Prior to July 1972 the investigation of involved homicide was undertaken by a specially selected group of Detectives who worked in pairs under the direct supervision of the Superintendent in Charge of the Criminal Investigation Branch and were known as General Duty Detectives.

In July, 1972 those members were granted squad status, under the supervision of a Senior Detective Sergeant and designated the Special Crime Squad which was renamed the Homicide Squad in July 1976.

The Squad was under the leadership of a Detective Inspector, who was assisted by a Senior Detective Sergeant, who supervised eleven Detective Sergeants and twenty three Detective Constables, all had been selected for their proven expertise or promise in the exacting task of homicide investigation.

The Homicide Squad was a mobile unit and operated in any part of the State of New South Wales, investigating homicides, deaths of an unusual or suspicious nature, the discovery of skeletal remains and the disappearance of persons under suspicious or unusual circumstances. Investigations of this nature were also undertaken on behalf of other States or Countries as requested from time to time.