To be promoted to a police department’s narcotics task force, you must complete the required law enforcement training, develop the necessary professional skills, and pass a series of qualifying exams. Most narcotics investigator careers begin in a police academy, and candidates for this position typically work as police officers for several years before being promoted. Knowledge of undercover procedures, firearm handling, and the common characteristics of drug trades in various geographic areas are all common requirements for becoming a narcotics investigator. Regular narcotics investigator duties also necessitate strong communication skills and the ability to work well under duress. Both entry-level police officers and narcotics investigators are typically subjected to a battery of psychological tests before being hired or promoted.
Getting accepted into your local police academy is usually the first step toward becoming a narcotics investigator. All recruits must be high school graduates and pass a minimum physical fitness test at these training schools. Academic entrance level tests in basic reading and math skills may be required at some academies. The minimum age to enter a police academy varies by region, but most only accept new recruits who are 18 years old. A police academy training program covers a wide range of topics, including criminal apprehension, routine arrest procedures, and police officers’ roles in the community.
After completing the police academy, you are eligible to work as an officer to gain the necessary experience. Most law enforcement agencies prefer applicants with at least a two-year college degree in criminal justice, criminology, or psychology, so this post-secondary education will usually put you ahead of the competition. Before hiring managers will consider your application to become a narcotics investigator, many upper-level law enforcement positions require a four-year degree in one of these fields.
Another crucial step in becoming a narcotics investigator is to fully comprehend the nature of the job. Conducting investigations, working with informants, and planning undercover operations all require excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You’ll also need to be able to read people’s faces and anticipate their actions, which is especially important when dealing with suspected drug traffickers. After passing the selection process to become a narcotics investigator, you will typically spend a few years learning the job under the guidance of a more experienced narcotics officer.