Detective Training in Germany and Berlin

Unfortunately, the detective profession in Germany still operates with almost no licensing restrictions. Only a certificate of conduct without entries and – depending on the city and the case officer – a clean extract from the central trade register need to be presented. Consequently, there are no formal training requirements for taking up detective work. This situation is concerning, as a detective without knowledge of legal frameworks, experience, and tactical instruction in observation is inevitably set up to fail. Learning by doing is not an option here, since, firstly, the client’s interests depend on the investigator’s expertise, and secondly, the profession leaves ample room for mistakes that can quickly become existentially threatening for the uninitiated.

Detective Training via ZAD and SAB, Official Qualifications

Those wishing to train as a detective will find Berlin the ideal location. It is home not only to the two largest German detective training centres, the Central Office for Detective Training (ZAD) and the Security Academy Berlin (SAB), but also to the Police Historical Collection of the State Criminal Police Office and numerous detective agencies where newcomers can learn on the job. As in many professions, practice provides the best training. The LKA Berlin provides the necessary conditions for this.