Expert: Loren Stevens - 3/7/2008

Question
Hi, my name is Katrina I'm 15 and thinking about careers.  I watch the true crime shows on tv and the detectives are incredible.  I would absolutly love to become a homicide detective.  People say I can't handle it because I'm a girl.  I think I can, but just to make sure.  There are a lot of women detectives right?  One more question, what are some colleges I can look into for this?

Answer
Hello Katrina,
Who ever tells you that women are not Investigators, including homicide cases just don't know what they are talking about.
"KSA's" (knowledge, skills, abilities) in law enforcement has little to do with gender, and lots to do with preparation, experience and other learnable qualities.
As you might imagine, Investigators working Homicide tend to be some of the best talent an agency has. This is a pragmatic reality, as no agency wants to put lesser quality officers in an assignment that is so very important.
Example, say an auto-theft or larceny Detective blow a case. Generally, it's not the end of the world.
However, if a murder case goes south because of the failings of the case officer...well, there will be hell to pay, on many levels.
Therefore, the best trained, most experienced and talented Investigators will be working Homicide. Also, this is not an area in an agency that wants to get tangled up with "affirmative action" issues. They need the best talent...period.
I have personally known female Homicide Investigators, and like their counterparts, they were excellent.
Now, in truth, there are some officers that can't, or prefer not to work the gore, blood, infant deaths etc. That has nothing to do with gender, and can easily include both sexes.
Prior to being a Homicide Investigator, you'll have to pay your dues working other crimes against the person, and property crimes. Maybe even juvenile. Traffic fatalities is a good learning place that would be an advantage.
And, you'll need to distinguish yourself in uniform patrol prior to even getting an investigative assignment.
With college....it all depends on what your short term and long term goals are. Most all 4 year schools that offer a BA, or BS degree will work for you.
Consider taking a double major, no miner approach. But, talk this over with your academic adviser.
Some subjects will serve you well throughout your career, regardless of which path you follow.
Written and oral communications is always good, as they help you with writing reports, giving testimony etc.
The sciences are good, if your end goal is working murder cases. Human biology, chemistry etc.
Consider looking at employment at the agency you are interested in, prior to being 21, and eligible to be an officer.
Most agencies have jobs for youth, e.g.., cadet, courier, vehicle transport, maint etc. This gives you an "insiders" appreciation of the agency dynamics, exposes you to some training opportunities, starts the seniority clock, and usually helps with college tuition reimbursement.
Also, consider doing volunteer work at your county coroner's office. There, you'll get a crash course in cause of death issues.
Hope this is helpful to you. My counsel for you, is to GO FOR IT!!!
Follow your own dreams, and listen to your gut.
Good Luck, and regards,
loren