How to Become a Homicide Detective
The job of a homicide detective is not quite so glamorous as what we typically see on T.V. It requires a great amount of dedication and perseverance to be a great homicide detective. You must have genuine concern for justice and be able to empathize with the victim’s family. Most homicide detectives are compassionate and say their true compensation is getting justice for the victim.
- Research the role of a homicide detective. The job involves long hours often being called to work in the middle of the night. The homicide detective is usually the first to the crime scene so make sure you can stomach this type of work. The homicide detective must be extremely observant to detail and able to work long hours with very few breaks in their schedule.
- Interview a homicide detective. Most will be happy to discuss their career as a homicide detective. Some may even let you ride with them while they are on duty so you can see exactly what their job entails. Most of their job is interviewing people and following up on details of the crime. Don't worry, the detective will not allow you to go to any crimes scenes.
- Enroll in a police academy. While training in the academy let your instructors know that you want to specialize as a homicide detective. Make sure you are at the top of your class. Most police departments want only the very best to become homicide detectives. Work hard and show your dedication to justice.
- Get a job with the police department. When you are hired by the police department you will be a uniformed officer for a few years. Apply for any promotion as a detective. You will need to show that you are the best and can handle the work of a homicide detective.