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Careers: Police/Homicide Investigator
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Question
Hello Mr.Toomey my name is Paige and i am a High school Student Looking to be in the Police field. My questions to you is how many years does it take to Become a Homicide Investigator? Is there specific training to become one? Do i Have to be a police officer in order to become one?
Paige,
Let me start by saying that homicide detectives are police officers. They just don't wear a uniform.
It depends on what kind of police department you work for as far as how long it takes to get into the detective section. If you are on a large department with a lot of movement and retirements you could possibly become a detective in eight to ten years and after a few years of experience you could be considered for homicide. But nothing is guaranteed. You are rated by your performance as a uniformed officer and in your stint as a station detective and not every one receives a good recommendation.
As you might have guessed by reading the second paragraph everyone starts their career as a uniformed officer. There are no exceptions. Many young people somehow believe that they can step right out of a classroom into the desk of a homicide detective because it looks easy on television. But it takes years and years of work on the street to develop the necessary skills to make you a successful detective.
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Answers by Expert:
Jack Toomey
Expertise
U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.
Experience
Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.
Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.
Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.
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