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County Detective Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Bucks

County Detective

Doylestown, PA · On-site

$54.51/hr

County Detective JOB CODE: 0356 DEPARTMENT: District Attorney UNION: 99 FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt GRADE: POSITION SUMMARY : Performs investigations of crimes and matters of an investigatory nature to ...

Chatham County Government

Detective

Savannah, GA · On-site

$55K/yr

Chatham County Government is supported by over 2,100 diverse team members across 40 departments ... Look no further than the Chatham County Police Department to become our next Detective. With a ...

Lake County Government

Detective

Leadville, CO · On-site

County employees can also receive an annual allowance for health and wellness costs.End-of-Year ... Detective Definition:Perform a variety of routine law enforcement duties in support of the Lake ...

Lake County Government

Detective

Leadville, CO · On-site

$90K - $102K/yr

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is looking for a P.O.S.T certified Law Enforcement Officer, with a strong desire to serve our community with professionalism and honesty. Must possess good ...

Archuleta County

Detective

Pagosa Springs, CO

... County. Performs all law enforcement functions of the Patrol Deputy in the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws and ordinances for the protection of life, health, safety, welfare and ...

Archuleta County

Detective

Pagosa Springs, CO · On-site

$30.10 - $44.62/hr

... County. Performs all law enforcement functions of the Patrol Deputy in the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws and ordinances for the protection of life, health, safety, welfare and ...

Onslow County, NC

Detective

Jacksonville, NC · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

Regular Onslow County employees have the ability to participate in a wide array of employee benefits including: Health Insurance Health Insurance is provided by Cigna and covers a wide variety of ...

Onslow County

Detective

Jacksonville, NC

$64K - $83K/yr

... of the county; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; strong written and oral communication skills; ability to deal tactfully with other employees and the public ...

City of Milwaukie

Detective - Lateral

Portland, OR

$76K - $98K/yr

Our Detectives serve on the Clackamas County Major Crimes Teams, work closely with partner agencies ... While assigned as a Detective, Milwaukie Police Officers work a 4/10 schedule with weekends off ...

City of Hobbs

POLICE DETECTIVE

Hobbs, NM

$38.52 - $51.62/hr

... crime and the detection and prevention of violations of the law. Essential Duties Regular ... Responds to the Lea County Correctional Facility (LCCF) for investigation and scene processing of ...

State of Washington

Detective

Olympia, WA · On-site

$6K - $9K/mo

Thurston County - Tumwater, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Job Number: 2026-02148 Department ... The detective position coordinates special investigations, leads task forces, leverages new ...

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All JobsCounty Detective Jobs

County Detective information

See salary details

$29K

$61.9K

$98.5K

How much do county detective jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for county detective in the United States is $61,905.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between County Detective vs Sheriff Deputy?

AspectCounty DetectiveSheriff Deputy
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, law enforcement academy, detective trainingHigh school diploma, law enforcement academy, sheriff's academy
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, crime scenes, officesPatrol, community engagement, crime response
Employer & IndustryCounty law enforcement agenciesSheriff's office, county law enforcement

County Detectives focus on investigations and solving crimes, often working in offices or crime scenes, while Sheriff Deputies handle patrol duties and community policing. Both roles require law enforcement training and serve county agencies, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What are county detectives?

County detectives are law enforcement officers who work for a county government, often within a district attorney's office, to investigate crimes such as homicides, drug offenses, and other serious felonies. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, conduct surveillance, and assist in preparing cases for prosecution. County detectives often collaborate with local police departments and other agencies to solve complex criminal cases. Their jurisdiction typically covers all municipalities within the county, providing specialized investigative support where needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a County Detective, and why are they important?

To thrive as a County Detective, you need a background in law enforcement, strong investigative skills, and typically certification from a police academy or relevant law enforcement agency. Familiarity with case management systems, evidence collection technology, and forensic analysis tools is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for solving complex cases, ensuring proper legal procedures, and collaborating effectively with colleagues and the community.

What are some common challenges that County Detectives face when working on complex investigations?

County Detectives often encounter challenges such as managing large caseloads, navigating jurisdictional boundaries, and collaborating with multiple agencies. Investigations can be complex and require gathering evidence from various sources, interviewing witnesses, and maintaining detailed documentation. Additionally, detectives must stay current with legal procedures and forensic technology while working under tight deadlines and sometimes high-pressure situations.
What job categories do people searching County Detective jobs look for? The top searched job categories for County Detective jobs are:
County Detective jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Detective job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% As Needed, 17% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,905 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

County Detective

County of Bucks

Doylestown, PA • On-site

$54.51/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

COUNTY OF BUCKS
JOB TITLE:
County Detective
JOB CODE:
0356
DEPARTMENT:
District Attorney
UNION:
99
FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt
GRADE:
POSITION SUMMARY:
Performs investigations of crimes and matters of an investigatory nature to determine identity and locations of suspects and circumstances surrounding the commitment of a crime. Assists the District Attorney or his/her assistants in preparing the investigation for trial. The rank of County Detective is equal to Lieutenant within a municipal police department because of the supervisory duties involved. Subject to the orders of the District Attorney at all times. Reports directly to the Chief of Detectives. Responsible for the investigation of crimes, improprieties in the county and local government and matters of an investigatory nature.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Locates and questions witnesses, suspects and complainants.
  • Locates, preserves and processes all physical evidence pertaining to the investigation and insures the evidence is sent to an agency that can properly perform examination and analysis of the evidence.
  • Prepares and submits investigatory reports concerning the investigations.
  • Assists the District Attorney or his/her assistants in preparing the investigation for trial.
  • Assists another law enforcement agency with an investigation and coordinates this information between the agencies.
  • County Code Section 1440 titled "Appointment, Duties and Compensation of County Detectives."
  • Coordinates investigations and supervises assisting investigative personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Any combination of experience and training which affords the applicant an opportunity to gain the above listed knowledge, skill and ability.
  • Associate's/Bachelor's Degree (Criminal Justice) is preferred. Work experience may be substituted for college degree. Applicants will also be considered who have certain expertise in forensic training, polygraph and specific investigatory experience in areas of, but not limited to, homicide, sex crimes and narcotics. Must meet all MPOETC requirements.
  • Minimum of five (5) years' experience in law enforcement field including criminal and investigation experience.
  • CPR certification.
  • Must be certified under Act 120 (Municipal Police Officer's Education and Training Law) or able to obtain certification as outlined by the Municipal Police Officer's Education and Training Commission (Spa-300), (Title 37 Pa. CHS 201 and 203). Previously certified officer can be certified with a new department through the use of a Change of Status Form only when the officer is still employed by the original department; however, physical and psychological examinations are required. Officers that terminate employment in one department and begin employment in a different department must go through the certification process.
  • Leadership qualities and ability to work alone using discretion and personal judgment while investigating crime and ability to supervise others.
  • Required and subject to a background investigation to determine suitability for employment as outline in Title 37, PA. Code CHS 201 and 203.
  • Required and subject to a personal physical to determine fitness to perform duties as a County Detective as outlined in Title 37, Pa. Code CHS 201 and 203.
  • Required and subject to a psychological examination to determine fitness to perform duties as a County Detective. Minimum requirements -Minnesota Multi-Phase Personality Inventory (MMPI) or the Sixteen Personality Factor (16PD), plus an interview by a psychiatrist as outlined in Title 37, Pa. Code CHS 201 and 203.
  • Must be a resident of Pennsylvania and reside in Bucks County within one (1) year of employment or within a reasonable distance in the State of Pennsylvania (with prior approval of the District Attorney).
  • Applicant who has been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor will be ineligible for employment as a County Detective. Serious misdemeanor is defined by the Commission of Municipal Police Officer's Education and Training Commission as "the conviction of any state or federal offense that is punishable by more than one (1) year imprisonment. Driving record or history of Controlled Substance usage and/or alcohol abuse will be reason for disqualification.
  • Certification examination will be required as outlined in Title 37, Pa. Code CHS 201 and 203 (effective date to be determined by Municipal Police Officer's Education and Training Commission).
  • Will comply with all sections of Title 37 -Law, Rules and Regulations (37 Pa. Code CHS 201 and 203) pertaining to police officers' certification requirements.
  • Required to successfully complete mandatory in-service training each year once employed.
  • Must be computer literate.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
  • Failure to meet these requirements is cause for dismissal from employment.

Position:
County Detective
FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Physical Demands: (Check all that apply)
Balancing
X
Stooping
X
Pushing
X
Climbing
X
Crouching
X
Pulling
X
Crawling
X
Kneeling
X
Handling
X
Standing
X
Sitting
X
Talking
X
Turning
X
Reaching
X
Hearing
X
Seeing
X
Color Vision
X
Depth Perception
X
Mobility
X
Lifting: (Check one)
Carrying: (Check one)
A) Light
(20-25 lbs)
A) Light
(10-25 lbs)
B) Medium
(25-50 lbs)
B) Medium
(25-50 lbs)
C) Heavy
(50-100 lbs)
C) Heavy
(50-100 lbs)
X
D) Very Heavy
(over 100 lbs)
X
D) Very Heavy
(over 100 lbs)
Aptitudes: (Check all that apply)
Form perception
X
Problem solving
X
Motor coordination
X
Working speed (ex.wpm)
Finger dexterity
X
Manual dexterity
X
Computer/VDT ability
X
General learning ability
X
Clerical perception
X
Environmental Conditions: (Check all that apply)
Extreme cold
X
Extreme heat
X
Temperature changes
X
Wet conditions
X
Humid conditions
X
Exposure to fumes
X
Exposure to blood and body fluids
X
Noise and vibration
X
Exposure to chemicals
X
Poor ventilation
X
Inclement weather conditions;
Inside/outside weather conditions
X
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Apply