Police Detectives
Description OES Code: 63011
Conduct investigations to prevent or solve crimes.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $29.33
25th Percentile $32.04
50th Percentile $37.47
75th Percentile $43.29

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Uniformed officers, detectives, agents, and inspectors are usually scheduled to work 40-hour weeks, but paid overtime is common. Shift work is necessary because protection must be provided around the clock. Junior officers frequently work weekends, holidays, and nights. Police officers and detectives are required to work at any time their services are needed and may work long hours during investigations. In most jurisdictions, whether on or off duty, officers are expected to be armed and to exercise their arrest authority whenever necessary.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 4,300
Projected Employment 2008 5,600
Percent Change 1998-2008 30.2%
Separations 1998-2008 1,300

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 80
Projected Employment 2006 100
Percent Change 1999-2006 25%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
Police officers usually become eligible for promotion after a probationary period ranging from 6 months to 3 years. In a large department, promotion may enable an officer to become a detective or specialize in one type of police work, such as working with juveniles. Promotions to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain usually are made according to a candidate's position on a promotion list, as determined by scores on a written examination and on-the-job performance.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Further information about qualifications for employment as an FBI Special Agent is available from the nearest State FBI office. The address and phone number are listed in the local telephone directory.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Civil service regulations govern the appointment of police and detectives in practically all States, large municipalities, and special police agencies, as well as in many smaller ones. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, usually at least 20 years of age, and must meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. Physical examinations for entrance into law enforcement often include tests of vision, hearing, strength, and agility. Eligibility for appointment usually depends on performance in competitive written examinations and previous education and experience. In larger departments, where the majority of law enforcement jobs are found, applicants usually must have at least a high school education. Federal and State agencies typically require a college degree.

Skills & Other Requirements
Because personal characteristics such as honesty, judgment, integrity, and a sense of responsibility are especially important in law enforcement, candidates are interviewed by senior officers, and their character traits and backgrounds are investigated. In some agencies, candidates are interviewed by a psychiatrist or a psychologist, or given a personality test. Most applicants are subjected to lie detector examinations or drug testing. Some agencies subject sworn personnel to random drug testing as a condition of continuing employment. Candidates for these positions should enjoy working with people and meeting the public.

References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Correctional Officers, Guards

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)