how to make detective

[Standard Dave]

Yeah, that's all true too. Your not gonna jump right into Homicide.

And like BEK said, if you work for a small enough town, your a patrol officer/detective from day one. I started out working for a town of about 3,500 people, and it was kinda nice. I got to do a little of each.

It's nice taking an initial complaint, and then a few hours, days, or weeks later, wrapping it up on your own. Now THAT"S police work!

Thats what we do in the UK cirtainly where I work and it ain't that small a town 200,000 or so in the City.

[Dudleydoright]

Tecnically a minimum of two years. Practically more than that. Retreads (hires from other departments) could be in the two years depending on their previous years and experience.

[Jks9199]

In my department you also had to be on the road for at least 3 years before you tested to become a detective. If you passed the test and made it to detective you started in Crimes Against Children and then moved up from there.

Starting a detective in crimes against children? That's a hell of a place to start -- though if they make it, they'll probably be pretty good.

Most places (to my understanding) start new detectives with property crimes or auto theft. Even if they're general assignment -- they start out with the simpler, more straightforward stuff before they move into more complicated crimes. Some exceptions are some special investigation units, like narcotics or gang units, or places that make traffic fatality/accident reconstructionists detectives.

[Crimebytes2]

Why does everyone want to be a homicide detective?

As a wanna be who knows she never will be I know why I wanted to be a homicide detective... someone has to speak for the dead.

I feel so unappreciated!

You're not... really.

[Retdetsgt]

As a wanna be who knows she never will be I know why I wanted to be a homicide detective... someone has to speak for the dead.

Why won't you be? I was, it's just a job, not an ordination from God.

[Crimebytes2]

Why won't you be? I was, it's just a job, not an ordination from God.

I realize this, my friend. I would never be able to pass the physical requirements due to being hit by a drunk driver several years ago. While I am blessed to be alive, I will never fully recover physically. The drunk may have taken away my ability, but not my desire.

[Retdetsgt]

I realize this, my friend. I would never be able to pass the physical requirements due to being hit by a drunk driver several years ago. While I am blessed to be alive, I will never fully recover physically. The drunk may have taken away my ability, but not my desire.

I'm truly sorry to hear that..... But if it's any consolation, being a homicide detective ain't all sunglasses and autographs. I missed a lot of sleep over the years.

[dla4079]

Me personally, I am into gang intelligence. Thats all the investigations I need. LOL

[Retdetsgt]

Me personally, I am into gang intelligence. Thats all the investigations I need. LOL

Gang Intelligence. Sounds like an oxymoron.....

[RdrB67]

In my agency, you start out as a homicide detective, as well as a traffic cop, Game Warden, Livestock official, Brand Inspector, Paper Server, Narc, Crash Investigator, DWUI TFO, Street Crimes Officer, psychologist, marriage counselor, arbitrator, Fire Marshall, burglary/robbery, and all-around whipping boy.

[Pedro56]

I love my gang bangers as well.

[SGT114]

With about 5-6 years on the street you MAY be ready to make a step up to Det. on a general assignment. After 2-3 years of that you MAY be ready for homicide. Just depends on how fast you can move with your cases. Lots of paperwork and long hours.