Expert: Dick Rogers - 1/2/2011

Question
Hi, I am a minor living in PA, and have the desire to pursue a career as a homicide detective;I am attending Penn State University next fall in criminal justice but I want to know if there are any courses that I am able to participate in that would help me in the long run, courses that would, in essence, speed up the process to becoming a detective. . Any information that you would be able to provide is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time

Answer
Sean, my degree is in Psychology...many potential officers take criminal justice courses or public administration...take your pick.  The real world is unfolded to you when you get out and work the streets.  The academy will give you the basics and working patrol will give you the experience with evidence, search warrants, case law, etc.  After ten or fifteen years doing real cop work, then you can apply to work DB and eventually get into homicide.  Good luck