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Careers: Police/do think that you could tell me possibly the basic description of homicide detective?

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Expert: - 3/9/2009


Question
do think that you could tell me possibly the basic description of homicide detective?

Answer
Hi James,

A Homicide Detecive huh? Well here is a step by step process for you.

A homicide detective is a crucial member of the law enforcement profession, and is responsible for investigating murders and arresting suspects. If you have a strong desire to serve your country and bring justice to victims, you might consider a career as a homicide detective.

1  Obtain your high school diploma or your GED. Education is important when you want to enter the law enforcement field, and the more education you have, the faster your climb the ranks to homicide detective.

Step2  Earn a college degree in criminal justice or a related field. Police officers with college educations are far more likely to be promoted to homicide detective, and they also earn a much higher rate of pay. If you really want to advance quickly, obtain a Master's degree as well.


Step3  Attend the police academy (or law enforcement academy) for the jurisdiction where you want to work. Learn everything you can about police procedures and law enforcement tactics, and let your superiors know right away that you are interested in advancing to homicide detective. This can put you on the fast track to success.


Step4  Know that some jurisdictions require cadets to first be hired by a police department before they can attend a police academy. This way, civilians who don't intend to become police officers aren't given access to sensitive information. Talk to a representative of your local police department for more information, and for the proper procedure.


Step5  Out perform your fellow officers in uniform, while concentrating on learning as much as you can about law enforcement and the law in general. Most people have to stay in uniform for at least three years before they are offered a promotion, so don't expect to immediately be given the title of Detective.


Step6  Accept your promotion to detective within your law enforcement agency. It is doubtful that you will immediately be placed in homicide, as police officers need to acquire important skills in investigation before they handle those difficult cases. Instead, you will probably need to work in a less complex division for six months to two years.


Step7  Continue to work diligently toward achieving your career goals. Work extra overtime, put in extra effort where other detectives slack off, and never be afraid to ask questions. This is the best path toward becoming a homicide detective.

From: http://www.ehow.com/how_2305144_become-homicide-detective.html

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Chris Wagoner

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I have been a police officer for 30+ years! I am the Police Academy Commander at the Santa Fe College, Institute of Public Safety in Gainesville Florida It is a full service Law Enforcement and Corrections training facility. I can answer most questions concerning law enforcement procedures, law enforcement training and general questions about law enforcment. I can also answer questions about becoming a law enfocement officer. I have a booklet and web page I have written that answers many questions about how to become a police officer called "So you want to be a cop (police Officer) in Florida?", which is free, Google it.. All you have to do is ask. I teach the following subjects: RADAR/LASER, Law Enforcement Driving, Law Enforcement Firearms and Patrol Techniques, Officer Safety, WMD's for Patrol Officers, Application of Law, Communications skills, Dealing with the Mentally and physically handicapped, and many more subjects. I have worked as a subject matter expert for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and helped to write the police curriculum for the State of Florida. I like answering questions about how to become a police officer, and questions about why did an officer do this or that type questions. I also like answering any questions you may have about police work in general. I do not mind helping with homework questions or trying to answer your questions about legal subjects that I have knowledge of. You will never know the answer until you ask! If you do ask a question, PLEASE take the time to at least rate the answer. I do not get paid to answer these questions and do it on my own time. If you ask, please rate it when I answer. Thanks!!! If its a question about becoming a police officer, it may be answered here: http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/ My "hobby" website - http://www.youtube.com/user/3rdID8487 Military Videos on YouTube and Facebook!!

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I am a 30+ year veteran police officer, I am currently the Police Academy Commander of an Academy in North FLorida. I have been training police officers since 1993 and have trained them in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms, Driving and legal subjects including patrol techniques and others and training all over the world. I have trained over 5000 officers worldwide in the last 16 years of training.

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I am a published author in Accident Investigation from the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management. Also have written and published on the Internet, "So You Want to be a Cop (Police Officer) in Florida?" you can Google it..

Education/Credentials
I have 2 degrees, in Criminal Justice.

Awards and Honors
Phi Theta Kappa, plus 50+ Departmental Awards over the years. FBI Directors award for assisting in a Nationwide investigation into Child pornography.

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