The life of a homicide detective is not as easy as you might think.Being a good detective requires a lot of skills.Murder, suicide, manslaughter, and officer involved shootings are some of the circumstances Homicide detectives deal with.It takes years of hard work to get a law enforcement position.If you put in the work and get the right education, you can become a homicide detective.
Step 1: A graduate high school.
Before you become a detective, you need to be a uniformed officer.To become a uniformed officer, a high school diploma or GED is required.Extra education or specialized police training on top of your high school education is expected of some precincts.To see their education requirements, check with the precinct you want to work for.
Step 2: A graduate from the police academy.
Before applying for a job as an officer, you need to complete a police course at a local community college or state-sponsored police class.If you apply to become an officer first, you will be sponsored by the district to complete academy training.If you want to apply to the academy, you need to know what the procedure is in your area.18 weeks is the average length of a police academy course.Arresting and booking procedures, firearm use, stress management, communication tactics, information on laws, and police strategies are some of the things you'll learn at the police academy.
Step 3: A four-year degree in a related subject is required.
If you want to become a homicide detective, you'll have to complete a four-year bachelor's degree.Criminal justice, criminal administration, law enforcement, criminology, police science, forensics, or crime scene investigation is a related field of study.Law classes, computer classes and police studies classes are some of the courses that are useful.The University of Pennsylvania and the Northeastern University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice are two of the best universities for criminal justice.The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration require a four-year degree.
Step 4: As an officer, you should continue your police education.
In many police districts education is a requirement for most law enforcement officers.You may need to solve a homicide if you take classes in new technical systems.New and cutting edge forensic technology will aid you in your job.You can take classes in communication, cultural diversity, technical studies, legal studies and skill development.
Step 5: Pass the exam if you want to be a detective.
The detective exam is the most important part of being promoted as a field officer.The National Detective/Investigator Test is used by many different police precincts across the country.Questions in areas such as criminal investigations, interviewing techniques, and relevant case law are typically included in a detective exam.A study guide may be provided by your district.
Step 6: After the academy, complete field training.
It is not enough for the police academy to teach you the basics of being a law enforcement officer.Field training is important for becoming a police officer.You can shadow a police officer in field training.Field training can last up to eight weeks.
Step 7: You should get experience as a patrol or beat officer.
Getting experience as a uniformed officer is a must if you want to be a homicide detective.The experience you're able to get on the street will help you communicate.
Step 8: Inquire about other types of crime.
Most of the time, the best detectives fill the position.If you've worked in an investigative field that deals with auto theft, robbery, and other crimes, you will have a better chance of getting a promotion to homicide detective.Become an investigator in one of the units before applying to the homicide unit.
Step 9: To your superiors, show enthusiasm for investigative work.
To get a promotion to detective or investigator, you need to be smart, professional, and have a proven track record.Some officers thrive in public settings, while others prefer investigative work.In your precinct, always take opportunities to investigate and solve crimes.If you want to be a homicide detective, you need to show your enthusiasm and willingness to do the job.
Step 10: If you want to be promoted to the homicide unit, apply.
If you pass the detective test and meet the requirements to become a detective, you can apply for a promotion to investigator or detective.A couple of years of experience is required before applying to a position.Talk to your commanding officer about applying for a promotion.They can give you the paperwork and discuss the chances of you getting the job.You have to serve at least two years of service before you can apply for a promotion to detective.Washington D.C. officers need at least two years of service.
Step 11: Excellent communication skills are what you have.
Interpersonal communication skills are important for a successful homicide detective.Much of your job is spent talking to people, whether it be the families of a victim, a murder suspect, or other law enforcement officers.Communication skills include the ability to fully listen to details, asserting yourself, and recognizing the emotions of the person you're talking to.Stay in control of your emotions and pay closer attention to what the person is saying in order to become a better communicator.You can become better at being insightful to other people's feelings and emotions by being concise and complete with your directions.If you want to improve your communication skills, talk to a diverse group of people, and practice as a uniformed officer.You may have to talk to grieving family members or an unwilling murder suspect if you want to do both effectively.You have to be good at understanding people's motives.
Step 12: Good problem-solving and intuition skills can be possessed.
As a homicide investigator, you'll have to make decisions based on evidence from a crime scene.You will understand the basic principles of categorically different murders if you have more experience.As a detective, you have to find out the truth from clues.The position of the victim, a broken window, and a knocked over chair are examples of forensic evidence.You must be able to pay attention to detail.
Step 13: Good organization should be maintained.
Make a list of things that you need to do or look into.It will save you a lot of time if you have your documents and evidence neatly organized.For each case, create different folders for new evidence and documents on your hard drive.
Step 14: Prepare to put in long hours and remain motivated.
Most homicide detectives set hours, but they are also on call 24/7.You will be expected to arrive at a crime scene at any time of day or night.Prepare your family and friends for your erratic schedule by changing your sleeping schedule.Remember to keep in mind the importance of your role and how you can help grieving families.You don't want to get burned out if you allocate time with family and friends.