how to become svu detective

The Work of Criminal Investigators in Special Victims Units (SVU)

Criminal investigators within a police department’s special victims unit are specially trained to conduct sexual assault and physical abuse investigations, as well as any cases involving endangering the welfare of a child. This dedicated group of police investigator professionals must be able to deal with intensely personal, difficult, and emotionally charged situations while still expertly performing their jobs, which include:

• Establishing all the facts, evidence and supporting statements through victim and witnesses and other sources of information
• Collecting and organizing physical evidence, photographs, DNA materials, clothing, and fingerprints

Their work also often includes identifying, investigating, apprehending, and prosecuting child molesters; child pornography collectors or distributors; child pornographers; sexual offenders who target children; and child abusers. Personnel may also conduct investigations involving Internet child pornography.

Criminal investigators who investigate crimes against children must be able to utilize minimally threatening intervention processes as to ensure the personal dignity of the victims.

In addition to investigative personnel, a special victims unit may also have a staff of professionals who provide back-up for investigations of child abuse. Their responsibilities include conducting extraditions, identifying and charting patterns, providing assistance with pedophile investigations, and following up on cold cases.

Investigators within special victims units are responsible for providing support for the related components, such as:

• Forensic investigations
• Training and technical assistance
• Victim services
• Prevention and community education

Training Requirements for Investigators within Special Victims Units

Training is a crucial component for investigative jobs within a special victims unit. Detectives who investigate crimes against children must have a unique skillset, as they must not only be expert investigators, but they must also have a deep understanding and appreciation of the sensitivity of child abuse investigations.

Initial and ongoing training requirements are therefore commonplace among special victims investigators, with study focused on providing investigators with the most up-to-date interviewing and investigative techniques and strategies for coordinating multi-disciplinary teams as to ensure full victim restoration.

Training topics may include:

• Crime scene investigations
• Forensic interviewing
• Internet crimes against children
• Medical evaluation of child victims
• Sex trafficking
• The use of forensic science in child abuse investigations
• Victimology

Police Jobs : How to Become a Detective

What does a SVU detective do?

An SVU detective is a law enforcement professional who specializes in sensitive cases. They often work with children, the elderly and survivors of domestic assault and sexual assault. Responsibilities for SVU detectives typically include: Related: What Are Special Victims Unit Jobs? (Plus How To Pursue This Career)

How hard is it to be a SVU detective?

Being an SVU detective is a tough gig. As described in the opening narration of the long-running spin-off ” Law & Order: Special Victims Unit ,” the crimes they investigate are considered “especially heinous,” often dealing in sexual violence.

How do I get a job in SVU?

You can usually request to work in a specific department, such as the special victims unit, after you’ve worked in your original investigative assignment for a few years. Police departments may also require you to take additional training in SVU-related issues.

How do I become a SVU detective?

Here are the steps to follow for how to become an SVU detective: 1. Earn a high school diploma Most police departments require you to have at least a high school diploma to join the force. Some may also accept a GED certificate.