You are here:

Careers: Police/homicide detective

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/19/2009


Question
Hi,
I have some questions on how to become a homicide detective:
- selection process; training thats needed; duties or responsibilities; any special equipment you may use; what's a typical day a detective might have.
thank you,
don

Answer
Don,

You need to know that there are thousands of police departments in this country and probably half have their own homicide unit.  Each one determines what the qualifications are for their positions.

Selection process?  See above.  A thousand police departments and each has its own rules.  Generally when there is an opening in homicide they would advertise the position and those who are interested apply just like a regular job.  Interviews are conducted, prior work history is reviewed, and supervisors are interviewed and the choice is made.

Generally a homicide detective investigates all deaths.  Natural deaths, suicides, accidental deaths, and homicides.  Some departments combine homicide with their sexual assault units and/or robbery units so the responsibilities could be much more than investigating deaths.

There is no special equipment that I can think of unless you are talking about jump suits or gloves.  The evidence collection units are the people with the special equipment.

There is no typical day.  Police work is not like working at Walmart.  One day a detective might be in court all day, the next day he might be at the grand jury, then writing reports, meeting with the prosecutors office, investigating a death, and then repeat the process.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.