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Cold Case Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deli

Appomattox, VA · On-site

$13/hr

Job duties will include cooking and washing chicken, waiting on customers, completing prep for day shift, cleaning fryers and kitchen nightly, keeping hot case full and fresh, making cold deli items ...

Job duties will include cooking and washing chicken, waiting on customers, completing prep for day shift, cleaning fryers and kitchen nightly, keeping hot case full and fresh, making cold deli items ...

Deli Kitchen Clerk

Kapaa, HI · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Summary: Deli Kitchen Clerks are responsible for performing all functions relating to the maintenance and preparation of the cold case, grab-n-go, hot case, and salad bar. Deli Kitchen Clerks will ...

Deli Kitchen Clerk

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$19 - $23.50/hr

Summary: Deli Kitchen Clerks are responsible for performing all functions relating to the maintenance and preparation of the cold case, grab-n-go, hot case, and salad bar. Deli Kitchen Clerks will ...

Deli Kitchen Clerk

Federal Way, WA · On-site

$19 - $23.50/hr

Summary: Deli Kitchen Clerks are responsible for performing all functions relating to the maintenance and preparation of the cold case, grab-n-go, hot case, and salad bar. Deli Kitchen Clerks will ...

Deli Kitchen Clerk

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$18 - $22.50/hr

Summary: Deli Kitchen Clerks are responsible for performing all functions relating to the maintenance and preparation of the cold case, grab-n-go, hot case, and salad bar. Deli Kitchen Clerks will ...

Deli Kitchen Clerk

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $23.50/hr

Deli Kitchen Clerks are responsible for performing all functions relating to the maintenance and preparation of the cold case, grab-n-go, hot case, and salad bar. Deli Kitchen Clerks will ensure that ...

Deli and Cashier DAY SHIFT

Forest, VA

$11.75 - $14.50/hr

In this multi-role position, you'll prepare and cook fresh, high-quality deli foods (including chicken and cold case items), provide excellent customer service at the counter and register, handle ...

Deli And Cashier Night Shift

Forest, VA · On-site

$9.75 - $13.50/hr

In this multi-role position, you'll prepare and cook fresh, high-quality deli foods (including chicken and cold case items), provide excellent customer service at the counter and register, handle ...

Deli And Cashier Night Shift

Forest, VA

$9.75 - $13.50/hr

In this multi-role position, you'll prepare and cook fresh, high-quality deli foods (including chicken and cold case items), provide excellent customer service at the counter and register, handle ...

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Cold Case information

See salary details

$29.5K

$47.4K

$70K

How much do cold case jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for cold case in the United States is $47,429.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cold Case Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cold Case Investigator, you need a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, strong investigative skills, and experience with evidence analysis. Familiarity with forensic technologies, case management systems, and sometimes certifications in homicide investigation or forensic science are commonly required. Exceptional attention to detail, persistence, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for revisiting unresolved cases, uncovering new leads, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve justice.

How to get a job in cold cases?

To work on cold cases, individuals typically pursue careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, or forensic investigation, often requiring a degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, specialized training, and certifications such as crime scene investigation can improve prospects, and working in law enforcement agencies or forensic labs is common for such roles.

What is the difference between Cold Case vs Criminal Investigator?

AspectCold CaseCriminal Investigator
Required CredentialsCriminal justice degree, law enforcement trainingCriminal justice degree, law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentPolice departments, forensic labs, archivesPolice stations, crime scenes, courts
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, federal agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, federal agencies
Common Search & ComparisonCold Case vs Criminal Investigator

Cold Case investigators focus on solving unsolved crimes from the past, often working with archived evidence and forensic analysis. Criminal Investigators handle active investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and solving ongoing cases. While both roles require law enforcement training and work within the criminal justice system, Cold Case specialists typically work on older, unresolved cases, whereas Criminal Investigators focus on current investigations.

What types of challenges do investigators commonly face when working on cold case investigations?

Investigators working on cold cases often encounter challenges such as limited or deteriorated physical evidence, faded witness memories, and lack of digital records from the time of the original crime. Collaboration with forensic specialists, analysts, and sometimes external agencies is crucial to re-examining old leads and leveraging new technologies like DNA analysis. A methodical and persistent approach is essential, as breakthroughs can take months or even years, but successful resolution can be rewarding and impactful for both the team and the community.

What are cold case investigators?

Cold case investigators are law enforcement professionals who specialize in solving criminal cases that have remained unsolved for a long period, often years or decades. They review old evidence, re-interview witnesses, and utilize new technologies such as DNA analysis to find new leads. Their work is crucial for bringing closure to victims' families and ensuring justice is served, even after significant time has passed. Cold case investigators often collaborate with forensic experts and other agencies to resolve these challenging cases.

What career solves crimes?

A career that involves solving crimes is typically in law enforcement or criminal investigation, such as a detective or criminal investigator. These professionals analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and work closely with forensic specialists to solve cases, often requiring knowledge of criminal law, investigative techniques, and sometimes specialized training or certifications.

Can you volunteer to solve cold cases?

Cold case investigation is typically conducted by law enforcement agencies, but some organizations and volunteer programs accept trained volunteers to assist with research, public outreach, or data analysis. Volunteers usually need relevant skills, background checks, and training to contribute effectively to cold case efforts.

How to work with cold cases?

Working with cold cases involves reviewing old case files, evidence, and reports to identify new leads or re-examine unresolved investigations. Cold case detectives often use advanced forensic techniques, such as DNA analysis, and collaborate with forensic experts and law enforcement agencies to solve long-standing cases. Attention to detail, patience, and strong analytical skills are essential in this role.
More about Cold Case jobs
What cities are hiring for Cold Case jobs? Cities with the most Cold Case job openings:
What states have the most Cold Case jobs? States with the most job openings for Cold Case jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cold Case jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cold Case jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cold Case job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,429 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
Cold Case Investigator

Cold Case Investigator

City of Annapolis (MD)

Annapolis, MD • On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Summary The Annapolis Police Department (APD) is dedicated to preventing and reducing crime for the community it serves and preserving the quality of life in the city through fair and impartial law enforcement services. The men and women of the APD are highly qualified individuals whose core values are honor, respect, integrity, and service. The department strives to recruit, train, and equip an unrivaled and diverse workforce and works diligently to preserve and uphold democracy and the freedoms afforded to all by the Constitution through proactive problem solving and community policing.

The Cold Case Investigator is responsible for conducting in-depth investigations into previously unsolved violent crime cases. This role requires a highly skilled and analytical individual with a strong background in law enforcement and criminal investigations. The investigator will review case files, interview witnesses, analyze evidence, and pursue new leads using modern investigative tools and techniques.

Essential Job Functions (Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this job description are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all the job duties of all positions in the job classification. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.) This position requires a combination of investigative skills, administrative attention to detail, and the ability to interact effectively with a variety of people. Individuals in this role will work under the supervision of the Commander of Investigations and may assist with other criminal and non-criminal investigations occasionally. EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative only) Case Review and Analysis: Thoroughly review all aspects of cold case files, including police reports, forensic evidence, witness statements, and judicial proceedings

Identify deficiencies, inconsistencies, or new investigative avenues within existing case materials. Create detailed timelines and summaries of case events. Evidence Handling and Forensic Liaison: Identify and secure new or re-examine existing physical evidence for updated forensic analysis.

Work closely with forensic scientists and laboratories to explore new technologies and testing methods. Maintain strict chain of custody for all evidence. Interview and Interrogation: Conduct re-interviews of original witnesses and suspects, as well as identify and interview new witnesses.

Document all interviews comprehensively. Investigative Techniques: Utilize open-source intelligence (OSINT), social media analysis, and other digital investigative tools. Conduct surveillance and other field operations as necessary.

Develop and execute comprehensive investigative plans for each assigned case. Collaboration and Coordination: Liaise with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, the state's attorney's office, and other relevant organizations. Work collaboratively with a team of investigators, analysts, and forensic experts.

Present findings and recommendations to supervisors and prosecuting attorneys. Identify concerned family members and maintain communication with them about case status. Report Writing and Documentation: Prepare detailed, accurate, and concise investigative reports.

Maintain meticulous records of all investigative activities, findings, and communications. Prepare cases for prosecution. Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Proven ability to conduct complex criminal investigations; Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Proficiency in interviewing and interrogation techniques; Familiarity with forensic science principles and applications; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Proficiency in using investigative databases and software; Ability to get along well with others; administrative aptitude; Good judgment; tact and courtesy.

Minimum Qualifications: Valid Driver's License Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Minimum of 5 years experience in law enforcement, with a significant portion in criminal investigations. Special Qualifications: This position is designated as Safety Sensitive due to the tasks or duties that the employer reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task, other individuals, and/or may lead to damage to property.

This position is subject to drug and alcohol testing to include pre-employment testing. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science or a related field. Criminal investigations experience in homicide, sexual assault, or violent crimes.

Employment Conditions Physical/Mental Demands: The work is sedentary and generally the employee may be required to speak, walk, stand, bend, and/or carry light items to include paper, books or files. Physical ability: to sit continuously at a computer terminal or receptionist station for extended periods; ability to operate standard office equipment including copier, computer, fax machine, mailing machine, etc.; ability to reach into file drawers in standard four drawer filing cabinets. Visual ability: sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.; Hearing ability: sufficient to hold conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; ability to hear recording on transcription device

Speaking ability: sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone. Freedom from health disorders which would interfere with performance of duties as described. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description. Work Environment: The work environment entails minimal discomforts that may be associated with an office environment.