Detective onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: State peace officer certification, Investigative interviewing training (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: case management systems; evidence kits; cameras and video tools; databases and records systems
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Detective training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Plan for officer safety during contacts
Follow evidence safety for biohazards and drugs
Use peer support for traumatic cases
Follow legal procedures to protect cases
Shadow an experienced detective through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: conduct a witness interview
Supervised practice: maintain chain of custody
Supervised practice: write a search warrant affidavit
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Investigate crimes and review case reports: independently
Process scenes and collect evidence: independently
Interview victims, witnesses and suspects: independently
Write search and arrest warrants: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, State peace officer certification)
Discuss the career path: Police Officer → Detective → Specialized or Senior Detective
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Conduct a Witness Interview
Maintain Chain of Custody
Write a Search Warrant Affidavit
Investigative interviewing
Evidence collection
Report and warrant writing
Digital evidence basics

How to measure onboarding success

Report quality and completeness
Post-order compliance in audits
Client complaints or incidents
90-day retention

How Detective training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Detective Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Detective Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Detective Career
Final Knowledge Check

Get team pricing

Detective Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)