Do they get paid on The First 48?

Homicide detectives are tasked with investigating incidents in which an individual is killed. Their task is to determine whether the death results from murder or manslaughter, find the perpetrator, and collect the evidence that prosecutors need to charge the suspect. While the job is not as glamorous as it may seem on television, many detectives find it to be a rewarding career. The police investigator's salary varies depending on location.

Homicide Detective Description

Homicide detectives investigate cases where someone has been killed. They often work in a homicide unit, and detectives take turns investigating new cases. They do this by interviewing witnesses and suspects, examining the scene, obtaining and executing search warrants, and evaluating evidence. Their job doesn't end when they find and arrest the suspect. Homicide detectives may have to testify in the trial.

Smaller law enforcement agencies may not have a dedicated homicide unit. In these cases, detectives are expected to investigate a variety of crimes, including homicides.

As of May 2020, the median annual wage for detectives and criminal investigators was ​$86,940​, advises the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The specific homicide detective salary varies depending on the department's budget. For example, Alaska offers the highest police investigator salary. Detectives there earn a median annual wage of ​$126,340,​ advises the BLS. Some states pay significantly less. Detectives in South Carolina, for example, earn a median wage of $59,410, advises Forbes.

Homicide Detective Education Requirements

The specific requirements to become a homicide detective vary by department. In general, detectives must first work as police officers. Police officers must have a high school diploma or GED. Some departments may require or give preference to applicants who have a college degree.

They are also expected to complete academy training to learn the skills necessary to fill their role as a patrol officer. This includes classes on applicable federal, state and local law, ethics and civil rights. They also receive training to use their equipment, including handguns and tasers. Other coursework may include defensive tactics, traffic control and first aid.

After they have some experience under their belt, police officers can apply for detective positions. Officers are evaluated based on their job performance, and some departments may require a written exam.

Homicide Detective Industry

Homicide detectives work for law enforcement agencies – typically city or county police departments. While detectives don't face the same uncertainty and danger that patrol officers encounter, detectives must remain alert, especially when interviewing suspects.

Detectives usually work full-time hours, and many work overtime. The department sets specific hours, but detectives may have to work different shifts or be on call when a homicide is reported.

Homicide Detective Growth Trend

The job outlook for all police and detective positions is expected to increase by 5 percent between 2019 and 2029. This is 1 percent higher than the 4 percent expected job growth for all occupations. Since homicide detectives typically work for local police departments, job growth is likely to vary by the budget of the state or municipality and its ability to pay a homicide detective salary.

The First 48 is a television show that chronicles the first 48 hours after a major crime. The name was derived from the 48 hours of investigation that occur after such a crime has been committed. It’s a show that airs on A&E and has been extremely popular with audiences for quite some time. If you want to know more about it, keep reading.

1. It’s been on for 17 seasons now

It’s hard for most shows to make it past three or four seasons because people have a way of losing interest after a while. It hasn’t been so in this case. In fact, it’s still going strong after 17 seasons and there’s no sign that its popularity is waning in any manner.

2. Many people identify with the show because they’re already familiar with these cases

These are the same cases that you hear about on the news and in some cases, they’re the things that happen in the very city in which you live. That’s one reason that so many people have an interest in the cases discussed the show.

3. The show is heavily edited but there is nothing on it that is scripted in any manner

One of the other things that makes it appealing is that there is no script. That makes it a reality show in the truest sense of the word, not like so many of these other so-called reality shows that are on. That being said, it is heavily edited. It has to be or they would never be able to tell the story during the allotted amount of time they have.

4. It’s been responsible for at least five spin-offs

So far, it’s been responsible for The First 48: Missing Persons, The Killer Speaks, Marcia Clark Investigates: The First 48, After the First 48, and a special SWAT series that’s connected to the original show.

5. It’s far more popular in the southeastern parts of the United States

Over the years, studies have consistently shown that this show is extremely popular in southeastern parts of the United States, often three or four times as popular as it is in other areas.

6. The show has not been without controversy

You can’t really have a show of this type without controversy and it’s had its fair share. There have even been a few cases where the actions of some officers who were being recorded have been brought into question in the courtroom. By the same token, the show has been used to convict a number of people that might not have otherwise seen any jail time.

7. Many witnesses are reluctant to be interviewed for the show

A lot of times, witnesses don’t like to be interviewed for the show, for obvious reasons. In many instances, these cases are still ongoing or there is a fear of retaliation from someone associated with the person that ended up behind bars. As such, they frequently obscure their face and change the sound of their voice in an attempt to conceal their true identity.

8. Sometimes it creates strife between police departments and city leaders

In at least one case, the show proved to be a source of contention between the police department and city leaders when they were essentially removed from the show as a form of retaliation for speaking out against upper brass within the department.

9. Detectives aren’t always fond of the idea, either

Many times, detectives aren’t exactly so thrilled about being followed around by camera crews and having their every move recorded for posterity, either. Imagine what it would be like to try and do your job when you’re constantly being followed around by someone that wants to record everything you do and say. That would be enough to derail the efforts of almost anybody, not to mention when you’re working on a serious investigation.

10. Evidence from the show is sometimes used in investigations

It may not surprise you all that much to learn that evidence from the show is sometimes used in investigations. A lot of things end up being said on the show that allow investigators to go back later on and build a new case or strengthen the one they already have. In fact, the show itself is considered evidence in the purest sense of the word.

Is The First 48 hours a real show?

Do investigators make a lot of money?

Do detectives make 6 figures?

Why did first 48 get Cancelled?