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Careers: Police/Becoming a Homicide Detective in New York

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Expert: - 3/6/2009


Question
How do I become a New York Homicide Detective in the most efficient way possible? Is there a university or degree that would increase my chances? How long will I be on the force before I am upgraded to detective? Also, how do you get into the necessary Police Academy? Thanks for all your help!

Answer
Stephanie,

 There is no university that would ever teach you the skills necessary to become a homicide detective.  I hope that you are not planning your future on something that you have seen on television.  I say that because I get a ton of questions from students who think that they can do the things that they seen on tv shows which are completely unrealistic.

  Your best bet is to get your degree in anything that is interesting to you.  Anything.  I know a very successful female detective whose degree is in music.  After that, assuming that you are 21, you will apply for whatever police department that you choose.  But remember that only about 10 -15% of people who apply for police department are actually hired.  The others get washed out in the process.

  Assuming that you are hired you will go to the police academy which is about six months depending on where you work.  Then its many years on the street as a uniformed officer learning all of the skills necessary to become a detective?  How long?  I don't know but count on at least ten years.  Then you may be accepted as a station detective and then eventually, if your performance is good enough, you might be accepted into homicide.

  But please remember that nothing that you see on television is realistic.

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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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