5 answers
Cornelia
Student
Orlando, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What do you need to become a homicide detective ?
What do degree do you have to get in order to be able to become a homicide detective? I have been wondering that for ages. Do you need one? Or you could just apply?
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5 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Becoming a homicide detective is a challenging but rewarding career. While the specific requirements can vary by jurisdiction, here's a general guideline for what you need to become a homicide detective:
1. **Educational Background**: Most homicide detectives start their careers as police officers. To become a police officer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, having a college degree can give you a competitive edge and may be required by some police departments. Degrees in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field can be advantageous.
2. **Law Enforcement Training**: After meeting educational requirements, you'll need to attend a police academy or law enforcement training program. These programs teach you essential skills such as firearms training, self-defense, and law enforcement procedures.
3. **Gain Experience**: To become a homicide detective, you'll need several years of experience as a police officer. This experience is crucial for developing investigative skills, understanding criminal law, and working with diverse communities.
4. **Specialized Training**: Homicide detectives often undergo specialized training in homicide investigations, crime scene analysis, and forensic techniques. This training may be provided by the police department or through external programs.
5. **Clearance of Background Check**: A clean criminal record is typically required for law enforcement positions, including homicide detectives. Extensive background checks are common.
6. **Physical and Psychological Fitness**: You must meet physical fitness standards and pass psychological evaluations, as the job can be physically and mentally demanding.
7. **Promotion**: After serving as a police officer for several years and gaining the necessary experience, you can apply for a promotion to become a detective. Homicide detective positions are often highly competitive, so excelling in your current role is essential.
8. **Networking and Professional Development**: Building relationships within the law enforcement community, attending relevant seminars and workshops, and staying updated on the latest investigative techniques can be beneficial for your career progression.
9. **Passion and Dedication**: Homicide detectives deal with challenging and often emotionally draining cases. A strong commitment to justice, empathy, and problem-solving skills are essential qualities.
10. **Continual Learning**: The field of law enforcement is always evolving. To excel as a homicide detective, be prepared for ongoing training and education throughout your career.
In summary, while a specific degree isn't always required, having a relevant educational background and experience as a police officer greatly enhance your chances of becoming a homicide detective. The path involves dedication, training, and a commitment to serving your community while solving some of the most complex cases in law enforcement.
1. **Educational Background**: Most homicide detectives start their careers as police officers. To become a police officer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, having a college degree can give you a competitive edge and may be required by some police departments. Degrees in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field can be advantageous.
2. **Law Enforcement Training**: After meeting educational requirements, you'll need to attend a police academy or law enforcement training program. These programs teach you essential skills such as firearms training, self-defense, and law enforcement procedures.
3. **Gain Experience**: To become a homicide detective, you'll need several years of experience as a police officer. This experience is crucial for developing investigative skills, understanding criminal law, and working with diverse communities.
4. **Specialized Training**: Homicide detectives often undergo specialized training in homicide investigations, crime scene analysis, and forensic techniques. This training may be provided by the police department or through external programs.
5. **Clearance of Background Check**: A clean criminal record is typically required for law enforcement positions, including homicide detectives. Extensive background checks are common.
6. **Physical and Psychological Fitness**: You must meet physical fitness standards and pass psychological evaluations, as the job can be physically and mentally demanding.
7. **Promotion**: After serving as a police officer for several years and gaining the necessary experience, you can apply for a promotion to become a detective. Homicide detective positions are often highly competitive, so excelling in your current role is essential.
8. **Networking and Professional Development**: Building relationships within the law enforcement community, attending relevant seminars and workshops, and staying updated on the latest investigative techniques can be beneficial for your career progression.
9. **Passion and Dedication**: Homicide detectives deal with challenging and often emotionally draining cases. A strong commitment to justice, empathy, and problem-solving skills are essential qualities.
10. **Continual Learning**: The field of law enforcement is always evolving. To excel as a homicide detective, be prepared for ongoing training and education throughout your career.
In summary, while a specific degree isn't always required, having a relevant educational background and experience as a police officer greatly enhance your chances of becoming a homicide detective. The path involves dedication, training, and a commitment to serving your community while solving some of the most complex cases in law enforcement.
Terry Parnell
Law Enforcement Officer
3
Answers
Mobile, Alabama
Updated
Terry’s Answer
It's almost totally impossible to be hired with no experience as a homicide detective. Even an advanced degree won't usually help. A degree isn't required but the ability to communicate well in writing and orally is a must. The ability to get the information needed from a suspect or witnesses is part science and part art. Poor communication gets many officers in trouble or can shut down a case. As many law enforcement agencies look to raise the standards of their departments your chances of getting hired initially or promoted to be in place to become a homicide detective. I would avoid a criminal justice degree. As law enforcement gets more digital I would look at computer forensics or psychology with a minor in criminal justice. Good perception and attention to detail are important as are a patience and a doggedness. If you do go into law enforcement remember that it's the little things you do that work out to bring cases to a close. To often young cops think they need a big bust because of the influence of TV and movies. Do the little things, do them consistently, do them right and the cases will come.
Kimberly Krebs
Corporate Security Manager
80
Answers
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hello Cornelia, it's not unusual for those intrigued by law enforcement to ask this question. The crucial point to comprehend is that you must accumulate years of experience as a police officer PRIOR to stepping into the role of a homicide detective. This stage forms the bedrock of your police work knowledge. This vital step will equip you with insights into human behavior, strategies for managing high-pressure situations, sound decision making, and effective communication with suspects, witnesses, and victims. Additionally, it will assist you in forging connections within the community you serve. Building this trust and rapport with your community is essential, as it encourages them to be more cooperative when you require information or tips.
Apply at the department you would like to be a detective
Kimberly recommends the following next steps:
Danny Kono
Homicide Investigator (Ret.)
22
Answers
Pomona, California
Updated
Danny’s Answer
Hello Cornelia, you've asked a wonderful question! The requirements for becoming a homicide detective can differ depending on the State and even the specific Department. For instance, in Southern California, there's no requirement for a degree to become a homicide detective. However, you must first gain experience as a police officer, serving on the streets. After several years of service in this role, you'll be eligible to take exams for promotion to a detective or a similar rank.
Once you've achieved this rank, you'll likely handle various assignments related to property crimes and crimes against individuals. When vacancies arise in the homicide unit, you can put in your application and, if chosen, you'll get the chance to serve in this specialized role. The bigger the Department, the more opportunities you'll have.
Many homicide detectives spend a significant part of their careers in this position. For example, I concluded my career after spending 18 years as a homicide detective. I hope this gives you an idea of the journey to becoming a part of a homicide unit. Wishing you the best of luck!
Once you've achieved this rank, you'll likely handle various assignments related to property crimes and crimes against individuals. When vacancies arise in the homicide unit, you can put in your application and, if chosen, you'll get the chance to serve in this specialized role. The bigger the Department, the more opportunities you'll have.
Many homicide detectives spend a significant part of their careers in this position. For example, I concluded my career after spending 18 years as a homicide detective. I hope this gives you an idea of the journey to becoming a part of a homicide unit. Wishing you the best of luck!
Sean McCafferty
Security Engineering Manager
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hello Cornelia,
Your question is a fantastic one! I've had the privilege of serving in the US Army Military Police (K-9 MWD) and later transitioned into being a Police Officer in Ohio for several years. I even contemplated joining the Homicide unit. Eventually, after relocating to the Pacific Northwest, my career took a different turn.
As for working in Homicide, it might not be as glamorous as it seems. You'll find yourself spending a significant amount of time piecing together stories by finding and interviewing witnesses, reviewing video surveillance, and sometimes collaborating with 'Crime Stoppers' organizations to gather information. However, despite the challenges, it can be incredibly fulfilling.
From a quick glance at the Orlando PD, it seems there's no college requirement to become a Police Officer. Expect to serve more than five years in a Patrol Unit before getting the chance to join a specialized unit such as Vice, Homicide, Narcotics, or Burglary/Theft. Despite the time commitment, it's absolutely worth it. The experience you'll gain in Patrol will equip you with the invaluable insights needed to excel as a Detective.
If you're considering college, I'd recommend focusing on Writing, Psychology, and Communication. Don't wait, start immediately! Apply to be a Police Officer for multiple agencies: Orlando, Kissimmee Springs, Lake Mary, and other small cities within Orange County. The Orange County Sheriffs Office is also a great option!
Consider enrolling in a Communication class at your local community college. Being able to engage with anyone and meet them 'where they are' is crucial.
Best of luck to you! I believe in you, and I'm confident you can do this!
Sign up to take a class at your local college: Communication, Psychology, Writing (English).
Apply for any/all Police agencies within Orange County! TODAY!
Read through all of the application materials and begin to ensure that you can successfully pass any physical agility exam and other testing.
Throughout the process, you will be asked hard questions about your background and things that you may have done that are unlawful. Remember this: Police Agencies aren't looking for perfect people, they are looking for non-deceptive people! This means you must be 100 percent honest during any questioning or Polygraph exam! I promise you, it is the right thing to do!
Your question is a fantastic one! I've had the privilege of serving in the US Army Military Police (K-9 MWD) and later transitioned into being a Police Officer in Ohio for several years. I even contemplated joining the Homicide unit. Eventually, after relocating to the Pacific Northwest, my career took a different turn.
As for working in Homicide, it might not be as glamorous as it seems. You'll find yourself spending a significant amount of time piecing together stories by finding and interviewing witnesses, reviewing video surveillance, and sometimes collaborating with 'Crime Stoppers' organizations to gather information. However, despite the challenges, it can be incredibly fulfilling.
From a quick glance at the Orlando PD, it seems there's no college requirement to become a Police Officer. Expect to serve more than five years in a Patrol Unit before getting the chance to join a specialized unit such as Vice, Homicide, Narcotics, or Burglary/Theft. Despite the time commitment, it's absolutely worth it. The experience you'll gain in Patrol will equip you with the invaluable insights needed to excel as a Detective.
If you're considering college, I'd recommend focusing on Writing, Psychology, and Communication. Don't wait, start immediately! Apply to be a Police Officer for multiple agencies: Orlando, Kissimmee Springs, Lake Mary, and other small cities within Orange County. The Orange County Sheriffs Office is also a great option!
Consider enrolling in a Communication class at your local community college. Being able to engage with anyone and meet them 'where they are' is crucial.
Best of luck to you! I believe in you, and I'm confident you can do this!
Sean recommends the following next steps: