Do you enjoy solving mysteries? Would you like to take this hobby to the next level and pursue a career solving crimes?
If so, working as a special victims unit (SVU) detective may be the career path for you.
Read on as we discuss this fascinating job and the steps you can start taking today to become a special victims unit detective.
What Is a Special Victims Unit Detective?
Most police departments have a special victims unit, often abbreviated as SVU. An SVU detective is an officer who works within this unit.
Special victims unit detectives work with survivors of specific crimes in an effort to solve these crimes. Their cases often involve sexual and domestic violence, trafficking, and crimes involving children.
Some job duties of an SVU detective include:
- collecting evidence
- interviewing both survivors and suspects
- arresting suspects
- creating reports on cases
- testifying in court
SVU detectives work with many different kinds of people, from children to the elderly, and from victims to perpetrators of crimes. They must be able to communicate effectively with all of these people and have good written communication skills.
SVU detectives must have both compassion and strength of character; they may find themselves comforting a trauma victim one moment and leading a dramatic arrest the next.
SVU detectives generally work during daytime hours, though they may be called on to work after hours depending on the needs of the case. Like all law enforcement officers, they must be willing to risk their own lives in the line of duty.
How to Become a SVU Detective: Step by Step
Working in the special victims unit is challenging, but it can also be extremely rewarding. Do you think you have what it takes? Follow the steps below to become a special victims unit detective.
Step 1: Obtain a High School Diploma
If you are still in high school, work hard at getting good grades and progressing toward graduation.
If you are no longer in school and do not have your high school diploma, consider getting a GED or earning your high school diploma online.
Having a diploma or GED is a basic requirement for entering most police academies, and becoming a police officer is a necessary step on your path to becoming an SVU detective.
Therefore, obtaining a high school diploma is a crucial prerequisite for this career path.
Step 2: Consider Obtaining a Bachelor's Degree
Going to college isn't necessarily a requirement for becoming a police officer, though many departments prefer candidates who have a bachelor's degree on their resume.
It doesn't matter what subject you major in, though you might want to consider a field that will prepare you for a career in law enforcement. Many aspiring police officers major in criminology, forensic science, or criminal justice.
Even if you major in an unrelated field, consider taking classes on report writing, criminal investigations, forensic evidence, ethics, and victimology to help prepare you for your future career.
Step 3: Become a Police Officer
As mentioned above, you will need to become a police officer before you can become a special victims unit detective.
Find out about openings for police officers in your area and apply for these positions. Most departments require you to pass a background check and be at least 21 years old.
Once you are hired, you will spend the first several months of your career attending the department's police academy.
You will learn various skills and topics including:
- self-defense
- arrest tactics
- use of firearms
- first aid
- local and federal laws
- report writing
- how to drive a police car
The police academy will involve both classroom and practical learning. Once you have completed all coursework and passed the academy, you will begin working in the field as a police officer.
Step 4: Gain Experience
You will likely have to work as an officer for a few years before you'll be eligible to become a special victims unit detective. Requirements will vary by department and may be influenced by whether or not you have a college degree.
Regardless, you can expect to work at least two to three years as an officer before you can apply for a promotion to the SVU. You may have to work even longer if you do not have a degree or your department requires more experience.
During your time as a police officer, work on honing your investigative skills, and make sure your department is aware of your desire to eventually become a special victims unit detective. You may have opportunities to be mentored by someone already in the SVU.
Step 5: Complete Advanced Training
Once you have been promoted to the role of detective, you may be able to transfer to the SVU immediately, or you may have to wait until there is a specific opening within that unit.
Regardless, you will likely have to complete additional training before you can begin working as a special victims unit detective.
This training will cover topics specific to working within the special victims unit.
These topics may include:
- techniques for interviewing children
- domestic violence
- elder abuse
Once you have completed all initial training, you can start to work as an SVU detective. Additional training may be required on an ongoing basis to keep you up to date on advances within the field.
Your Path to Becoming a Special Victims Unit Detective
Special victims unit detectives play an important role within police departments. If you would like to become a special victims unit detective, following the steps outlined above will put you on a solid path to reaching this career goal.
