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 jurisdiction or a sector of the area under that agency’s scope. The nature of the work can be very dangerous and stressful, so the detective must be mentally and physically prepared for the tasks performed. 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 …show more content…
However, average annual salary can vary widely based on location; detectives and criminal investigators in Washington DC, for example, earn an annual average salary of $119,280. The media, politicians, and the general public often put pressure on law enforcement, including detectives, to find the culprit and solve the case quickly like they see on television. Unfortunately, homicide investigations take time and require methodical work to avoid mistakes and to secure a conviction of the right individual. Homicide Detectives must be prepared to work whenever they are called. Homicides take place at all times of the day and the night, which requires a homicide investigator to be on call and prepared to leave for the crime scene at a moment’s …show more content…
Unfortunately, homicide investigations take time and require methodical work to avoid mistakes and to secure a conviction of the right individual. The biggest disadvantage would be that this job is very time demanding time demand there is a lot of pressure. It is said that if you can’t solve the homicide within the first 48 hours then it cuts the chances of you solving it at all. So with the first 48 rule in place, there is a lot of pressure on you. Even though homicide detectives are time consuming they can also be stressful crimes happen day and night. If you work in a busy metropolitan area, you might get called to a crime scene several nights a week and on weekends. The actual work constantly involves being at crime scenes and trying to find small traces of DNA or other evidence. You often face pressure from other law enforcement professionals to complete your analysis in short