Expert: Dick Rogers - 3/7/2008

Question
Ok, let's just say I have BIG DREAMS because I am still a sophomore in college and haven't even began my law enforcement career. My question is how long did it take for you to become a homicide detective and did you enjoy your time as being one? I've read many books written by the homicide detectives and profilers themselves, so I kind of got the gist on how can become time consuming and the workload can be almost unbearable. Also, I'm working on my B.S. in Criminology, do you think getting a masters would help speed it up?

Answer
First off, I don't see how a masters degree would help in basic police work...I feel the brunt of good police procedures and policy rests in experience...field experience.  As for my experience as a homicide detective, it took about 18 years of experience before I began homicide work.  A person must...repeat...must have a broad background in evidence, case law, court procedures, and have a vast group of good informants to be a good investigator.  Try to get one thing clear as far as terminology goes.  A profiler is a relatively new thing to law enforcement...it has some value but the real work still rests with the detectives assigned to the case.  Think of it this way...would you rather be a tuba player in an orchestra or the conductor?  The detective basically calls the shots and the chemist, the profiler, the latent print person, the photographer, the serologist and the myriad number of crime lab people complete the detectives orchestra.  Hope this helps.