Steps Necessary To Become A Homicide Detective 2020 Guide
Facts About Homicide Detective
The homicide detectives work for law enforcement agencies on murder cases. During the process of investigation the homicide detectives use various techniques and conduct interviews. The detective might also work on evidence and fingerprints at the crime scene in order to have more accurate results about the suspects.
The job of homicide detectives is quite interesting as the detectives have to deal with different kinds of situations every day. In this article we will be go through some interesting facts about the job of homicide detective.
Daily routine
A homicide detective usually has to work for nine hours a day and the weekends are off. The working hours also depend on the state in which a detective works and the case he’s currently dealing. However the senior detectives like homicide detectives supervisor are always on call.
The crimes usually do not happen during business hours. They usually happen between 10 PM to 3 Am. Upon the report of crime, the homicide detective reaches the crime scene and asses if more detective are to be called.
The tasks of a homicide detective on crime scene are:
- Locating and interviewing the witnesses.
- Re-canvassing the crime scene for additional witnesses and evidences
- Locating and downloading surveillance footage
- Searching through criminal data bases
- Meeting with other law enforcement officers who have expertise in the area where crime was committed.
A good day for a detective is when he has collected enough evidence and processed it in such a way that he can catch the suspect or file a case against him. The homicide detectives interview the suspects and bring him or her to a point where he admits his or her crime. The homicide detectives feel special about these days because they have satisfactory answers for the families whose loved one were murdered.
What has changed over time for homicide detectives
The biggest change that took place in the past two decades for the homicide detectives is technology. In early 1990’s the detectives did not had computers. All the paper work had to be done by hand.
Initially there was just blood typing but now the detectives have the DNA testing, which is handy tool in identifying the suspects. The surveillance camera’s is another technological advancement that has made the job of homicide detectives much easier.
Difficult aspects of the job of Homicide detectives
The homicide detectives are dedicated personals in law enforcement agencies. They work hard to get the cases solved. Yet the bitter reality is that they cannot solve the cases without the help of community.
The homicide detectives are often being criticized for not being able to solve the cases. It is true that every murder case is not solved but it does not mean that work has not been done on it. Every year the detectives solved up to sixty percent of the cases.
Working in the field
The homicide detectives work on crime scene and look for evidence. The homicide detectives have the ability to look for small details. The detectives find leads in such things that are often being ignored by normal person. So when working on crime scene, the homicide detectives are in search of clues and lead which they can use to take the case in a certain direction.
Working in Office
The homicide detectives work in office too. The prepare reports which can be used in court of law. The detectives also have write ups which help them in determining the suspect by using the leads that they have collected from the crime scene.
Collaborating with the experts
The homicide detectives need the help of experts in solving the case. Therefore they collaborate with the experts from different fields.
A homicide detective will need the help of following experts for analyzing the evidence:
- DNA specialist
- Medical examiners
- Ballistic experts
- Forensic Anthropologists
- Entomologists
These experts conduct the tests on the samples that were collected from the crime scene. Thus having strong collaboration with these experts will help a homicide detective in solving the case.
What are the duties of homicide detective?
Who hire homicide detectives?
Steps for becoming homicide detective
Steps For Becoming Homicide Detective
1
Join The Police Force
first step in becoming a homicide detectives is to Join The Police Force2
On The Job Experience
extensive on-the-job experience3
Get A Degree
A degree in criminal justice or forensic science can provide better chance for starting your career as homicide detective.4
Apply For Homicide Detective
Apply for job as a homicide detective5
interview
Acceptance of application will lead to interview6
Complete Background Checks
They will run background check7
On Job Training As Homicide Detective
Than you will receive on job training for better learning and knowledge of your work as homicide detective.8
Experience In Law Enforcement And Extra Skill
You need extra skills other than degree to succeed in this job. Only degree may not promise your employment as homicide detective. But with experience in law enforcement and some extra skills, you can be the “chosen one”
- The first step in becoming a homicide detectives is to Join The Police Force
- Once You have Joined the police force you will need to get extensive on-the-job experience
- To become homicide detectives you need to Earn your degree.
- A degree in criminal justice or forensic science can provide better chance for starting your career as homicide detective.
- After degree completion, apply for job as a homicide detective.
- Acceptance of application will lead to interview
- They will run background check
- You will get hired as a homicide detective.
- Than you will receive on job training for better learning and knowledge of your work as homicide detective.
- You need extra skills other than degree to succeed in this job. Only degree may not promise your employment as homicide detective. But with experience in law enforcement and some extra skills, you can be the “chosen one”.
Job titles for homicide detectives
Training
What are other helpful skills for homicide detectives?
Salary of homicide detectives
How much do homicide detectives make:
Top paying States for this occupation:
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 3,050 | 4.28 | 5.98 | $58.87 | $122,460 |
| Alaska | 90 | 0.29 | 0.41 | $56.90 | $118,360 |
| California | 11,250 | 0.66 | 0.93 | $51.50 | $107,120 |
| Hawaii | 440 | 0.69 | 0.96 | $51.45 | $107,010 |
| New Jersey | 3,130 | 0.77 | 1.08 | $49.33 | $102,600 |
Metropolitan areas with the highest employment level in this occupation:
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 7,700 | 0.81 | 1.13 | $47.69 | $99,190 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 4,640 | 1.48 | 2.07 | $58.90 | $122,520 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 3,730 | 0.61 | 0.85 | $57.74 | $120,090 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 2,900 | 1.98 | 2.77 | $48.94 | $101,780 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 2,430 | 0.52 | 0.73 | $43.20 | $89,860 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 2,150 | 0.80 | 1.12 | $32.69 | $68,000 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 2,010 | 0.77 | 1.08 | $45.86 | $95,380 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 1,870 | 0.66 | 0.92 | $44.12 | $91,760 |
| Tucson, AZ | 1,740 | 4.71 | 6.59 | $39.87 | $82,930 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 1,720 | 0.58 | 0.81 | $47.15 | $98,060 |
How Much Do Homicide Detectives Make
Industry profile for Detective occupation:
Industries with the highest published employment and wages for this occupation are provided. For a list of all industries with employment in this occupation,
Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation:
| Industry | Employment | Percent of industry employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 42,360 | 0.77 | $34.78 | $72,340 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 38,940 | 1.94 | $52.29 | $108,770 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 21,200 | 0.97 | $32.07 | $66,700 |
| Postal Service (federal government) | 480 | 0.08 | $48.38 | $100,620 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 280 | 0.01 | $29.56 | $61,480 |
Industries with the highest concentration of employment in this occupation:
| Industry | Employment | Percent of industry employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 38,940 | 1.94 | $52.29 | $108,770 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 21,200 | 0.97 | $32.07 | $66,700 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 42,360 | 0.77 | $34.78 | $72,340 |
| Postal Service (federal government) | 480 | 0.08 | $48.38 | $100,620 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 280 | 0.01 | $29.56 | $61,480 |
Top paying industries for this occupation:
| Industry | Employment | Percent of industry employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 38,940 | 1.94 | $52.29 | $108,770 |
| Postal Service (federal government) | 480 | 0.08 | $48.38 | $100,620 |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | $40.62 | $84,490 | ||
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 42,360 | 0.77 | $34.78 | $72,340 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 21,200 | 0.97 | $32.07 | $66,700 |
and 2018-2028 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018-2028). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.Expected job growth
States with the highest employment level in this occupation:
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 15,930 | 1.32 | 1.84 | $38.44 | $79,950 |
| California | 11,250 | 0.66 | 0.93 | $51.50 | $107,120 |
| New York | 8,880 | 0.95 | 1.32 | $43.87 | $91,250 |
| Florida | 6,600 | 0.77 | 1.07 | $36.81 | $76,560 |
| Arizona | 5,810 | 2.08 | 2.91 | $39.33 | $81,810 |
States with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in this occupation:
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 3,050 | 4.28 | 5.98 | $58.87 | $122,460 |
| Arizona | 5,810 | 2.08 | 2.91 | $39.33 | $81,810 |
| New Mexico | 1,610 | 1.98 | 2.77 | $37.45 | $77,890 |
| Texas | 15,930 | 1.32 | 1.84 | $38.44 | $79,950 |
| New York | 8,880 | 0.95 | 1.32 | $43.87 | $91,250 |
Metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in this occupation:
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 870 | 26.99 | 37.76 | $37.75 | $78,530 |
| Laredo, TX | 1,270 | 12.76 | 17.85 | $39.08 | $81,280 |
| El Centro, CA | 620 | 10.56 | 14.78 | $40.97 | $85,210 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 590 | 8.44 | 11.81 | $39.76 | $82,700 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | 770 | 5.57 | 7.79 | $40.55 | $84,340 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 1,400 | 5.36 | 7.50 | $37.10 | $77,160 |
| El Paso, TX | 1,620 | 5.30 | 7.41 | $40.45 | $84,140 |
| Tucson, AZ | 1,740 | 4.71 | 6.59 | $39.87 | $82,930 |
| Brunswick, GA | 190 | 4.42 | 6.18 | $57.82 | $120,260 |
| Bellingham, WA | 290 | 3.24 | 4.54 | $48.98 | $101,880 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018 wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018-2028). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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References:
- International Homicide Investigators Association
- National Homicide Investigators Association
- Southeastern Homicide Investigators Association
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Police and Detectives: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm
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