I want to be a homicide detective in Nashville, TN. How long does it take? How long will I have to be a normal uniformed police officer. I am thinking about a degree in psychology and a minor in history would that be good.
2007-03-25 12:20:57 · 5 answers · asked by jbd89 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Seldom if ever does a person get to be a detective with less than 4-5 years of experience as a patrol officer. Besides this you have to have street smarts. Book knowledge is ok, but nothing beats experience. You don't go applying to homicide, they recruit you if they see potential in you.
2007-03-25 13:27:38 · answer #1 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That was my goal when I first started. Then I got it. Sucked big time. No normal shifts, you sometimes work well beyond your scheduled hours if you had hot leads. I was miffed when I lost my "uniform allowance" money since I wore a suit. Really upset when, after rolling around on the ground with a suspect, I ruined a $300 suit and my claim was refused! Wear cheaper suits was my chief's answer to my complaint. While I did enjoy the investigative process I found I did not have the patience for it. And you do have to be pppaaatttiiieeennnttt. Seemed like I was always waiting on suspects, witnesses, victims, lab tests, etc. Finally went back to patrol and found my niche in command. All I had to be there was an a$$hole. . .
2007-03-25 13:02:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To become a homicide detective on a major metropolitan police force generally takes time, effort, and a lot of good, solid police work. I would say that you would have to be an outstanding investigator with at LEAST 5 years of work under your belt.
These positions tend to be competitive and there are tests and interviews in order to receive the assignment. Don't expect to simply move into it with time. Depending on the policies and procedures with that agency, you may have to wait many years for an opening.
I would recommend you speak to an officer who is involved with recruiting and backgrounds for the agency and ask him or her that same question.
- Carl
2007-03-25 12:37:19 · answer #3 · answered by cdwjava 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Speak to a Guidance counselor or get in touch with the PD and see if there is any community liason officer that you can speak to, might even have some sort of youth program
2007-03-25 12:33:25 · answer #4 · answered by Nick Name 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you would make a good detective, you would have found this answer on your own.
2007-03-25 12:28:39 · answer #5 · answered by laura D 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋