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Careers: Police/A career as a homicide detective.

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Expert: - 12/12/2011


Question
I assure you that I'm aware of the unrealistic and romantic portrayal of detectives due to television and movies. That being said I'm interested in pursuing this career, but I have concerns about my gender and have been able to find very little information on female homicide detectives. How long does one usually have to do day-to-day police field work before they can be considered for a detective position? Is it solely based on merit or on intelligence and skill? I'm concerned that as a small female I won't be taken seriously in the field and would like to hear from other women in this line of work.

Answer
Jessica,

There is no way to give you a definite time period because there are thousands of police departments and each has its own rules and way of operating.

Your biggest hurdle is going to be getting hired by a police department.  I've seen stats that say that between 1 and 2% of those who apply for employment are actually hired.  Assuming that you are one of those you have to graduate from the academy and then do well as a uniformed patrol officer.  How long after that?  Again it depends on the department.  I can tell you that on MY department no one with less than ten years experience would be considered for homicide.  Most likely someone straight out of patrol would have to work as a station detective first and then do well there.

A lot of people tell me that they are not getting their ideas from television.  But how many times on television shows have you seen a detective investigate a natural death?  An accidental death or suicide?  Believe it or not those kind of deaths make up the largest part of a detectives case load.

Gender and size has nothing to do with success in police work.  Thirty years ago it might have but not any longer.

Careers: Police

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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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