What Is Needed to Become a Homicide Detective?

Glamorized in the media and in fiction, homicide detectives are charged with solving one of the most heinous of all crimes: murder. Given the rise in criminal justice majors, it appears that more people are interested in becoming homicide detectives, or at the very least in having that career path open to them.

Basics

A person must have a high school diploma or a GED. He must also be able to pass any physical or mental tests required by the police department he hopes to join.

Experience

Candidates who have previous training and experience as police officers, whether civilian or military, stand a better chance of being accepted as homicide detectives.

Education

A candidate who has completed a criminal justice or related degree has an advantage in becoming a homicide detective. The background means that what she may lack in experience, she makes up for in education.

Different Departments

Different departments have different requirements. Some offer detective positions to those who have college degrees, while others require proof of experience as uniformed officers.

Be Diligent

Detectives of any stripe, but particularly homicide detectives, have to be hard working and methodical. Diligence in one's work is the best evidence that a candidate can handle the responsibilities of working in homicide.