The year 2012 saw approximately 1,780 violent crimes committed in Raleigh, including 17 cases of murder-manslaughter and nearly 1,000 cases of aggravated assault. The dedicated men and women of the Raleigh Police Department were generally the first first-responders to these incidents, with the Detective Division responding to particularly violent, gruesome, and troubling cases. Comprised of the finest experienced and up-and-coming officers, the Detective Division’s purview of expertise often encompasses serious and violent crimes.
Sponsored School(s)
The Raleigh Police Department touts an exceptional career advancement program which allows officers to go as far into the criminal investigations field as their skills allow. New recruits or lateral entries can begin pursuing detective jobs soon after they are hired and prove themselves as competent officers. To become a detective with the Raleigh Police Department, candidates will need to meet some initial qualifications as well as prove their capabilities.
Qualifying for Criminal Investigator Jobs with the Raleigh Police Department
All police officers, including detectives, with the Raleigh PD will need to meet the following minimum requirements:
- US citizen
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least 21 years of age when sworn in
- 20/20 vision (corrected acceptable)
As a demonstration of the value it sees in the completion of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program, the Raleigh Police Department offers a tuition reimbursement program for its officers. Although not one of the specific detective requirements, a college degree in certain fields provides applicants with a sturdy foundation in criminal investigations while also potentially opening doors for future career advancements. Relevant programs of study include:
- Law Enforcement
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Police Science
- Criminal Justice
- Forensic Science
As officers gain experience and demonstrate their abilities they will have the opportunity to pursue criminal investigator jobs with the Detective Division.
Detective Training with the Raleigh Police Department
After completing a general law enforcement training program which lasts 28 weeks for new recruits and just 10 weeks for lateral hires, officers will be qualified to begin work with the Raleigh PD. Those who demonstrate a competent ability and interest to become a detective can be assigned to the Detective Division. As part of this process officers will receive criminal investigator training in areas which the Detective Division specializes, such as:
- Drugs and vice operations
- Homicide
- Robbery
- Fugitive recovery
- Youth and family services
- Career criminals
- Burglary apprehension
- Cyber crimes
- Aggravated assault
Submitting an Application to Become a Criminal Investigator in Raleigh
The Raleigh Police Department accepts applications for candidates periodically throughout the year, as announced on its recruitment webpage. Applications may be accepted for both new cadets and experienced lateral hires. Officers who demonstrate a competence and interest in criminal investigator jobs may be assigned to this field. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for employment with the Raleigh PD are encouraged to apply when there are advertised vacancies. More experienced lateral entries may receive advanced assignments with the Detective Division.