How To Become an NYPD Detective

If you want to prevent and investigate crime in NYC, a career with the NYPD may be right for you.The NYPD is proud of the members of its Detective Bureau.The decision to promote an officer to the rank of Detective is dependent on their merit and experience, as well as the discretion of their commanding officers.If you meet the NYPD's requirements for becoming an officer, completing training, and gaining relevant work experience, you can become an NYPD Detective.

Step 1: To become an officer, you have to meet the age requirements.

You have to be at least 21 years old before you can take the NYPD entrance exam.You have to pass the entrance exam by your 35th birthday.

Step 2: You must complete the NYPD's educational requirements.

To be hired as an officer by the NYPD, you need to have at least 60 college credits and a 2.0 grade point average from an accredited school.You must have been in the U.S. armed forces for at least 2 years.

Step 3: Proof of residency in NYC is required.

To become an NYPD officer, you must be a U.S. citizen.You must have a valid New York driver's license.You need to provide proof of residency in one of the 5 boroughs of NYC or in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, or Orange County within 30 days of being hired.A current lease or letter from your landlord is proof of residency.The bill shows your name and address.You have a voter registration card.Your current address is shown on your income tax returns.There is an automobile registration certificate or insurance policy.

Step 4: Make sure you don't have disqualifying factors.

You may not be able to serve with the NYPD.Have you ever been convicted of a felony or domestic violence crime?They were discharged from the military.If you have a history of disrespect for the law, you should be arrested.Have violent tendencies.Have been fired from a job for poor behavior or difficulty dealing with authority.

Step 5: Take the entrance exam for a police officer.

To be considered for employment with the NYPD, you have to pass the entrance exam.You must be under the age of 35 to take the exam.To get information on how to take the exam, fill out an NYPD recruit police officer registration form.You can take the exam again if you fail it or don't like your score.The exam will test your memory, writing, and reasoning skills.

Step 6: All application forms should be filled out.

You must submit a multi-part candidate screening process after passing the entrance exam.To begin this process, you must register online and complete a series of application forms.

Step 7: You have to pass the medical exam.

The screening process begins with a medical exam, which is administered by a Police Department Doctor at the Medical Division, 1 Le Frak City Plaza, 59-17 Junction Blvd., Corona, NY 11368.If you have a medical condition that requires medication, you should bring copies of your medical records.You may be placed on medical review if the doctor has concerns about your health.If this happens, you may need to take further medical tests or present more detailed medical records.A vision test will be included in the basic medical exam.Your uncorrected vision in each eye must be at least 20/100.You should bring your glasses to the exam.There is a hearing test.Hearing aids can't be used during the test.You need to be able to hear sounds no louder than 35 decibels with each ear.A test for blood pressure.You must have a blood pressure of 140/90 and a pulse of less than 100 beats per minute.If you want to get the best results, don't eat or drink any products with stimulants within 24 hours before the test.The electrocardiogram is a test for cardiac problems.There is a medical history assessment.

Step 8: The character should be submitted for a pre-screening.

The Medical Division is where the character pre-screening takes place.You need to submit proof that you have completed at least 45 college credits with a 2.0 or higher grade point average, or have served in the military.You will need to provide fingerprints and report any criminal history or character issues.

Step 9: To complete your character investigation, meet with your investigator.

You must attend at least 1 interview with an investigator to review your application if you pass the character pre-screening.You need to attend all appointments and bring required materials for your interview.

Step 10: You should bring identification documents for your interview.

You will be required to bring a lot of documents when you meet with your investigator.Bring an official copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal, records of name change, Naturalization papers, if you are a foreign-born citizen, and your Social Security Card.

Step 11: You should provide evidence of your education and work experience.

Records of your education and time in the armed forces will need to be brought along with your ID documents.Bring copies of the following to any interviews with your investigator: your high school diplomas or equivalent, transcripts from college, and diplomas from any completed college degree programs Original Discharge or Separation papers for military service, if applicable, your employment history for the past 10 years or since the age of 18

Step 12: Provide any required financial documents.

Evidence of your financial history is required for your background investigation.W-2 forms and tax returns for the past 5 years are required for any interview you have with your investigator.

Step 13: Provide any other background information.

Your investigator may ask for documents related to your past and current activities.You need to show your membership cards from any unions or social organizations, as well as your records of any arrests or trials at which you were a defendants.

Step 14: Take psychological exams.

There will be psychological exams at the Medical Division.You will meet with a psychologist after you pass the written exam.Honesty and clear answers are what you should keep during the interview.You can't prepare for a police psychology evaluation.The psychologists are trying to get an idea of your honesty, general personality and suitability for police work by evaluating your written and oral responses.You will be asked questions to evaluate your personality, including emotional stability, social competence, adaptability, assertiveness, dependability, attention to safety, ethics and integrity, ability to tolerate stress, and decision-making skills.

Step 15: The job standard test needs to be completed.

The Job Standard Test will assess your ability to perform a variety of physical tasks in a short period of time.The Barrier surmount is one of the components that make up the Job Standard Test.These tasks include running or jogging, dragging heavy weights over long sprints, and operating a dummy weapon with your non-dominant hand.To complete the test successfully, you will need to be in good physical shape.The NYPD suggests that candidates prepare by eating a well-balanced diet in the days leading up to the exam and avoiding junk food, tranquilizers, and stimulants.24 hours before the exam, get plenty of rest and avoid intense exercise.Fasting for at least 1.5 hours before the exam.On the day of the exam, the person wore a T-shirt, sweat pants, sneakers, and batting gloves.

Step 16: You have 30 days to appeal if you are disqualified.

If you fail your medical exam, psychological exam or background check you can be disqualified from service with the NYPD.You can file an appeal with the Civil Service Commission.Within 30 days of your disqualification, you must file your appeal in the form of a certified letter.Writing an appeal letter and gathering supporting evidence for your appeal can be done by a civil service attorney.If you don't pass the medical or psychological exam, you need to see an independent professional, such as a primary care doctor or a private psychological therapist, who will write up a report to support your suitability for the job.Within 60 days of filing your appeal, you must submit any supporting medical/psychological documentation.The Commission can schedule a hearing if they decide to consider your appeal.If you are working with an attorney, they should present arguments on your behalf at the hearing.Bring your doctor if you were disqualified for medical reasons.

Step 17: You need to complete your police academy training.

The NYPD Police Academy is where new recruits are trained.Both classroom and tactical instruction are included in your training.You will gain practical experience in the form of a 3-week field assignment as part of your academy training course.

Step 18: Gain work experience.

There is no specific exam or procedure for becoming a detective if you are promoted to the status of detective.If you want to become a detective, you may need several years of practical experience as a police officer.You can be promoted to the rank of 3rd Grade Detective, the lowest detective rank, after spending 18 months doing work that is considered investigative.

Step 19: Seek additional education.

If you become a police officer, you may be able to increase your chances of becoming a detective.A partnership with the CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice is one of the educational opportunities offered by the NYPD.Talk to your commanding officer about how you can get more training to become a detective.Consider taking courses in crime scene investigation, forensic science, or any area of specialization that you are particularly interested in.

Step 20: You should have an exemplary record on the job.

If you want to be considered for promotion to detective rank, you must get a recommendation from a superior officer.Do your best to distinguish yourself by performing outstanding work, taking time to develop your skills, and going above and beyond what is asked of you during your regular duties.You could take a writing class to hone your skills at writing police reports.You can catch your supervisor's attention by demonstrating exceptional risk assessment and problem-solving skills.Maintaining high personal and professional standards for honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior is a must if you want to be a detective.