How to Become a Detective in Connecticut - Your Complete Career Guide

We all come across several news materials, and social media feeds that inform us about the latest happenings around the world. And, to address the elephant in the room, most of those news pieces speak of the escalating crime rates in even the safest states of the world. One among such states is Connecticut, USA.
Though the state has the lowest crime rate now, it had reported instances of robbery, manslaughter, assault, and rape over the years. And, as there is no hiatus to crime, there will be an ever-increasing need for detectives.
So, if you are someone who can brainstorm for hours, pay attention to details and is determined to become a detective, this is the right career opportunity for you. However, the road to becoming a detective is not easy, which is why we have laid down a step-by-step process educating you about the same! Read on.

Skills Required to be a Detective

From collecting evidence, interviewing the suspects to solving a case, a detective is required to perform several duties. The skills you must hone to become a successful detective include:

Unbiased Opinion

Often there are times when a detective/investigator is required to stay calm and observe their surroundings no matter who the prospect is. They shall always remain loyal to their code and must present an unbiased opinion at all times.

High Moral Values

Honesty and ethics are the foundation stones to becoming a successful detective. Unless you are true to your position, there is no above ground for you. Besides, if a detective or investigator is found practising unethical means, they might lose their credibility and job with the state department.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Most of the times you might find witness statements contradictory. Having an open mind to everything, every minor detail is necessary to figure out what is what. These brainstorming skills will allow you to look past the obvious and investigate evidence objectively.

Physical Agility & Alertness

The job of a detective is not all about knowing the law and solving cases. It demands a lot of street smartness to avoid situations where your life can be in danger. You have to be sharp on your feet and alert all the time to keep everything under control.

Gut Instinct

Always trust your gut, they say! As a matter of fact, this skill goes a long way in the career of a detective. Assuming the possibility that an innocent-looking person can be the culprit is good. However, knowing so is something commendable. You gain this skill with experience. Once you acquire it, things get pretty interesting from there.

Eligibility Criteria

Since you are caught up with the skills set needed to become a detective, let’s move further and know about the eligibility criteria. For becoming a detective in Connecticut, it is mandatory to serve as a state trooper, at first.
Also, the following requirements must be met when you apply for the job:

Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen
At least 21 years old or above
High school graduate or on equivalent law degree (check BA LLB eligibility criteria)
Valid driver’s license
No felony, perjury, or misdemeanor convictions

Steps to Become a Detective in Connecticut

Once you meet the minimum requirements or eligibility criteria of the job, here’s what you need to do next. The following steps outline the path to becoming a detective in Connecticut.

Written Examination

Post-filling the application form, you will be required to qualify the written examination designed by the state government. This test will assess your cognitive and reasoning skills that are essential for work as a detective. There will be questions describing situations you may come across in law enforcement, and you have to select the best response.

Oral Panel Interview

After succeeding in the written test, you will be facing an oral interview. The panel taking your interview will include at least one Connecticut POST officer (Police Officer Standards and Training) to assess and evaluate your performance.

Background Investigation

If you clear both written and oral rounds, the state will run a background check, and your database will be checked to be sure you have not committed any felony or misconduct. From academic performance, driving record, credit history, employment history to interpersonal relations, everything will be scrutinised.

Physical & Mental Fitness Test

When you pass the third round, you will have to appear for a physical and mental fitness test. The physical examination will include strength and flexibility exercises while the psychological test will be conducted to evaluate your mental stability for the work of a detective.

Drug Screening

A drug screening test is part of a medical examination where you will undergo a thorough body physical. Once the licensed physician gives you the green light, you will be summoned to attend training classes before being certified as a detective.
On completing your training hours, you will become a licensed detective in Connecticut. Though every city has a different procedure for employment of detectives and investigators, the basic process remains the same.
If there were no dreadful people, there would be no good detectives or investigators. The world demands detectives that could bring a revolutionary change in the messed up arrangement. This field possesses a lot of opportunities for law enthusiasts. If you are one of them, this is your chance!

Author Bio: As a content strategist, Sachin Malik specializes in writing on topics related to technology, law, business and healthcare. With his career in content marketing, he is passionate about writing about to advanced tools and technologies they need to know for succeeding in this competitive environment. He is writing this article on behalf of Sharda University.