How to Become Detective South Africa

A detective is an investigator, usually a member of a law enforcement agency. They often collect information to solve crimes by talking to witnesses and informants, collecting physical evidence, or searching records in databases.

Below are steps How to Become Detective South Africa

There are varied paths to becoming a private investigator (PI) or detective, although all paths require a steady combination of didactic instruction and on-the-job investigative experience. Here is one possible path to becoming a detective:

Step 1: Graduate from high school (four years). 

At this stage, aspiring detectives are encouraged to foster skills such as critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and inductive reasoning.

Some students may choose to seek out volunteer opportunities through their local police departments, civic organizations, or federal agencies in order to get hands-on training in the field. 

Step 2: Get a degree in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, or a related discipline (two to four years).

Some prospective police detectives may be eligible to enroll directly in a police academy, but many police academies require at least some college to qualify. 

Step 3: For prospective police detectives: Enroll in a police academy and get investigative experience (one to three years). 

For those looking to become police detectives an option that can be more lucrative than becoming a private investigator (PI) enrolling in a police academy is the next step.

Although requirements vary by department and region, to qualify for a police academy, candidates must be US citizens; be at least 18 years old; possess a driver’s license; have no felony convictions; and have some college experience.

Step 4a: Prospective private investigators (PIs) should pursue on-the-job investigative experience and state licensure (timeline varies).

For civilian PIs, requirements vary by state, but many require licensure.

For example, California’s Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (2020) reports that to qualify for licensure, PIs must be at least 18 years old; undergo a criminal background check; and have proof of experience in one of three capacities.

They either must have 6,000 hours of paid investigative work, a law degree plus 4,000 hours of experience, or an associate degree and 5,000 hours of experience.

Requirements to Become Detective South Africa

You must be 18yo or older.

You must be a citizen of South Africa.

You must have a clean criminal record.

You must complete an SA government approved PI licensing program.

You must not be a member of any national security/ police agency.

What is a detective in South Africa?

Detectives specialize in criminal investigations working on narcotics, illicit gold and diamond dealings, fraud, murder, robbery and car theft. Members of the police service with at least two years of service who have the talent for objective investigation may, after selection, enter the detectives’ course.

Can a police officer have tattoos in South Africa?

Be employed and provide proof of employment. Provide proof of his or her residential address.

Not have a criminal record or any criminal or departmental cases pending against him or her (all criminal or departmental cases must be declared) Not have a tattoo which will be visible if the person wears a uniform.

How long is police training in South Africa?

The duration of the Learning Programme will be 24 months, of which 12 months will be at the Academy and 12 months in the workplace.

It will consist of two phases at the academy and one phase in the workplace. Foundational phase – will mainly focus on acquiring necessary knowledge and skills.

How much is police salary in South Africa?

South African Police Services Jobs by Salary

Job TitleRangeAverage
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol OfficerRange:R99k – R380kAverage:R241,334
ConstableRange:R115k – R211kAverage:R172,727
Police CaptainRange:R203k – R470kAverage:R327,961
PolicemanRange:R70k – R366k

Is the police fitness test hard?

Evidence suggests that the current police fitness test is in fact, relatively difficult to pass. Statistics show that in the past year, hundreds of officers have failed to make it through the physical stage of the assessment.

What colleges offer policing in South Africa?

Institutions Offering Diploma in Policing

Mbowa College, Johannesburg.

Hartland Training and Development Centre, Pretoria.

University of South Africa UNISA, Pretoria.

Technicon S.A, Bronkhorstspruit.

Gauteng City College, Johannesburg.

Rand Training College, Johannesburg.

Successors Training Institute, Durban.

How long is a policing degree?

two years

A degree in any subject

This route normally takes two years, and the learning you undergo is recognized as a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice (upon completion of your probation).