To become a narcotics investigator, complete law enforcement training, gain experience as a police officer, and pass qualifying exams. Requirements include knowledge of undercover procedures, firearms, and drug trade. Strong communication skills and the ability to handle high-stress situations are necessary. A degree in criminal justice, criminology, or psychology is advantageous. Interpersonal skills are important for conducting investigations and working with informants.
You can become a narcotics investigator by completing necessary law enforcement training, developing the necessary professional skills, and successfully completing a series of qualifying exams to be promoted to the police department’s narcotics task force. Most narcotics investigator careers begin at a police academy, and investigator candidates typically spend several years as a police officer before earning that promotion. Specific requirements for becoming a narcotics investigator often include knowledge of undercover procedures, handling firearms, and the common features of the drug trade in different geographic areas. Regular narcotics investigator duties also require strong communication skills and the ability to function well in high-stress situations. Entry-level officers and narcotics investigators are also often given a battery of psychological tests as conditions for hiring and promotion decisions.
The first step in becoming a narcotics investigator is usually to gain acceptance into your local police academy. These training schools require all recruits to be high school graduates and pass a minimum physical fitness test. Some academies may also have academic entry-level tests in basic reading and math skills. Age requirements for police academy acceptance can vary by region, although most only accept new recruits who are 18 years old. A police academy training program provides a comprehensive study in areas such as criminal apprehension, routine arrest procedures, and the role of police officers in the community.
After graduating from the police academy, you are eligible to work as an officer to accumulate the necessary experience. Most law enforcement agencies favor candidates who have completed at least two years of college in criminal justice, criminology or psychology; therefore, this post-secondary education often gives you advantages over other applicants. Many top-level law enforcement positions require a four-year degree in one of these fields before hiring managers will consider your application as a narcotics investigator.
An important additional step to becoming a narcotics investigator is to fully understand the nature of this work. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success in conducting investigations, working with informants and planning covert operations. You will also need a good ability to read other people’s behavior and anticipate their actions, particularly in cases of suspected drug dealers. After successfully passing the selection process to become a narcotics investigator, you will typically spend a few years learning the job under the supervision of a more experienced narcotics officer.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
