Homicide Detective Job Description & Career Outlook
The job of a homicide detective is to investigate deaths caused by overt criminal activities and deaths with unknown causes to rule out criminal activity. Homicide detectives are sworn law enforcement officers.
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Responsibilities of a homicide detective include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, conducting background checks on victims and possible suspects, identifying the responsible party, preparing cases for court and assisting in the successful prosecution of offenders. Working conditions vary greatly depending on the nature of the current investigation. A homicide detective must be prepared to work under any conditions.
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Homicide detectives are employed by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. Depending on the size and geographic location of the agency, the detective’s jurisdiction may cover the entire agency’s geographical jurisdiction or a sector or portion of the area under that agency’s scope. The nature of the work can be very dangerous and stressful, so the detective must also be mentally and physically prepared for the tasks performed.
How to Become a Homicide Detective
The minimum education requirements to become a homicide detective are a high school diploma, law enforcement certification, and experience as a sworn law enforcement officer. Many agencies, however, require that homicide detectives have at least a two- or four-year degree in criminal justice, forensic science or a related field and experience as a sworn law enforcement officer.
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Homicide Detective Salary
Average salary for a homicide detective is $60,000 per year depending on education, experience and agency demographics.
Homicide Detective Hiring & Career Outlook
According to the United States Department of Labor, the job outlook is favorable on all levels with higher competition for federal positions.
Online Homicide Detective and Criminal Investigation Related Degrees
Kaplan University
Popular Degrees:
- A.A.S. in Criminal Justice
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Forensic Psychology
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
- M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Crime Scene Investigation
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Computer Crime
Grantham University
Popular Degrees:
- Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
- Certificate of Learning Computer Forensic Investigations
- Certificate of Learning Criminal Investigation
- Certificate of Learning Juvenile Justice
American InterContinental University
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) - Special Populations
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) - Law Enforcement
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) - Forensic Science
Ashford University
Popular Degrees:
- BA/Social and Criminal Justice
- BA/Social Science - Psychology
- BA/Organizational Management - Homeland Security
- BA/Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- BA/Environmental Studies
Walden University
Popular Degrees:
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) - Homeland Security Policy
- M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security
- B.S. in Criminal Justice - Computer Information Systems and Security
- M.S. in Forensic Psychology - Psychology & Legal Systems
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Administration
- B.S. in Psychology - Criminal Justice
- PhD in Public Policy/Admin - Terrorism/Mediation/Peace
Tiffin University
Popular Degrees:
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Administration
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Justice Administration
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Crime Analysis
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Criminal Behavior
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