2 answers
Dynasty
Student
Lexington, Kentucky
1
Question
Updated
1156 views
Is psychology the right major to becoming a homicide detective ?
I am a sophomore in college and i am majoring in psychology with a minor in criminology. I am going for my bachelors degree hoping to become a homicide detective. I know that all detectives has to start out as a police officer but i dont want to be a police officer. I read online that i could become a private investigator and work my way up to detective, is that true ?
Also i would like to know if i am taking the right steps in college towards my career as far as majoring is psychology and minorning in criminology ? #college #psychology #criminal-justice
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2 answers
Andrew Bustamantes, CFI, CPCI
Fraud Investigator
4
Answers
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hello Dynasty,
In my experience, and having knowledge of the criminal justice career field. It may be challenging to become a Homicide Detective, with only having experience as a Private Investigator. A homicide investigator, also known as a detective, searches for evidence and clues used to identify suspects in murder cases. Training and experience are required to obtain the skills necessary to become a homicide investigator. Homicide investigators usually have at least a high school diploma; they are experienced police officers who have earned promotion to this job title. Some agencies require a college degree. Often a homicide investigator is not an entry-level position, but a role earned through a promotion after many years of experience working as a police officer.
Summary:
Police Detective - Works for a municipal, state, or county police agency. They are a sworn officer, and have completed the minimum qualifications of the Peace Operations Specialized Training (POST) Certificate (Police Training Academy). A Police Detective who works for a municipal, state, or county police agency, is often promoted from a Patrol Officer role (Standard Police Officer). By earning this promotion he or she has showcased their experience, ability, and qualification to become a Police Detective.
Court Investigator - An investigator that assists the prosecution or defense in the investigation proceeding or during criminal litigation. In some cases there are civilian investigators that may not require background as a Police Officer. However, employers will likely be searching for ideal candidates that have experience and knowledge in investigations. That experience and knowledge may be difficult to acquire if not having worked in law enforcement prior. Some employers may also ask for specialized degrees or certifications, such as a Juris Doctorate (JD), POST Certificate, etc.
Private Investigator - Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer many services, such as verifying people's backgrounds and statements, finding missing persons, and investigating computer crimes. In many circumstances a Private Investigator assisting on a homicide case already has past experience and knowledge of death investigations from a career in law enforcement.
Research and consider other careers in law enforcement that deal with Homicide Cases, where you do not need a Police Officer background (eg. Criminal Profiler, Forensics, Crime Prevention Specialist, Crime Scene Investigator, Parole/Probation Officer).
In my experience, and having knowledge of the criminal justice career field. It may be challenging to become a Homicide Detective, with only having experience as a Private Investigator. A homicide investigator, also known as a detective, searches for evidence and clues used to identify suspects in murder cases. Training and experience are required to obtain the skills necessary to become a homicide investigator. Homicide investigators usually have at least a high school diploma; they are experienced police officers who have earned promotion to this job title. Some agencies require a college degree. Often a homicide investigator is not an entry-level position, but a role earned through a promotion after many years of experience working as a police officer.
Summary:
Police Detective - Works for a municipal, state, or county police agency. They are a sworn officer, and have completed the minimum qualifications of the Peace Operations Specialized Training (POST) Certificate (Police Training Academy). A Police Detective who works for a municipal, state, or county police agency, is often promoted from a Patrol Officer role (Standard Police Officer). By earning this promotion he or she has showcased their experience, ability, and qualification to become a Police Detective.
Court Investigator - An investigator that assists the prosecution or defense in the investigation proceeding or during criminal litigation. In some cases there are civilian investigators that may not require background as a Police Officer. However, employers will likely be searching for ideal candidates that have experience and knowledge in investigations. That experience and knowledge may be difficult to acquire if not having worked in law enforcement prior. Some employers may also ask for specialized degrees or certifications, such as a Juris Doctorate (JD), POST Certificate, etc.
Private Investigator - Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer many services, such as verifying people's backgrounds and statements, finding missing persons, and investigating computer crimes. In many circumstances a Private Investigator assisting on a homicide case already has past experience and knowledge of death investigations from a career in law enforcement.
Andrew recommends the following next steps:
Kristen Knutsen Thorson
Vice President, Client Solutions
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
I believe your college counselor is the best person to talk to regarding the right classes for your career path. I would also suggest talking to your criminology professors and maybe making a call to your local police department to see if they have any suggestions or if they know anyone in the field you can speak with. Good luck!