Who Would Make A Good Homicide Detective
Homicide detectives have many stories to tell, but their stories dont always portray the actual work they do to solve the ultimate puzzle. Its only with the proper training, years of experience, and the humility and wisdom to learn from your mistakes that youll develop a system and intuition that work for you.
Although not all homicide detectives are the same, they do share some of the same personality traits. So, what makes a good homicide detective?
- Curious, because you really DO want to get to the bottom of things
- High ethical standards, because theres no place for corruption on the police force
- Insightful, so you can draw conclusions that others dont
- Like having a variety of tasks to perform no two days are the same
- Logical and systematic, with strong reasoning skills
- Observant, as youll pay attention to small details, and scrutinize information provided by your sources to determine whether its credible or not
- Organized, so you can be efficient and get your work done while not letting anything fall through the cracks
- Practical and realistic, but results-oriented to get the job done
- Strong personality shrinking violets need not apply
Do any of these character traits describe you? If so, you may be like many other homicide detectives who, as demanding as the job may be, couldnt imagine doing anything else.
Private Investigator Salary Information For New York*
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , New Yorks private investigators earned an annual, average salary of $58,560, as of May 2020 thats about $5,000 more than the national average. Earn credibility in the field and grow your client list and youll get a bigger haul. In fact, the top 10% here earn an annual, average salary of $90,040.
Private investigators in New York must obtain a license from the Department of State Division of Licensing Services before they can work in the state. To qualify, you must be at least 25 years old, you must pass a background check and written exam, and you must meet at least one of the following experience requirements:
- Three years as a law enforcement officer
- Three years working for a licensed private investigator
- Twenty years as an employee of a police or fire department
Private Investigator Salaries in NYC, Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Rochester
Not surprisingly, the BLS ranked the New York-Newark-Jersey City NY/NJ/PA metro area second in the nation in terms of employment level, with 1,410 PIs as of May 2019.
The following BLS stats provide a glimpse into what PIs in the median-top 10% salary range earn in the Albany, Troy, and NYC MSAs:
- Albany-Troy: $70,810-$81,330
- New York City: $52,350-$84,100
Albany-Schenectady-Troy had the highest average salary during this time, while Rochester came out on top among the top-earning PIs in the state, with an average, annual salary of $123,390.
Why Should I Become A Homicide Detective
If helping people and making a contribution to society are important to you in selecting a career, becoming a homicide detective is worth your consideration. Not only do homicide detectives have the opportunity to solve crimes, but in a larger sense they contribute to the promotion and advancement of justice and help to reduce crime.
A 2019 article in the journal Criminology and Public Policy noted that:
- Solving crimes through investigations is a means toward both decreasing the crime rate and promoting justice.
- Investigations are critical in discouraging vigilantism, maintaining social order, and signaling a sense of concern regarding traumatic crimes.
- In conducting their work, homicide detectives build a wealth of knowledge about criminal behavior, which can be applied to preventing crimes in the future.
In working to solve homicides, detectives also contribute to aspects of society they may not even consider. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has noted that homicides have effects that go far beyond those experienced by the victims and their loved ones. For example:
- Crime and economic growth are related, and a high level of violence can, for example, decrease property values and drag down business growth, both of which tend to exacerbate poverty.
- High levels of homicide can negatively affect the educational outcomes of young people, which reduces their economic opportunities and can lead them to commit violent or delinquent behavior.
Recommended Reading: Register A Car In Nys
Meet The Basic Requirements To Become A Police Office
All homicide detectives have to become police officers first. You will need to meet the minimum requirements, which include:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal U.S. citizen
- Pass a background check
- Have a valid drivers license
- Be in good physical shape
You might have to pass an induction or aptitude test before you can enter into training. As long as you qualify, you will be able to enter a federally-approved police academy.
Pass The National Detective/investigative Test
After gaining the necessary experience, you can sit for the NDIT. This test is necessary if you want to become a homicide detective and its used in many states. You will be tested on your preparedness to become a detective.
In some cases, you may take the Police Detective 200 Series test or another test. It may depend on your state and location.
Don’t Miss: Change Llc Name Ny
What Skills Do I Need To Become An Nypd Detective
To be a detective, you need to be physically as well as mentally fit. Youll need to have strong analytical skills as well as mental and physical stamina to be alert for long shifts. Moreover, it would help if you had good communication and interpersonal skills to gather as much information and evidence as you can.
Most importantly, we think you need to have a passion for this job so you can work hard and excel and get promoted to detective rank as quickly as possible.
S To Become A Detective In Texas
This includes US citizenship, valid driving license of Texas, a high-school diploma/GED certificate and a clear background. These necessities make you eligible to be an applicant for the trainings to become a Detective in Texas.
As a detective, you must be sure of the specialisation you require as a juvenile, technical investigation or a homicide detective. For such position you must hold an associate or a bachelors degree program in criminology, psychology, sociology or criminal law, accordingly.
In a police academy, after the initial training which holds the time frame of around 6-8 months, you may require additional training of 1-3 years where the time limit may vary. This training ensures that the applicant holds all the attributes and qualities required by a detective in Texas.
This test hold 75 questions that qualifies you as an candidate for the position. The questions are to test the ability of candidate in investigating crimes, interviewing suspects, inspection of alibis etc. The applicant is required to hold an experience of a few years as a police officer in Texas before taking this test.
Read Also: Opening A Llc In Ny
Work As A Police Officer
Every state is a bit different, but you will need some experience as a police officer to become a homicide detective. Its necessary to prove you are a competent officer before you can earn this type of promotion.
Detectives tend to be very disciplined, curious, and detail-oriented. These traits can be groomed as you work as a police officer.
Can You Earn A Degree In Criminal Justice Online
Yes, you can. You dont have to study in person to earn a degree in criminal justice or a related degree. In fact, many of the best bachelors programs in criminal justice offer flexible online schedules and even part-time enrollment. This allows you to earn your degree while you work, raise a family, or tackle other important endeavors.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does The New York Pass Cost
Detective Ranks Explored: What Are The Different Ranks Of Detectives
Detectives differ from police officers in their duties. Every detective must first begin as a police officer. While police officers usually patrol communities and are the first responders to both emergent and routine calls, detectives are in charge of investigating. They are usually in charge of solving major crimes like murder and robbery. Most detectives will wear plain clothes and will drive an unmarked police car.
Detective stories, shows, and movies have been popular since Edgar Allen Poe first invented the genre with The Murders in the Rue Morgue. The long-time success of shows like Law and Order, CSI: Crime Scene Investigators , and the way Sherlock Holmes continues to pop up in one way or another every couple of years is testament to the publics love for a good who-done-it. This popularity in media also displays the many different types of detectives: those associated with law enforcement, private detectives, and citizen or amateur detectives. Sometimes these three can even join forces to solve crime! However, getting a conviction comes down to the police departments and keen detectives everywhere. So how are these detectives ranked?
Content
New York City Police Officer Salary And Job Outlook
The starting salary for a New York City police recruit is $42,819, which is raised to $45,673 after six months.2 With typical step increases, an NYPD officers base salary is $78,026 after five-and-a-half years of service.2 Officers also earn additional pay for overtime, longevity, and holiday work. Those who earn higher ranks earn commensurately higher salaries for example, the top base pay for sergeants with the NYPD is $103,584 per year.2 All officers are entitled to paid vacation days, paid sick leave, competitive health and life insurance programs, and various retirement plan options.
Don’t Miss: Nys Car Registration
Los Angeles Police Departments Detective Ranks
The Los Angeles Police Department, LAPD, is the third largest police department in the US. Candidates for detectives must first have at least four years of service before being considered for promotion. Being promoted to Detective requires an examination and an interview. Once made a detective, there are three distinctions. Detectives begin as Detective I and are assigned to a specific department where they will perform their duties. Being promoted to Detective II and III is based on departmental assessment and interviews. These two ranks are supervisory roles and oversee first tier detectives and police officers.
Detectives for the LAPD are also expected to liaise with other departments in the state and across the country in order to help solve crimes committed within the Los Angeles city limits. According to a 2010 report from the LA Times, there is a significant increase in pay between the averages in pay between the officers and detectives for LAPD often $30,000 to $40,000 and this amount continues to rise as an officer advances through the other ranks of detective. Detectives are also given different insignias in the LAPD.
Join The State Police
Please ensure your EMAIL contact information is up to date as this will be the primary means of communication for upcoming future candidate processing.
Please check your email, including spam, for these notices.
Candidates are reminded to maintain their physical fitness in preparation of a future Academy class announcement.
Recommended Reading: What Airlines Fly To Cabo
New York Police Department Detective Ranks
The New York Police Department, NYPD, is the largest and one of the oldest police units in the country. As of July 2020, the NYPD had more than 5,000 detectives amongst its ranks. After the police academy, officers are considered rookies for 18 months. After that, a promotion to detective is based on merit. This means an officer cannot apply for or test into the rank of detective.
However, this promotion to detective is a lateral one. Detectives in the NYPD have the same rank as uniformed officers and those below the rank of Sergeant. New detectives start as a third grade detective. They are then promoted to second grade and first grade. These promotions do raise the pay grade but do not raise the rank.
Moving up in the ranks as a NYPD detective is merit-based as well. Once promoted to detective, there are many different divisions an officer could be assigned to, including special victims, computer crimes, animal cruelty, cold cases, etc. Being promoted to detective in the NYPD comes with an additional change. It is known colloquially as getting a gold shield since shields starting with the rank of detective are gold versus the silver of uniformed police officers.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Homicide Detective Salaries
The average salary for a Homicide Detective is $61,055 per year in New York City, NY Area. Salaries estimates are based on 731 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Homicide Detective employees in New York City, NY Area.
The highest salary for a Homicide Detective in New York City, NY Area is $96,591 per year.
The lowest salary for a Homicide Detective in New York City, NY Area is $38,592 per year.
You May Like: To Register A Car In Ny
Skills & Personality Traits Of The Successful Detective
Most successful detectives are curious, attentive to detail, and hard-working. Additionally, perseverance may also be important, as crime-solving doesnt always happen linearly or quickly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , important skills for successful detectives include:
- Communication skills: Detectives must listen carefully when interviewing witnesses, victims, and potential criminals, asking the right kind of questions and staying aware of nonverbal communication cues.
- Detectives must be able to think quickly and act calmly, particularly if someones life could be at risk or if quick action can uncover clues to solving a crime.
- Inquisitiveness: Seasoned detectives are natural-born problem solvers who possess the ability to think about possible motives for a crime and how to ascertain how crimes were committed.
- Patience: As previously stated, crime-solving can take months or years. Sometimes crimes go without resolutionsthus becoming cold caseswhich can be picked up years later, especially with advances in forensic technologies such as DNA analyses.
- Resourcefulness: Detectives must think on their feet and follow procedures at all times, but they must also be able to use the resources at hand and intuition to help in solving a crime.
Apply For A New York Private Investigator License
You cannot apply for a license unless you pass the , and you have 2 years from the date you pass the examination to apply for licensure.
You may apply for a private investigator license as an individual, a partnership, or a corporation.
Your application must include the following documents:
- Bondform
- Receipt from electronic fingerprinting by an approved vendor
- Application fee of $400
- Proof of qualifying experience
- Sworn statements from at least 3 people who have direct knowledge of your claimed experience
- Proof of earnings for the last 3 years of full-time experience
Read Also: Flights New York To Italy
Joining The New York State Police Bureau Of Criminal Investigations
Qualifications Joining the New York BCI begins by becoming a state trooper, and then pursuing promotional opportunities. After demonstrating competence, qualified troopers will be considered for detective jobs with the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
All applicants must have at least 60 college credits in any subject. 30 credits may be waived under either of these conditions:
- Two years of active military service with an honorable discharge
- Completion of a Certified Police Officer Training Course that meets the standards of the New York State Municipal Police Training council
An associates or bachelors degree will qualify applicants for positions with the New York State Police, and relevant areas of study will provide applicants with a valuable foundation in the criminal investigations field. Especially relevant areas of study include:
- Law Enforcement
The remaining minimum trooper requirements are:
- High school diploma or GED
- Must be a US citizen
- Have no visible tattoos or body art while wearing a uniform
- Must be at least 20 and less than 30 years of age by the application deadline
- The maximum age limit can be extended by a year for each year of active military service, up to six years
Application Information about when the next trooper hiring process starts is posted on the State Police recruitment center webpage.
- Physical performance test
- Polygraph test and background investigation
- Medical exam
- Organized crime operations
What Are The Steps To Becoming An Nypd Officer
Topwww.quora.com
an officer with the NYPDcandidates must be US citizens and at least 21 years of agehold a high school diploma plus at least 60 college credits with a minimum 2.0
How To Become An NYPD Det Courses
How to Become an NYPD Det courses provides a comprehensive and comprehensive pathway forstudents to see progress after the end of each module. With a team of extremelydedicated and quality lecturers, How to Become an NYPD Det courses will not only be a place to share knowledgebut also to help students get inspired to explore and discover many creative ideasfrom themselves.Clear and detailed training methods for each lesson will ensure thatstudents can acquire and apply knowledge into practice easily. The teaching tools ofHow to Become an NYPD Det courses are guaranteed to be the most complete and intuitive.
Recommended Reading: Pay Nyc Tickets Online
How To Become A Police Officer Or Detective About This Section
The education typically required to enter the occupation ranges from a high school diploma to a college degree. Most police and detectives must graduate from their agencys training academy before completing a period of on-the-job training. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, usually at least 21 years old, and able to meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. A felony conviction or drug use may disqualify a candidate.