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Cold Case Investigator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Department Supervisor

Benton Harbor, MI · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

... activities by investigating alleged fraud and other alleged illegalactivities Conducts ... case reports and providescourt room testimony as needed Partners in collaborative efforts with ...

Store Supervisor

Wyoming, MI · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

... activities by investigating alleged fraud and other alleged illegalactivities Conducts ... case reports and providescourt room testimony as needed Partners in collaborative efforts with ...

Department Supervisor

Alpena, MI · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

... activities by investigating alleged fraud and other alleged illegalactivities Conducts ... case reports and providescourt room testimony as needed Partners in collaborative efforts with ...

Store Supervisor

Canton, MI · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

... activities by investigating alleged fraud and other alleged illegalactivities Conducts ... case reports and providescourt room testimony as needed Partners in collaborative efforts with ...

Store Supervisor

Benton Harbor, MI · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

... activities by investigating alleged fraud and other alleged illegalactivities Conducts ... case reports and providescourt room testimony as needed Partners in collaborative efforts with ...

Department Supervisor

Wyoming, MI · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

... activities by investigating alleged fraud and other alleged illegalactivities Conducts ... case reports and providescourt room testimony as needed Partners in collaborative efforts with ...

Department Supervisor

Canton, MI · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

... activities by investigating alleged fraud and other alleged illegalactivities Conducts ... case reports and providescourt room testimony as needed Partners in collaborative efforts with ...

Store Supervisor

Alpena, MI · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

... activities by investigating alleged fraud and other alleged illegalactivities Conducts ... case reports and providescourt room testimony as needed Partners in collaborative efforts with ...

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Cold Case Investigator information

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How much do cold case investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cold case investigator in Michigan is $27.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.02 and $31.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cold case investigator?

Cold case investigators are law enforcement professionals who specialize in reviewing and solving unsolved criminal cases, often years or decades after the initial investigation. They use modern investigative techniques, such as forensic technology and DNA analysis, to re-examine evidence and generate new leads. Their goal is to bring resolution to cases that have gone 'cold' due to a lack of evidence or leads, providing justice for victims and closure for families.

What does a cold case investigator do?

A cold case is an investigation that has gone unsolved after more than a year; initial efforts did not yield enough evidence to identify or arrest a suspect, or to come to any definitive conclusions. Cold case investigators re-open these cases to bring a fresh perspective to the collected evidence or when new evidence has surfaced. In this role, you review forensic data that has already been collected and look at witness statements and incident reports received at the time. When possible, you may also go back to the crime scene to try to visualize what may have happened and interview witnesses or previous investigators again to find new leads. Your goal is to move the case forward towards a conclusion and a conviction when possible.

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 analytical skills, and experience in investigative procedures, often supported by a relevant degree and police academy training. Familiarity with forensic technology, crime databases (such as NCIC), and evidence management systems is essential. Persistence, critical thinking, and excellent communication skills help investigators collaborate with colleagues, witnesses, and victims’ families. These skills are crucial for effectively re-examining unresolved cases, uncovering new evidence, and delivering justice in complex investigations.

How does a cold case investigator typically collaborate with other law enforcement professionals during an investigation?

Cold Case Investigators often work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including forensic analysts, detectives, prosecutors, and sometimes federal agencies. Collaboration is key to re-examining evidence, conducting new interviews, and leveraging advancements in technology such as DNA analysis. Regular meetings and case reviews ensure all team members are aligned and can bring their specialized expertise to bear on unresolved cases. This teamwork increases the chances of uncovering new leads and ultimately solving long-standing cases.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cold Case Investigator jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Cold Case Investigator jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Cold Case Investigator jobs in Michigan?

For Cold Case Investigator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cold Case Investigator jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Cold Case Investigator jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cold Case Investigator jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Cold Case Investigator job openings:

Infographic showing various Cold Case Investigator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,482 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Govt. Law Enforcement - Lieutenant - IN HOUSE TEAM MEMBER PREFERENCE APPLIES - Closes: 08-25-2026

Sault Tribe

Perronville, MI • On-site

$93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lieutenant, under the direction of the Chief of Police, is responsible for overseeing criminal investigations, supervision and guidance of Sergeants, and acting in the absence of the Chief of Police. The position combines investigative leadership with operational oversight to ensure effective law enforcement services, professional standards, and continuity of command.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

  • Serve as the department’s primary detective and lead investigator for major criminal cases.
  • Respond to critical incidents and provide on-scene command when necessary.
  • Provide law enforcement and conservation enforcement of Great Lakes Treaty Fishing and Inland Treaty Fishing and Hunting regulations and codes throughout the 1836 Treaty Area.
  • Conduct and oversee investigations involving felony offenses, serious misdemeanors, narcotics, crimes against persons, property crimes, and other complex investigations.
  • Prepare and execute search warrants, arrest warrants, subpoenas, and related legal documents.
  • Collect, preserve, and coordinate evidence processing in accordance with department policy and legal standards.
  • Conduct interviews and interrogations of victims, witnesses, and suspects.
  • Coordinate investigations with tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
  • Prepare detailed investigative reports and maintain accurate case documentation.
  • Present cases to prosecutors and provide courtroom testimony when required.
  • Manage confidential informants and intelligence information when applicable.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, operational support and supervision of Sergeants.
  • Review reports, investigations, and operational activities for quality and compliance.
  • Ensure department operations are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, policies, accreditation standards, and best practices.
  • Assist the Chief of Police with scheduling, policy implementation, training coordination, and personnel development.
  • Assist the Chief of Police with maintaining departmental discipline, professionalism, and accountability.
  • Assist the Chief of Police in the development and implementation of department goals, procedures, and strategic initiatives.
  • Participate in command staff meetings, planning, and operational decision-making.
  • Attend departmental and mandatory training to maintain needed certifications.
  • Maintain effective communication with community members, partner agencies, and tribal leadership.
  • Participate in community functions and attend meetings on behalf of the department as needed.
  • Act on behalf of the Chief of Police during absences or as directed, including supervising the Administrative Manager and Detention Administrator, in addition to direct supervision of the Sergeants.                       

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

·         Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police.

CONTACTS:    

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, Executives, Board of Directors, customers, outside vendors/service providers, alleged criminals, jail inmates, victims and witnesses.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position medium with the lifting of 50 pounds maximum and frequent lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds. Physical factors include constant carrying, use of hearing, smell, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision, driving; occasional standing, walking, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, manual handling, bending, and typing. Working conditions include constant exposure to weather, frequent exposure to extreme cold, occasional exposure to extreme heat, wet/humidity, noise, vibration, air quality, electric shock, and firearm discharge. Potential hazards include constant contact with alleged criminals and jail inmates contact, computer and equipment use, medical equipment, occasional infectious exposure, and exposure to needles/syringes. Personal protection equipment provided by the employer includes items such as but are not limited to, hazards kit with protective gloves, masks and other personal protective equipment as needed. Protective equipment also includes bullet proof vest, gun, taser, handcuffs and body substance isolation items. Immunization which includes the Hepatitis B vaccination series will be offered to team members at no cost.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice preferred.

Experience: Minimum of five years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including investigative experience required. Minimum of two years’ supervisory experience in law enforcement required.

Certification/License: Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Certificate required. Must have completed MCOLES reading and writing test and physical test and provide proof of current passing scores. Must meet MCOLES. Must have or be able to obtain Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Special Law Enforcement Commission (SLEC) Certification. Must be able to qualify with department-issued weapons and qualify using the State of Michigan Standards and the Federal Standards as required. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain a good moral character standing. Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver’s license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of constitutional, Federal, State, and Tribal laws, rules, and regulations is required. Strong knowledge of criminal investigations, evidence handling, and criminal procedure. Strong investigative and problem-solving abilities required. Working knowledge of modern law enforcement practices, policies, and command structure required. Commitment to professional policing standards and community-oriented policing principles required. Must be proficient in the use of weapons and the knowledge of weapon safety. Must have strong working knowledge of Force Continuum. Must have the ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making under pressure. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism required. Ability to supervise personnel and provide leadership in dynamic situations required. Demonstrated leadership and integrity required. Ability to work collaboratively with staff and community partners required. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisory personnel, coworkers, subordinates, and the general public. Must have strong report writing, communication, and organizational skills. Must be able to work extended hours when needed. Must be flexible and available to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.