Expert: Loren Stevens - 1/15/2007

Question
Hi,
My name is Antonio Melendez and i am 18 years old. I am very interested on being a homicide detective, and i realize i know i have to go through some steps to be one. I have a few questions to ask, How much schooling i need to get into law enforcement?
What are the steps to be in the law enforcement?
Thank you for your time.
sincerely,
Antonio

Answer
Hello Antonio,
Schooling requirements for most agencies, is High School Diploma, or GED. Many federal agencies require a four year college degree, and some local police require an AA, or 4 year degree eg., Lakewood Colo., Ventura CA. etc. Contact what ever agency you are interested in, and ask them what their entry level requirements are.
You'll want to stay out of trouble, and not associate with those who get into trouble. No drugs, or alcohol abuse etc.
The minimum requirements are one thing, but making yourself an attractive candidate is another. Clearly, the more you have to offer, predicated on past experiences and acheivments, the more you become more desirable.
About 10% of applicants get hired. More wash out during the academy, more wash out during feild exercises, and more wash out during their break-in period with an "FTO" (Field Training Officer)
Then, you'll most likely work the streets alone. Prior to petitioning for a special assignment, you will need to be off probation as a new hire. Logically, don't expect to pitch for a specialized assignment for the first 3-4 years.
During that period, try to distinguish yourself as an excellant patrol officer. Few if any commanders in specialized assignments will be interested in an officer who did not excell in basic police work.
You might inquire at the agency you are interested in, if they employ folks under 21 years of age, for non-police jobs. Things like: cadet, courier, maint., veh transport et al could be good for you while you are under age. You'll get into their "system", learn the agency organization, learn the internal dynamics of "whos-who", learn rules and regs etc.  All this, and what ever else you do will make you a better candidate. It's all about the "KSA's" (knowledge-skill-ability)
Working homicide won't be your first investigative assignment. Patrol does preliminary investigations, and the Detectives do the follow-up.
You'll probably start with an assignment in Larceny, or maybe Burglary.
In any event, you'll most likely work "Property Crimes" prior to being considered for a spot in "Crimes against persons".
You'd want to study the statutes that are germane to the area you are assigned. Plus, you'll need to be well versed in Rules of Evidence, Search warrants, Interview tech, case submittles, etc.
You can botch a larceny case and it isn't the end of the world. But if you botch a murder case.....it is VERY bad, and will cause you and the dept. huge problems...on several levels. That is one reason you see hardly any non seasoned vets working homicide.
Hope this is helpful.
Good Luck,
loren