Expert: Dick Rogers - 10/24/2007

Question
Hi,
I'm a high school student and I've always been interested in being a detective or private investigator of some sort and the part that interests me the most is investigating homicides. Well, i got a couple of questions concerning this type of career. Is it possible to become a detective without any sort of experience in law enforement? I don't really want to be a police officer and spend years on the streets before finally doing something i like. My second question is are there specific courses that you need to study in college?

Answer
Dylan, I normally do not respond to questions like this.  I suggest that the poster put it on the general list and let everyone take it on.  But, I have specific ideas on what you ask.  Yes, you must, in my estimation, become a cop if you are to become a good homicide detective. Why?  Because it takes years of street experience to gain the necessary knowledge to operate effectively.  Plus, you need years of courtroom cases, case law experience, evidence experience, not to mention the lists of informants you must generate to operate effectively.  I am not aware of any specific college courses that would prepare you for the grunt work that homicide detectives usually involve themselves with. College work will give you some advantage for general law enforcement work which can lead to becoming a homicide detective later in your career.  Hope this helps.