Is there a way to become a detective of a police force without actually becoming a police officer?

Question

Okay so I want to be a detective but without actually going through the trouble of becoming a police officer. I am 14 and trying to find as much information about detective work as possible but I do not wish to be a police officer.

Answer 1

Each police force is a little different, but everywhere I am aware of detectives are first police officers. Not all have worked as patrolmen. Some are hired as detectives right out of college.
Police forces have chains of command like the military does. In some departments, detectives are like the officers in the military. In others, detectives work as a separate division. Patrol units like an infantry unit. Detective units like an intelligence unit. But you first have to join the police force.
Some departments have Explorers clubs to let young people see what the police do. Reach out to you local force and they may be able to give you more specific information.
When looking at colleges, look for criminal justice departments.