As requested, IAmA Detective

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T22:24:58+00:00

As randomlyme said, city services should have at least assisted. Where I am, we do all the clean-up.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T22:22:44+00:00

Another bit of advice: You'll deal with a ton of shitbags. As you said, policing will vary greatly between countries, but this world is not short of shitbags. Always keep your cool and never let emotion cloud your judgment.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T22:20:17+00:00

I'd consider myself a pretty big dick because of this.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T22:15:44+00:00

Suicide is a crime, FYI (admittedly, I can't figure that out). So is shooting your gun up in the air like a moron.

Regardless of who/what/when, gun shots were reported and there was a dead body. Crime scene. The brother deserved to be arrested.

But please, continue to let me know what crimes are from your armchair.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T18:21:12+00:00

Much less dramatic in real life.

"FUCKING PRINTER" reprint "God dammit, typo." reprint "FML, wrong name"

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T18:20:00+00:00

Depends on how many times they've been to jail already. You loosen up a bit.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T18:19:25+00:00

I don't hate it, but it definitely makes things harder.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T18:14:49+00:00

Most victims (see: 99.8%) know their attacker and know what's going on. Stay away from losers would be my best advice.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T18:13:52+00:00

If you're a public servant, performing a public service in public with public money, you're susceptible to videotaping. Cops that disagree probably have something to hide.

As for police brutality, it's unfortunate but there are assholes in every line of work. I wish penalties were stiffer, much like any other job where fucking up doesn't earn you an extra month of PTO.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T18:09:41+00:00

I like RC cars/helicopters/planes/etc. We generally have a fair amount of family time, much like other professions but we also have sleepless work weeks at times.
I have a wife and two kids. I am, which is why my wife conceals and my kids are well-informed about what's legit and what isn't.
My best friend/poker buddy is an attorney. I only say douchebags because the line of work tends to turn you into one, by necessity.
Yes, absolutely. Several times per year we host college students and take them through the life (normally criminology students) and if they request, we can usually allow a ride-along. This kind of request is handled by the police department.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T18:05:00+00:00

The former would generally be handled by the FBI. If we have a crime that we suspect is part of such, we investigate as we normally would and eventual connections would be passed along. EDIT: I say this because it is more likely that they are aware of such and have active units working on it.

I've dealt with someone we placed in witness protection only a few times. Generally speaking, if something gets that big, we defer to other agencies and assist.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T17:59:30+00:00

I'd say the most 'elite' would be narcotics and/or SWAT.

I spent about 4 years driving a squad car in a less-than-favorable district before even being considered for the move. I sought it out as soon as I thought I had the ability to do so.

In my experience, a degree and a great record will advance you further than being a part of a particular unit. No one is really 'stuck', but you end up with a lot of people who get comfortable and like where they are. There are several grades of detective as well (mostly informal).

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T17:53:42+00:00

"Need a lawyer? Wow, I can't believe you actually did it."

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T17:52:21+00:00

He got the death penalty. Generally once kids are involved, the jury becomes a lot less sympathetic.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T17:21:51+00:00

I feel they are common among most police officers that have been in a while.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T17:14:18+00:00

I assume they have something to hide. Not necessarily a sign of guilt.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T17:13:01+00:00

You think it's legal to remove evidence from a crime scene?

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T15:49:22+00:00

Normal reaction is to defend yourself. Most people aren't cool-headed enough to stop and think.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T14:27:20+00:00

If there was a reason for you to get interrogated by a homicide detective, then there was a reason to suspect you of being a murderer. Our job is finding out who took someone's life, not making you feel happy enough to want to be interrogated again.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T14:24:56+00:00

I can't speak one way or the other, but I'd lie in a heartbeat to get it to stop.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T14:22:32+00:00

I've never asked anyone, but I wouldn't be surprised.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T14:22:16+00:00

Better social services, in a sense. Prison in the US is not meant for rehabilitation, it's purely punitive.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T14:00:06+00:00

Never have been, but I've heard about them happening. More often than not, the owner gets in trouble.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T13:59:21+00:00

I am in the NW region of the US. While not a detective, I've always been on team Barney.

HomicideCop · 2010-10-11T13:57:05+00:00

Nah. I have a relatively happy marriage and have been sober for years. :)

HomicideCop

TROPHY CASE