Steps Necessary To Become A Homicide Detective 2020 Guide

Are you inspired from Sherlock Holmes? Do you want to solve mysteries hidden in cases? Is it your dream job to be involved in investigations and enjoy different scenarios? Do you want new experiences with brain storming? Than homicide detective job is surely for you.

A homicide detective is a detective in law enforcement institutions and solve different cases through investigations and evidence analysis.

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?

A homicide detective collect information on cases through investigation, interviewing witnesses , collecting evidence and than analyzing it. They collect data on cases, make reports and try to find facts about the case.

The investigation of homicide detective can lead to arrest of convicted person and he may assist the proceedings of case in court to make sure that case is well followed and justice is provided.

Conditions can be tough during investigation so a homicide detective must be prepared for any situation.

A homicide detective must be very skilled person. You need to put not only physical but also mental efforts in investigations. A person with rational thinking and excellent communication skills can be best suited for the job.

Who hire homicide detectives?

Homicide detectives are employed by federal, state or local law enforcement agencies all over US.

The geographical locations of agency decides whether the detective will cover the jurisdiction of whole agency or only area of it.

Detective must be fit to perform duties and tasks as this work requires both emotional and physical strength.

Steps for becoming homicide detective

Before you can become a homicide detective there are several stages in your career you must go through. You need minimum high school diploma or an associate degree and experience as sworn law enforcement officer to become homicide detective.You may also join after bachelor’s degree for better future and career growth.

Steps For Becoming Homicide Detective

1
Join The Police Force
first step in becoming a homicide detectives is to Join The Police Force
2
On The Job Experience
extensive on-the-job experience
3
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 detective
5
interview
Acceptance of application will lead to interview
6
Complete Background Checks
They will run background check
7
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

Homicide detectives may also be called

Police detectives

Homicide detectives

Criminal investigators

Training

Mostly police officers are promoted as detectives. A detective must receive training of police officer, crime scene investigators and sheriff. The job requires all these skills combined in one person.

Training gives you better learning of field experience and how to tackle the tricky situations.

Some initial training is necessary to know the basics of job and further training may be provided for extra skill enhancement.

Training in police academies may varies in different states but the techniques must be learned for better knowledge

What are other helpful skills for homicide detectives?

Other than degree, few additional skills will be helpful in job.

Strong Communication skills are important for homicide detectives as they have to interview different people. And it requires confidence along with questioning skills. Handling different people can be tricky.

Patience is a key to success. Sometimes your stamina is tested again and again and you have to remain patient. Investigation and surveillance may also need lot of time.

Strong emotional stability is highly needed in job. A person must be able to handle stress and emotional ups and down. You must have to act rational and remain objective.

Being realistic is very much required in homicide detective job. You can’t solve cases quickly or you can’t be judgmental on the basis of pressure from homicide victim’s relatives and friends. You have to remain in boundaries and set realistic goals and targets to solve the cases.

Military experience can be of great benefit.

Salary of homicide detectives

According to bureau of labor statistics homicide detectives earn annual wage of $82,000 approximately.

Their salary also depends on their geographical location.

Educational degree, experience and skills also add up in promotion and salary of an individual.

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

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.

Expected job growth

More than 53,000 vacancies are going to be introduced in US in coming decade. And job growth is expected to increase by 7% in next 5-6 years.

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.

Job timings

This Job requires a lot of time and if any one is not ready to give full time to this job, he should probably not even think about joining it.

Apart from duty hours, homicide detective job can demand tough routine to solve cases. A person may have to spend hours in investigation and countless sleepless nights to solve the mysteries of case.

If any one is not willing to give their hundred percent to this job. Than we doubt , you should not even consider it as a career choice.

A person having keen interest and required skills will enjoy doing this job for sure.

Related career choices

If anyone is interested in homicide detective job, following career choices must be considered

Fish and game warden

FBI agent

Fire investigator

Criminal investigator

Police officer

Correctional officer

Narcotics officer

US Marshalls

Crime scene investigators

Victim advocate

Conversation officer

Additional Resources:

Top Ranked Police Academies in United States

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME POLICE OFFICER ? FULL GUIDE

How to Become A Private Investigator Salary Career 2020 FULL GUIDE

Top 15 Most Useful Criminal Justice Major Full Guide Requirements, Salary, Jobs, Internship, Top Colleges.

References:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Police and Detectives: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm