Expert: Dick Rogers - 7/19/2009

Question
how many years did u have to spend as a street cop before u became a homicide detective? and if u wouldn't mind could u tell me how u became lead homicide detective ? id really like to become a homicide detetive myself. And yes i know tv is nothing like real life i just believe God put me here to help people and i believe its to become a cop. so any advice or info you could give me would help alot. thanks

Answer
Ashley, like most things in life, becoming a homicide detective requires commitment, knowledge and an honest belief in what you are doing.  One needs to become a very good patrol cop before he/she can get the street savvy or knowledge that comes with good police work.  You have to be very proficient in case law, evidence rules, your departments procedures, etc.  Be prepared to spend 12 to 16 years in various police work before you make it to homicide.  Make it well known of your interest in going to work that unit and usually time will put you in the best spot to attain your goal.  A lead homicide detective is simply one who has a minimum number of years working the unit and usually is of higher rant i.e., sergeant.  I would get a four-year college degree...subject matter is your choice...mine was psychology.  At any rate, join a larger department where the opportunities are greater and the number of homicides are such that you will become proficient in a short period of time.