How Long Does It Take to Become a Homicide Detective?
Work Homicide detectives gather evidence and investigate murders. Large municipal police departments typically employ them. In addition to tracking down criminals, homicide detectives must fill out reports, file paperwork and testify in criminal court proceedings. A homicide detective needs to have a thorough knowledge of the policies and personnel within the jurisdiction in order to effectively do the job. Most homicide detectives move up the ranks of the police force, starting out their training at the police academy. Official police training can take from 12 to 16 weeks. Once on the police force, a candidate can remain in a probationary status for anywhere from six months to three years, depending on the performance on the job, waiting lists for promotions and the needs of the organization. Steps Appointments and promotions are governed by civil service examinations and procedures. While many detectives receive some formal education in criminal justice, the time on the job, performa
