5 answers
macie
Student
Maricopa, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
710 views
What is a good first start to become a homicide detective ?
I’ve always had a passion for anything involving law, specifically a homicide detective but i’ve never known how to get a start on it. I’m asking for help and advice on this so i can do whatever it takes to become what i’ve always wanted to be!
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5 answers
Kimberly Krebs
Corporate Security Manager
80
Answers
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hello Macie, your question is very insightful. To achieve your ambition, there are several paths you can follow. I had a similar aspiration to work in law enforcement, so I chose to join the military. This decision was advantageous when I transitioned from the military and began my search for a law enforcement job. Police departments often view military experience favorably during recruitment. Moreover, it provides you with practical experience and readies you for the rigors of a police academy. It also familiarizes you with weapons, instills discipline, and exposes you to diverse cultures and team collaboration.
However, if the military doesn't appeal to you, another viable option is to pursue a bachelor's degree or accumulate the necessary credits (typically 60) to qualify as a police officer.
Alternatively, you can apply for a position within a police department, such as a corrections officer or traffic enforcer. This can be a stepping stone to gain experience if you currently don't meet the qualifications to be a police officer due to age, lack of college credits, or insufficient experience.
Regardless of the path you choose, remember that you must first serve as a police officer before advancing to a detective role. This initial experience lays the groundwork for becoming an effective detective. The more "street" experience you have, the better prepared you'll be to tackle the demands of detective work. It also allows you to forge strong relationships with your colleagues and the community you serve.
Go on a "Ride along" with your local police department
However, if the military doesn't appeal to you, another viable option is to pursue a bachelor's degree or accumulate the necessary credits (typically 60) to qualify as a police officer.
Alternatively, you can apply for a position within a police department, such as a corrections officer or traffic enforcer. This can be a stepping stone to gain experience if you currently don't meet the qualifications to be a police officer due to age, lack of college credits, or insufficient experience.
Regardless of the path you choose, remember that you must first serve as a police officer before advancing to a detective role. This initial experience lays the groundwork for becoming an effective detective. The more "street" experience you have, the better prepared you'll be to tackle the demands of detective work. It also allows you to forge strong relationships with your colleagues and the community you serve.
Kimberly recommends the following next steps:
Michael Burke, CPP, CIPM, CFEI
Law Enforcement/Investigations
39
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Best advice, for the long run? ENLIST. Join the Army or Marine Corps and select MILITARY POLICE as your MOS (Military Occupational Series) - or US Air Force - Security Police. They will send you through Basic Training (where you will learn valuable skills and improve your physical fitness) that will serve you in your future career. You will also earn Veteran's Status, which gives you a long list of LIFETIME benefits after you leave the military.
While you are serving that 2-4 year contract ("internship") you will gain experience to help you compete for that eventual promotion to "Detective." You may also use any of dozens of on-line or on-base Colleges and Universities to earn your 4 year degree (Bachelor of Arts or Sciences) at a reduced cost.
Once you complete your basic tour of duty, and complete your degree, apply for one of the larger city police departments or State Police jobs.
After you have served another 3-5 years as a patrol officer, Trooper, or Deputy Sheriff, you may THEN begin competing for promotion to Detective.
https://home.army.mil/wood/index.php/units-tenants/USAMPS
https://www.todaysmilitary.com/education-training/rotc-programs
https://work.chron.com/careers-police-forensics-12260.html
While you are serving that 2-4 year contract ("internship") you will gain experience to help you compete for that eventual promotion to "Detective." You may also use any of dozens of on-line or on-base Colleges and Universities to earn your 4 year degree (Bachelor of Arts or Sciences) at a reduced cost.
Once you complete your basic tour of duty, and complete your degree, apply for one of the larger city police departments or State Police jobs.
After you have served another 3-5 years as a patrol officer, Trooper, or Deputy Sheriff, you may THEN begin competing for promotion to Detective.
Michael recommends the following next steps:
Damilare Ogunrotimi
Website design
1
Answer
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Damilare’s Answer
Pursue a relevant bachelor's degree.
Gain law enforcement experience as a police officer.
Demonstrate professionalism and skills.
Apply for detective roles within your department.
Complete specialized training in homicide investigations.
Network with experienced professionals.
Stay updated on investigative advancements.
Develop strong communication and critical thinking skills.
Approach each case with determination.
Gain law enforcement experience as a police officer.
Demonstrate professionalism and skills.
Apply for detective roles within your department.
Complete specialized training in homicide investigations.
Network with experienced professionals.
Stay updated on investigative advancements.
Develop strong communication and critical thinking skills.
Approach each case with determination.
Emma Verde
Physical Therapist
171
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Emma’s Answer
Hi Macie,
Kudos to you - this is an awesome goal! Becoming a homicide detective is an exciting journey that combines education, experience, and passion for justice. First things first, consider getting a degree in criminal justice or a related field to build a strong foundation. Maintain a clean criminal record and a strong moral character. Law enforcement agencies have rigorous background checks, and a clean record is essential.
One route you could go is to begin your career by joining a law enforcement agency, for example, becoming a police officer. This hands-on experience lets you learn the ropes and understand how things work on the ground. From here, you can get into specialized training in stuff like homicide investigation techniques, evidence collection, and forensic science. Stay in the loop by attending workshops and seminars to know the latest in the field.
Skills are your superpower – develop observation, critical thinking, communication, and attention to detail. Connect with experienced detectives and fellow law enforcement folks – they've got great stories to share. And when the time is right, apply for that detective gig within your agency. Your experience as a police officer will come in handy here. Show your leadership flair, keep learning, and explore different investigative roles. Hope this helps!
Kudos to you - this is an awesome goal! Becoming a homicide detective is an exciting journey that combines education, experience, and passion for justice. First things first, consider getting a degree in criminal justice or a related field to build a strong foundation. Maintain a clean criminal record and a strong moral character. Law enforcement agencies have rigorous background checks, and a clean record is essential.
One route you could go is to begin your career by joining a law enforcement agency, for example, becoming a police officer. This hands-on experience lets you learn the ropes and understand how things work on the ground. From here, you can get into specialized training in stuff like homicide investigation techniques, evidence collection, and forensic science. Stay in the loop by attending workshops and seminars to know the latest in the field.
Skills are your superpower – develop observation, critical thinking, communication, and attention to detail. Connect with experienced detectives and fellow law enforcement folks – they've got great stories to share. And when the time is right, apply for that detective gig within your agency. Your experience as a police officer will come in handy here. Show your leadership flair, keep learning, and explore different investigative roles. Hope this helps!
Dr H
182
Answers
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Macie! 😎 Ready to dive into the thrilling world of homicide investigations? Buckle up because it’s going to be a wild ride (with a lot of coffee and late nights). Becoming a homicide detective is an exciting, challenging path, but it’s definitely doable with the right plan. Here’s your roadmap to get started—and trust me, it’s not as complicated as you think.
1. Start with the Basics: Law Enforcement Academy 🚔🎓
First thing’s first—you gotta be a cop before you can be a detective. So, the road starts with attending a police academy where you’ll learn all the essentials about law enforcement. Think of it as your first mission, where you’ll get to know the ropes of law, criminal procedure, and (of course) how to handle the occasional donut 🍩 while keeping a straight face.
Requirements: Most police departments require a high school diploma (though a college degree can be helpful) and a clean criminal record (no detective skills needed there, just a law-abiding citizen).
Police Academy: Once you join, you’ll undergo physical training, learn about legal procedures, and complete tons of hands-on training—so you can deal with everything from suspects to traffic stops to, of course, crime scenes.
2. Work Your Way Up: Be a Patrol Officer First 🚓💼
After the academy, it’s time to get your hands dirty (metaphorically speaking) by becoming a patrol officer. You’ll be the boots on the ground, handling everything from petty thefts to domestic disputes. This is where you get your real-life training on how to stay calm under pressure and deal with all kinds of people and situations. The more experience you get in this role, the better prepared you’ll be for detective duties.
Tip: Patience is key! You’re like the rookie cop in those gritty TV shows, except you’re actually doing the hard work.
3. Specialize and Shine: Investigate 🕵️♀️💡
Now that you’ve mastered patrol duties, it’s time to get fancy and join the criminal investigation division (CID) or a specialized homicide unit. Here’s where your detective dreams start to take shape.
Criminal Investigator: After gaining experience as a patrol officer, you can apply to be an investigator. This is the stage where you’ll start interviewing witnesses, examining evidence, and piecing together the mysteries.
Homicide Detective: To specialize in homicide, you may need to prove yourself with a track record of handling serious crimes. You’ll learn on the job, investigate crime scenes, and gather evidence. Oh, and don’t forget about working with forensics—those blood spatter patterns won’t figure themselves out!
4. Get Extra Education: It Can’t Hurt! 🎓🔬
While you’re rising through the ranks, you might want to consider extra schooling. A criminal justice degree or a forensic science certificate can give you a bit of extra flair on your resume. It’s like adding secret agent credentials to your detective persona!
Tip: Some agencies prefer candidates with higher education, and it could give you an edge when applying for homicide detective positions.
5. Networking: Play the Game Like a Pro 👥📡
Like every job, networking helps! Join professional organizations, attend law enforcement conferences, and connect with other detectives. You’ll learn from their experiences and potentially hear about openings in the homicide department. You may even pick up a few spy techniques (just kidding, but maybe some cool tips!).
Tip: Learn everything you can from the veterans in your department. They’re like the Yoda of law enforcement. 🦸♂️
6. Stay Sharp & Keep Learning 🧠🔍
Even after you’re on the homicide team, the learning never stops. You’ll need to stay updated on new investigative methods, legal changes, and forensic advancements. Be prepared to constantly sharpen those detective skills—whether it’s through specialized training, attending workshops, or reading up on the latest criminal cases.
Bonus Pro Tip: Keep your eye on TV shows and true crime documentaries for some, uh, “research purposes.” Cough, just kidding, don’t actually try any of that at home!
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read): The Fun Part
Police Academy = Your first mission. 🕶️
Patrol Officer = Show your skills and build experience. 🏃♀️
Investigations = You get to be the cool detective. 🔍
Education = Learn everything you can, maybe even earn a degree. 🎓
Networking = Get advice from pros (and impress them with your detective skills). 💼
Stay Sharp = Keep learning! 🧠
So, are you ready to start solving crimes and cracking cases? 💼🔎 Go for it! You’ve got the passion, and with some grit, you'll be cracking cases like a pro in no time. Best of luck, Detective Macie! 👏
1. Start with the Basics: Law Enforcement Academy 🚔🎓
First thing’s first—you gotta be a cop before you can be a detective. So, the road starts with attending a police academy where you’ll learn all the essentials about law enforcement. Think of it as your first mission, where you’ll get to know the ropes of law, criminal procedure, and (of course) how to handle the occasional donut 🍩 while keeping a straight face.
Requirements: Most police departments require a high school diploma (though a college degree can be helpful) and a clean criminal record (no detective skills needed there, just a law-abiding citizen).
Police Academy: Once you join, you’ll undergo physical training, learn about legal procedures, and complete tons of hands-on training—so you can deal with everything from suspects to traffic stops to, of course, crime scenes.
2. Work Your Way Up: Be a Patrol Officer First 🚓💼
After the academy, it’s time to get your hands dirty (metaphorically speaking) by becoming a patrol officer. You’ll be the boots on the ground, handling everything from petty thefts to domestic disputes. This is where you get your real-life training on how to stay calm under pressure and deal with all kinds of people and situations. The more experience you get in this role, the better prepared you’ll be for detective duties.
Tip: Patience is key! You’re like the rookie cop in those gritty TV shows, except you’re actually doing the hard work.
3. Specialize and Shine: Investigate 🕵️♀️💡
Now that you’ve mastered patrol duties, it’s time to get fancy and join the criminal investigation division (CID) or a specialized homicide unit. Here’s where your detective dreams start to take shape.
Criminal Investigator: After gaining experience as a patrol officer, you can apply to be an investigator. This is the stage where you’ll start interviewing witnesses, examining evidence, and piecing together the mysteries.
Homicide Detective: To specialize in homicide, you may need to prove yourself with a track record of handling serious crimes. You’ll learn on the job, investigate crime scenes, and gather evidence. Oh, and don’t forget about working with forensics—those blood spatter patterns won’t figure themselves out!
4. Get Extra Education: It Can’t Hurt! 🎓🔬
While you’re rising through the ranks, you might want to consider extra schooling. A criminal justice degree or a forensic science certificate can give you a bit of extra flair on your resume. It’s like adding secret agent credentials to your detective persona!
Tip: Some agencies prefer candidates with higher education, and it could give you an edge when applying for homicide detective positions.
5. Networking: Play the Game Like a Pro 👥📡
Like every job, networking helps! Join professional organizations, attend law enforcement conferences, and connect with other detectives. You’ll learn from their experiences and potentially hear about openings in the homicide department. You may even pick up a few spy techniques (just kidding, but maybe some cool tips!).
Tip: Learn everything you can from the veterans in your department. They’re like the Yoda of law enforcement. 🦸♂️
6. Stay Sharp & Keep Learning 🧠🔍
Even after you’re on the homicide team, the learning never stops. You’ll need to stay updated on new investigative methods, legal changes, and forensic advancements. Be prepared to constantly sharpen those detective skills—whether it’s through specialized training, attending workshops, or reading up on the latest criminal cases.
Bonus Pro Tip: Keep your eye on TV shows and true crime documentaries for some, uh, “research purposes.” Cough, just kidding, don’t actually try any of that at home!
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read): The Fun Part
Police Academy = Your first mission. 🕶️
Patrol Officer = Show your skills and build experience. 🏃♀️
Investigations = You get to be the cool detective. 🔍
Education = Learn everything you can, maybe even earn a degree. 🎓
Networking = Get advice from pros (and impress them with your detective skills). 💼
Stay Sharp = Keep learning! 🧠
So, are you ready to start solving crimes and cracking cases? 💼🔎 Go for it! You’ve got the passion, and with some grit, you'll be cracking cases like a pro in no time. Best of luck, Detective Macie! 👏