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Question
I am a freshman in college and i am considering switching my forensic science major to a criminal justice major. I would like to concentrate my major in investigative services in hopes of some day being a homicide investigator for the defense of cases. My passion does not reside in being a police officer. I am being advised to continue with my decision to switch to criminal justice and on the contrary to stay with forensic science. If i were to be hired as a homicide investigator, what would be the specifications that would put me above others and help me best get a job? I'm really undecided as far as where to go with my schooling that will put me in the place that i would like to be.
Allison,
Before you go switching your major I hope that you are aware that NO ONE gets hired as a homicide detective. The normal progression in law enforcement is that someone is hired after a long hiring process that eliminates 90% of the applicants no matter what their major was in college. That is because very few people have the aptitude to become a police officer. Those who survive and graduate from the police academy would then spend many, many years on the street as a uniformed officer before you or anyone would ever be experienced enough to do the job of detective.
If this answers your question then great. If you were already aware of what I said and didn't say so then follow up on this question.
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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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