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Question
I am a young a girl with a dream to become a homicide investigator. I have watched many shows and have realized that is what I would like to do with my life when I graduate. I just have a few questions before my final decision and it would be a life saver if you could possibly answer them.
* How many years of college does it take to become a homicide investigator?
* What degree(s) do I need to earn during my college years?
* About how much does an average homicide investigator make a year?
* Is it possible to become a homicide investigator for the military? (That would be fun. I don't know why.)
That is all of questions and I would appreciate if you strived your best to answer my itching questions.
- Homicide Investigator at Heart
Kennedy,
Please don't form your opinion of police work from television shows. Television and the real world are completely different. If they made a television show about real police work no one would watch because it would be so boring.
There are no national standards about education. There are thousands of police departments and each has its own hiring standards and rules. But it would be safe to say that a college degree would be preferable for both police work and/or other jobs since only about 5% of those who apply for the position of police officer are actually hired.
Get your degree in whatever interests you. It does not matter what the degree is in.
Again its impossible to tell you how much a homicide detective makes since a lot depends on where you live and how much seniority you have. In other words a detective in a large eastern city would make a lot more than a detective on a small rural department.
The military does have investigators such as the Naval Intelligence Service, etc. However as you probably know they only investigate matters that happen on military property.
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Answers by Expert:
Jack Toomey
Expertise
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. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.
Experience
I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.
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