How long does it take to become a detective? I wanna be a detective. I am a sophmor in high school right now.

It sometimes takes many years to become a detective. Some officers never get to be detectives.

You have to become a police officer before you can become a police detective. It usually takes at least 6 months from the time you apply to become a police officer. It often takes longer. Most police departments require that you work for a number of years as a patrol officer before being eligible to become a detective. If you want to become a police detective, you should be an excellent police officer, and be recommended by your supervisor.

A lot has to do with the department's requirements and how good an officer you are. I know officers that became detectives within three years, and I know a detective that didn't become a detective for fifteen years

Get a good degree from a good school with a good GPA. Become an officer with a large police department. Be a great officer. When you are eligible to compete for a detective spot, try it.

I am definitely going to college. I was gonna major in Criminal Justice and minor is something. I might do it the other way around though. THANKS for all the responses so far.