Expert: Jack Toomey - 7/11/2008

Question
Hey there,

I am interested in becoming a homicide detective at some point.   I want to know in you opinion what the quickest way to get there is?  I know you have to be a cop first and then they promote you to whatever.  I'm wondering if there is a minimum amount of years you have to be on the street before you can do it.  I

Answer
John,

  If you are serious about this goal you shouldn't be using the term "cop".  That shows a disrespect for the position of police officer and you won't find anyone using that term whose career goal is law enforcement.  I have seen applicants to police departments removed from the hiring process for their habit of using that word.

 There is no quick way.  First you have to be hired by a police department.  Only about 10 - 20% of those who apply to a particular police department eventually get hired and then only about 75% of those make it through the police academy.  So if you happen to make it through the hiring process, which is quite thorough and involves a long background check and polygraph, you would go to the academy for six months or so depending on the department.

  Once you graduate from the academy you would work with a training officer for a period of time.  It could be a half year before you are allowed to work by yourself.  Then you would spend many years as a uniformed police officer learning the various skills that you would need as a detective.  Then after several years (it depends on the department) you might notice a vacancy in a precinct detective office.  You would apply for that position just like applying for a job.  You would be interviewed with the other applicants and your previous performance on the street would be taken into consideration as well as recommendations from your supervisors.  So if you are selected you would work as a station detective for a period of time until the entire process repeats itself when there is a vacancy in the homicide section.  

  Not trying to sound pessimistic but only a tiny fraction of officers ever make it to homicide.  Many don't want any part of it because of the lack of time off, going to court on days off and all day when they are working nights, and the constant paperwork and pressure.