? ? Detective Career ? ? By: KC Liwanag Mr. Beaton Digital Citizenship

Occupation Description

WORKING INDOORS Detectives work in a variety of environments depending on where their duties take them. Whenever they work indoors casing, organizing, and writing files and reports are completed usually in a police station. Interrogating suspects is also a responsibility of a detective.

A crime scene is where detectives can be seen in action. Collecting the evidence and making conclusions about possible suspects are some of the tasks they need to achieve. They work on duties such as monitoring and observing suspects or even testifying in court. These local travels are required. WORKING OUTDOORS

IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY With the modern and improved technology nowadays, detectives have become less used or needed. Most specifically for detectives, security cameras with video and audio surveillance do most of the evidence collecting. There could be a time in the future where technology have become extremely advanced that there would be enough evidence on what is seen and heard in the video; detectives would not need to do anything else with the case.

Hazardous Events Going into this kind of career can be very dangerous. Physical harm is involved when performing undercover operations and arresting suspects. Detectives should know how to handle guns or any other kind of weapons. In very traumatic events, detectives can also be harmed mentally and emotionally. Stress can be associated in everyday work.

Representation of Women and Men Both men and women detectives are represented equally in their occupation. Being a true detective is all about wit and knowledge regardless of their gender. However statistically speaking, there are more men detectives than women because of physicality.

Organizations Local Employers Forensic Science and Identification Services BC Law Society ACFI (Association of Certified Forensic Investigators) of Canada Vancouver Police Department Royal Canadian Mountain Police Surrey RCMP PIABC (Professional Investigators’ Association of BC) UNBC (University of Northern British Columbia)

Qualifications Necessary for Entry and Success

Physical and Personality Requirements Before becoming a detective, he/she has to meet specific physical qualifications. They have to pass tests for vision, hearing, strength and agility as well as competitive written tests. When it comes to personality, there are also requirements. Detectives have to be honest, have empathy, good judgment, leadership and communication skills, perceptiveness and have excellent observation skills.

Preparation Needed

Necessary General Education and Special Training Depending on which specialty, education requirements range from a high school diploma to a college or an even higher degree. Training as a police officer is a must have. The training includes patrol/ traffic control, use of firearms, self- defense, first aid and emergency response. Other training includes instruction in constitutional law, civil rights, state laws and local ordinances and police ethics. With hard work, from being a police officer they can be promoted to a detective.

The Vancouver Police Department Professional Investigators’ Association of B.C Justice Institute of British Columbia In British Columbia Outside of British Columbia Bureau of Labor Statistics Takes 2-4 years to complete Costs about $ Training Information Training Institutions

Entry Requirements and Courses He/she have to be 21 years of age or older to be accepted in the training. They should be a high school graduate and have a degree preferably in forensics and/or criminology. They also need to be cleared of police department background checks and should have passed medical and psychological evaluations. The courses that are part of the program are: Law and Criminal Justice Enforcement Forensic Psychology English Communications Crime Scene Investigation

Remuneration

Annual Earnings A detective that is just starting out may expect an annual earning of $35,000 to $80,000. For experienced detectives, they may receive an average earning of $70,000 to $120,000 per year. Since crimes occur at any day and any minute, detectives work almost everyday no matter which season it is. Of course there will be occasional times when a detective will need a day off because of personal reasons.

Detectives can expect to have benefits like health insurance, uniform reimbursement, and retirement. Exact salary figures/ amounts and benefit packages will vary depending on which experience, police department and education they have. Extra might be given after finishing a special task. Other Benefits

How to get started towards this occupation

It is important to learn and complete English, Math, Science, Foreign Languages and Physical Education in high school to train on being a detective. Other hobbies and extracurricular activities such as sports and taking computer science might also be needed in specific work/ tasks. Before becoming a detective, he/she is required to be a police officer. Beneficial Subjects, Activities, and Part Time Jobs

Employment Advancement and Outlook

The applicants with a bachelor’s degree and law enforcement or military experience, especially investigative experience, as well as those who speak more than one language should have the best job opportunities. Job prospects should be best for trained officers with related work experience. Job Prospects

Some of the opportunities for advancement within this investigative career field are Detective Sergeant and Detective Lieutenant. However these positions are mostly supervisory and administrative positions which means there will less 'hands-on' investigative involve. Advancement Opportunities

Conclusion

My Opinion and Self Employment In my opinion, helping people get justice for something is one of the advantages. A big risk of physical and mental harm is the disadvantage. There are self-employment opportunities in this occupation. He/she can be offered as a private detective as long as it is legal and have all requirements. They can also create and build their own business and become a private investigator. I think that I have the wit and knowledge to be a detective. Some of the skills that are needed for this occupation I still have to improve on. I will need to work very hard to be a detective and I believe I can do it.

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