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I’m struggling to get the right answer
I understand that in able to become homicide detective you must become an police officer and then work there for years to get promoted but in some agencies they don’t require it ?? What if you start working as cyber detective and gaining experience, passing the fitness test etc required can that be instead of being a police officer? . Second question Can you work as both homicide detective and cyber detective at the same time if you have the skills to? Third question do you think a homicide detective can work remotely? I’m currently 11th grader and I’m gradation early as 12th grader I’m trying to figure out answers.What advice and suggestions you would give? I hope you can give in details
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Kim’s Answer
Ava,
It sounds like you do not want to be a police officer. Am I right? Why is that? Is it that you are in a hurry to become a Homicide Detective, or that you really truly do not want to be a police officer?
Normally speaking (and David is correct - each agency does its own thing), one has to become an officer before one can become a detective. There are many reasons for that. First, a detective is a specialized officer. That is, whatever s/he is doing, wherever they are at, they are still first and foremost an officer. They are expected to act on what they observe, and back up their fellow officers. Secondly (speaking from a small town perspective), a detective relies on the officers who were first on the scene to give them information that they can then follow up on, or to go into the community and do door-to-door interviews. The cooperation level between detectives and officers should be 100% no matter what - but reality is, the detective must have the respect of the officers, and, must demonstrate respect for those officers. It is, like a fraternity, or brotherhood. Third, by being a patrol officer, you learn first-hand what is going on in your neighborhood. You develop certain instincts and knowledge that will take you a very long time to develop if you skip this step and go straight to detective.
If you are simply in a hurry to get there, I say, slow down! If you really don't want to be an officer, please explore other options, such as Evidence Technician or Crime Scene Investigator. There are civilian positions in some departments. If you are willing to relocate, you will have many more options. The rest of the country isn't much like NYC when it comes to many things. For example, look at this entry level position with the San Antonio PD: (keep in mind that the cost of living outside NYC is much lower, so please don't think this is a bad salary - it's the equivalent of $91,600 in Brooklyn) https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanantoniotx/classspecs/828611?keywords=crime%20scene%20investigator&pagetype=classSpecifications
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/cost-of-living-calculator/new-york-brooklyn-ny/?city=san-antonio-tx&income=47147
It sounds like you do not want to be a police officer. Am I right? Why is that? Is it that you are in a hurry to become a Homicide Detective, or that you really truly do not want to be a police officer?
Normally speaking (and David is correct - each agency does its own thing), one has to become an officer before one can become a detective. There are many reasons for that. First, a detective is a specialized officer. That is, whatever s/he is doing, wherever they are at, they are still first and foremost an officer. They are expected to act on what they observe, and back up their fellow officers. Secondly (speaking from a small town perspective), a detective relies on the officers who were first on the scene to give them information that they can then follow up on, or to go into the community and do door-to-door interviews. The cooperation level between detectives and officers should be 100% no matter what - but reality is, the detective must have the respect of the officers, and, must demonstrate respect for those officers. It is, like a fraternity, or brotherhood. Third, by being a patrol officer, you learn first-hand what is going on in your neighborhood. You develop certain instincts and knowledge that will take you a very long time to develop if you skip this step and go straight to detective.
If you are simply in a hurry to get there, I say, slow down! If you really don't want to be an officer, please explore other options, such as Evidence Technician or Crime Scene Investigator. There are civilian positions in some departments. If you are willing to relocate, you will have many more options. The rest of the country isn't much like NYC when it comes to many things. For example, look at this entry level position with the San Antonio PD: (keep in mind that the cost of living outside NYC is much lower, so please don't think this is a bad salary - it's the equivalent of $91,600 in Brooklyn) https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanantoniotx/classspecs/828611?keywords=crime%20scene%20investigator&pagetype=classSpecifications
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/cost-of-living-calculator/new-york-brooklyn-ny/?city=san-antonio-tx&income=47147
Updated
Boyd’s Answer
The time it takes to become a homicide detective largely depends on you (the officer) and the department. I know officers that became homicide detectives in just 2.5 years. It depends on the needs of the department, the policy of the department (I.e, how many years in the policy is required to be an officer there first before applying for a special assignment), and you as an officer. The department is going to look at your report writing skills and investigative skills as an officer when you apply, so make sure you are thorough in these areas if you want to get into any type of investigations role. As far as cyber detective, that depends entirely on the agency. Some agencies don’t have specific cyber detectives. Do your research on which agencies have these types of roles before applying to them if your heart is set on being a cyber detective.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
Updated
Jane S.’s Answer
You are an 11th grader. You have PLENTY of time to investigate your further in law enforcement. Much depends upon the state in which you reside. Have you asked yourself WHY you want to work as a homicide detective? Many people work in law enforcement for YEARS before they become specialists. If someone you know has been a victim, please accept my regrets. If you have watched homicide programs and think “oh, I could do that! And even better!” think again. Script writers have a certain time span in which they have to solve a case. I suggest that you gain your experience through your job. Have you showed someone in this field? Ask (but there is probably an age requirement). You might study criminology in college. There are SOME things that may be possible to do remotely, like research or fingerprint analysis; but most work is done by the investigators. Talk to someone in your local police department before committing yourself.
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Alexa’s Answer
It depends on the department, usually you need to work in the field to gain experience. From what I always understood is that you do need to be a police officer first.
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Ken’s Answer
I would encourage you not to get in such a hurry as others have mentioned. Forensic science is another fascinating field that will aid homicide detectives in solving cases but also allow you to be an investigator on a more detailed level. At any rate, be sure your motivation is to serve others and you'll land in the right spot.