How to Become a Detective

If
you want to know how to become a detective, be warned that the career
isn't as glamorous as you might expect from mystery novels, TV and
movies.  Detectives spend a lot of time finding people or investigating
their backgrounds by sifting through public and private databases of
phone records and other public records.  They also scrutinize locations
for electronic spying tools like hidden video cameras or "bugs" and
perform other similar functions.  Their surveillance of people is often
limited to sitting in a car for hours waiting for someone to come out
of a motel room so they can take a picture of them.  Rooftop shootouts
and escaping from locked trunks are things detectives do only in
fiction. 

If you're asking how to
become a detective, the first thing you should ask yourself is if your
skills and abilities match the career.  Detectives need intense
curiosity, keen observational skills, lots of patience, and the ability
to blend into your surroundings without attracting attention to
yourself. (If you're the kind of person who always has to make a grand
entrance, being a detective may not be for you.)  Some of these skills
are things you can work on if they're not readily apparent.  For
example, you can train yourself to be a better observer by playing
puzzles and games like word finds or "spot the one that's different." 
You can acquire patience by practicing meditation.  However, some
people's personalities are not suited to the job of detective and they
should consider other careers.   

If you're still interested
in knowing how to become a detective, you may wonder if you need a
license or not.  The answer is that it depends on the state.  Some
states require a special private investigator's license, while other
states only require a business license or a permit to carry a weapon,
and some states have no licensing at all.  The best way to find out
what your state requires in terms of licenses for detectives is to call
them or check their website. 

You may be asking if you
have to take a course if you want to know how to become a detective. 
The answer is that it's not required, but it's definitely helpful,
especially if you don't have a background in law enforcement (lots of
detectives are former cops or prison guards).  Trying an online class
first to see if you really like the career is a great idea and if it
suits you, you can always move on to a more extensive course of study.
There are many schools online that offer full degree programs these
days, which is an excellent choice for people who are already
entrenched in another career and want to continue working while they
learn how to become a detective.