friends on a moment's notice. In all, you have to be able to live a lie and walk away from it when the time comes. It's not a glamorous or neat job but it's a requirement of the profession.