Expert: Loren Stevens - 2/19/2009

Question
Hello,
I am 38 year old female, intelligent, fit, engineer.
I finished university and worked in my field for 10 years.
I would like to change my careers - and was thinking about becoming a police officer (actually homicide detective).
I understand it is a long process.
My question is - with my experience and age would it still take 10-15 years becoming a homicide detective?
Thank you
Mara


Answer
Hello Mara,
To answer your question,...I don't know. There are just too many variables in the mix.
Typically, first you need to get hired. With the economy in trouble, competition for public service jobs are quite competitive. Maybe 10% or less, of applicants get hired.
Then, you need to do well in the academy, especially with night problems, of "street scenarios". Then you need to impress your FTO (field training officer), then distinguish your self in the field on your own.
You need to hire on at the entry level position, usually that of uniform patrol officer.
You won't be eligible for an assignment change, until after you complete your probationary period.
The competition for any of the investigative services assignments is always .....spirited. Young bucks tend to gravitate toward vice/narc. And, there is always a keen interest for younger officers for other specialized assignments e.g., SWAT, Intell, search and rescue, air support, K-9 etc, et al.
Try for the first opening in the Detectives, which will usually be a property crimes gig. You'll start working larceny, burglary and other property crimes. It is there, where you earn your rep as an investigator. From there, assuming you are any good, you'll get a shot at robbery, sex crimes or other crimes against the person. Grab any of those you can get. From there, is where Homicide Commanders recruit replacement personnel (typically). Plus, in robbery or sex crimes, you'll do several joint case work with homicide Dets, as there will be overlap.
So, from "A"---to your end goal..Homicide, can take a long time. Realistically, I would say 10 years..."ball-park". But, Prophecy is not one of my gifts, and you could be lucky, or at the right place at the right time and so on.
The size of the agency matters, as does attrition. The agency jurisdiction homicide rate is something to consider. That, along with missing persons cases. Agencies along the southern border have additional sets of issues. The agency staffing pattern matters. This can best be viewed, by ascertaining the number of cases assigned..."case-load".
I would look at a medium to large agency, like Las Vegas Metro, where it is a young agency, yet large enough, for a decent turnover in duty potential.
You know, if I may be candid. If you are going to start this process at 38, you have a tall hill to climb. Doing street police work in your 40's is not without it's challenges. And, for atleast the first 2-5 years, you can expect to work nights....that means day court.
And, what ever your age is working killings, they work a "call-out" system, which is all hours of the day...any day. plus case work, extraditions, tons of court and motion hearings, post mortem examinations, search warrants ad infinitum.
Doing this in your 50's is more than a stroll in the park, in terms of demands on you personally and professionally.
I'm just trying to bring clarity to your subject, not to spook you off.
You might also entertain other possibilities.
Take a look at being an Investigator for a medical examiner's office, or a deputy coroner.
Your best short-shot...get into the sexual assault unit as quickly as you can. It's a good platform to petition for a homicide spot down the road.
Well, maybe this has been helpful to you.
Good Luck, and regards.
loren