School, Training, What shoul I be doing?

[Stoicspaz]

Hello!

I'm a sophomore in highschool, soon to be junior I suppose with the closing of the school year, and have become frantic in my search for information concerning college, education, and all that oh so lovely life stuff that we all have to face at some point. My curiosities lie in my career though, and I want to be as prepared as I possibly can. I REALLY hope someone can help, and well, my questions may seem a bit common or even unnecessarily asked. But i've looked EVERYWHERE for answers and can't seem to find them anywhere at all, and my school advisor and cousnelor is realy not much help at all.

Alright, to the point, the questions.

Well, first off i'd like to know what classes I should be taking to better prepare myself for my college courses.

And then of course there is college; I've been told look the way of criminal justice, but that's it! What courses should I be taking? What things should I be doing?

And then i'm curious about training. I want to be in the best of physical condition for the job, but don't know necessarily what I should be doing? What is required physically of officers?

And finaly, the biggie. My main interest is in homocide investigation. And before you tag me, it is NOT because of CSI and all those other TV shows everyone is always talking about.

But I want to know how I would go about that? I'm told it's not just as simple as becoming a homocide detective, that you must work for it, but what are the steps? What's the process?

Any answers to ANY of these would be greatly appreciated.

[Stoicspaz]

As I do a lot of moving around and busy work, it would also helpful if you could possibly e-mail your response: fallenangel_lifeanddeath@yahoo.com.

Although I will be trying to keep track of this thread when I can as well!

Thanks again!

[Kimble]

Well, first off i'd like to know what classes I should be taking to better prepare myself for my college courses.

And then of course there is college; I've been told look the way of criminal justice, but that's it! What courses should I be taking? What things should I be doing?

Regarding a CJ degree, see my views here: http://forums.realpolice.net/showthread.php?t=44734

And then i'm curious about training. I want to be in the best of physical condition for the job, but don't know necessarily what I should be doing? What is required physically of officers?

Physical requirements may vary from state-to-state, or in some cases, department-to-department. Look at the physcial requirements for departments you're interested, then tailor a workout program accordingly. If it requires pushups, situps and pullups, start doing them. Use correct form and build up to where you can do more. Just make sure you start by using correct form, rather than trying to do more reps than you are physically capable of doing correctly. For running, get out there and run. Running up hills is good for endurance-building. Also, try to get to where you can run double what is required (i.e. if the department wants you to run 1.5 miles in x amount of time, build to where you can run at least 2-3 miles).

And finaly, the biggie. My main interest is in homocide investigation. And before you tag me, it is NOT because of CSI and all those other TV shows everyone is always talking about.

But I want to know how I would go about that? I'm told it's not just as simple as becoming a homicide detective, that you must work for it, but what are the steps? What's the process?

Like you've already heard, being a homocide investigator isn't an "entry level" job. If you work for a PD or sheriff's office, you'll need to start off first in patrol, do well there for a few years, then apply for specialized division (to include investigative positions) as you build a good reputation and work record. You're not the only kid interested in being a homicide investigator, so it will be a competative process. How competative you are will depend on the work ethic you establish and the needs of the department you end up working for.

[Samuel]

And finaly, the biggie. My main interest is in homocide investigation. And before you tag me, it is NOT because of CSI and all those other TV shows everyone is always talking about.

But I want to know how I would go about that? I'm told it's not just as simple as becoming a homocide detective, that you must work for it, but what are the steps? What's the process?

Have you tried a search of archived threads? All your questions have been answered at one time or another.

My question is why you want to investigate the unlawful killings of gay people ("homos") exclusively? :confused:









:p

[BJJVad]

Great advice has already been posted.

Just adding my 2 cents. College courses (besides the general education classes) should be what interest you. You need to find your own edge of expertise.

A wise Sergeant of mine once asked me, "What's your edge?"

He then further explained a lot of Officers have knowledge about varies topics in common and have attended college for such. But what separates you, from them. That is your edge.

[MP_Steve]

Like you've already heard, being a homocide investigator isn't an "entry level" job. If you work for a... sheriff's office, you'll need to start off first in patrol, do well there for a few years, then apply for specialized division (to include investigative positions).

Original poster:
You must also consider that in some areas of the country it may be common to get hired by a Sheriff's office/department, and them requiring you to start off in the jail for a minimum amount of time, and then transfer to a road patrol when a postion becomes available, spend a few years there, and then work your way up to being some type of investigator, again, if a position is available and you have a good reputation.

[Stoicspaz]

Samuel: Homicide; Sorry, constantly making that spelling error.

Everyone else: Thanks a lot, it really helped me sort out some things and now I have an idea of where I'm headed. Or at least want to head. Once again thanks.

[Samuel]

Samuel: Homicide; Sorry, constantly making that spelling error.

No biggie. One of my classmates did it in front of the entire class during the academy - the staff ripped into him pretty good... :p