Detectives serve three main objectives in the Louisville Metro Police Department. First, they investigate all felony and misdemeanor offenses committed in within the city limits. These offenses include crimes involving child abuse, robbery, homicide, and elderly abuse. Second, they collaborate with other police department units to accumulate information regarding both victims and suspects. Lastly, detectives conduct follow-up investigations into all cases until they reach prosecution in a court of law.
Sponsored School(s)
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) recently made headlights when it launched a support campaign for the interactive website IDThisPerson.com. The website is the LMPD’s newest weapon against identity theft, credit card fraud and retail theft. Detectives are urging residents to use the website as an anonymous tip line for identifying people suspected of committing theft under false identities. Publicly endorsing innovative tools like IDThisPerson.com exemplifies how the LMPD cooperates with locals to thwart criminality in the community.
Becoming a Detective with the Louisville Metro Police Department
Even though some detectives are transferred in from outside agencies, most detectives are former police officers with years of experience working in the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Meeting Requirements – To qualify for police offer jobs, applicants must be at least 21 years old; must be a United States citizen and must have no felony convictions.
In addition, job candidates must meet at least ONE of the following requirements:
- Completed 60 semester hours of college credit
- Completed active military service
- Completed four years serving in the National Guard or Reserve
- Completed full-time employment as a United States police officer within 12 months and have at least one year of work experience
Earning College Credit – Applicants without previous law enforcement or Armed Forces experience must complete at least 60 credit hours of college courses to enter into the Louisville Metro Police Department as a new recruit. The LMPD continues to encourage employees to pursue higher education my offering them $2,000 in tuition reimbursement for each year in school.
Kentucky’s colleges and universities offer several unique degree programs for students interested in becoming a detective. Future detectives and investigators that enroll in these degree programs are exposed to diverse field-related courses, such as criminal justice ethics, judicial processes, criminal evidence, contemporary police strategies and crime patterns. Degree options in Kentucky include:
- Associate of Arts in Police Studies
- Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts in Forensics
- Master of Science in Administration of Justice
- Master of Arts in Criminology
Police Academy Training – Upon receiving an offer of conditional hire, new recruits enter into the Louisville Metro Police Training Academy. The training program consists of 1,000 hours of instruction over the course of 6 months.
New recruits that successfully pass academy training enter in the Police Training Officer program for another 6 months before being released into the field for official duty. Training topics include:
- Patrol Operations
- Investigative Procedures
- Self-Defense
- Traffic Stops
- Firearms
- Accident Investigation
Investigation Divisions in Louisville
Police officers that are promoted to criminal investigators are typically assigned to an investigations division within the Louisville Metro Police Department. These divisions include the Major Crimes Division, Narcotics Division and Special Investigations Division. Division appointments are determined by a combination of specialized training backgrounds and previous job experience.
Major Crimes Division – The Major Crimes Division consists of several units that each focus on a specific type of serious crime. These units include: Crimes Against Children Unit, Homicide Unit, Robbery/Financial Crimes Unit, Special Victims Unit and Forensic Investigations.
Narcotics Division – The Narcotics Division consists of several units that each serves a specific function. These units include: Support Unit, Major Case Investigation Unit and Complaint Response Unit.
Special Investigations Division – The Special Investigations Division consists of two units: Professional Standards Unit and Public Integrity Unit. The Professional Standards Unit conducts internal investigations into department staff members. The Public Integrity Unit also investigates officer-involved shootings and deaths.