You are here:

Careers: Police/Homicide Detectives

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/23/2011


Question
I am a junior and I am currently working on my Graduation Project paper. I want to know that when the police gets a call, how many detectives is allow to go work on the crime scene? Also, how does the detective know who to go on that call? As well as how does each detective divide their work?

Answer
Kaila,

I am not sure what you mean by "how many detectives are allow".  There is really no limit to the number of detectives but a lot depends on where this crime is and what city or county it is in.  Obviously in some small town in the Midwest that has a 50 man department there would not be many detectives.  But in New York City there are thousands of detectives so on a murder case you might see 20 detectives at the scene especially on a high profile case.

Detectives are assigned to go to calls by either the dispatcher or their supervisor.  Their work is divided by their supervisor.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.