Homicide Investigator: Requirements, Duties and Career Info

A homicide investigator, also known as a detective, searches for evidence and clues used to identify suspects in murder cases. Training and experience are required to obtain the skills necessary to become a homicide investigator.

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Requirements

Education requirements for homicide investigators vary depending upon whether the hiring agency is federal, state or local. Generally, state and municipal homicide investigators must have at least a high school education and must also be experienced police officers. Some jurisdictions, and notably federal agencies, also require potential candidates to have some postsecondary education.

Degree programs in criminal justice, criminology and forensic science are commonly found at community colleges and universities, and aspiring homicide investigators may earn an associate degree in two years or a bachelor's degree in four years. In addition, nearly all jurisdictions train investigators at either a regional or state police academy before giving them their first investigative assignment.

Other characteristics like integrity, sense of responsibility and sound judgment are requirements of the job. Some agencies require candidates to take a personality test or interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist. In addition, job applicants may also be required to undergo drug testing or lie detector tests.

Duties

In the course of solving a murder case, homicide investigators collect evidence such as DNA and fingerprints at the crime scene. They interview suspects and witnesses who may have information about the crime. They prepare reports of investigation findings and, if necessary, testify in court regarding the investigation.

Other duties that may fall to a homicide investigator during a typical work day might include:

  • Collaborating with other law enforcement officials or the U.S. District Attorney
  • Serving misdemeanor and felony warrants and arresting suspects
  • Preparing and executing search warrants
  • Taking witness depositions
  • Preparing court papers, including subpoenas and summons

Career Info

The work of a homicide investigator can be very stressful and dangerous. Investigators often witness murder crime scenes, and the constant exposure to death and criminal behavior may take an emotional toll over time.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated in 2009 that homicide investigators earned a mean annual salary of $65,860. Wages varied greatly by employer and geographic area. Jobs that served communities with high crime rates or paid lower salaries were easier to land. Bilingual applicants or candidates who had earned college degrees or had military experience had the best job opportunities (www.bls.gov).

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