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County Detective Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Milwaukie, OR

Detective - Lateral

Milwaukie, OR · On-site

$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 Bastrop (TX)

Police Detective

Bastrop, TX

$33.03/hr

... Police Detective. The City of Bastrop Police Department is a cohesive, collaborative team of ... Prepares case files, reports, and evidence for submittal to the Bastrop County District Attorney ...

Bastrop

Police Detective

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$33.03/hr

... Detective . The City of Bastrop Police Department is a cohesive, collaborative team of ... Prepares case files, reports, and evidence for submittal to the Bastrop County District Attorney ...

Gila County Arizona

Deputy Sheriff (Detective)

Globe, AZ · On-site

$63K - $77K/yr

ORAL COMMUNICATION DUTIES This position explains County procedures or processes, trains colleagues ... Other abilities needed to perform as a detective: read and write above High School level, recognize ...

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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,905 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
Deputy Sheriff Detective (CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY)

Deputy Sheriff Detective (CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY)

Cumberland County, NC

Fayetteville, NC • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Salary: $62,924.46 Annually
Location : 131 Dick Street Fayetteville, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202602891
Department: Sheriff's Office
Division: Sheriff's Office-Deputy
Opening Date: 02/18/2026
Salary Grade: 105L
Position Overview
Investigate. Solve. Make an Impact.
As a Detective with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, you will play a critical role in solving crimes, bringing offenders to justice, and supporting victims during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Detectives handle a wide range of complex investigations, including major crimes, property offenses, child abuse, narcotics, trafficking, and juvenile-related cases. From the first response to final case resolution, you will lead both preliminary and follow-up investigations with precision and professionalism.
In this role, you will:
  • Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects.
  • Identify, collect, and preserve physical evidence.
  • Apply modern investigative techniques to build strong cases.
  • Prepare detailed reports and present findings in court.

This position offers a high level of responsibility and autonomy, requiring sound judgment, critical thinking, and strong initiative. You'll engage regularly with the public, demonstrating tact, confidence, and decisiveness in sensitive situations.
While you'll operate with independence, you'll also have the guidance and support of experienced leadership, working under the supervision of a Detective Sergeant or Detective Lieutenant who is committed to your success and professional growth.
If you're ready to take on complex challenges, think strategically, and make a lasting difference in your community, this is your opportunity to step forward.
Examples of Duties
  • Conduct initial and follow-up investigations; interview persons in connection with all investigated incidents; develop contacts and information sources concerning criminal activities; perform undercover operations and surveillance work as required.
  • Maintain a criminal investigative caseload.
  • Prepare probable cause affidavits and appear before magistrates or judges to obtain search warrants.
  • Serve as on-call officer; responding to calls for investigations; assign tasks to other officers on the scene.
  • Transporting suspects and criminals to the County Detention Center.
  • Participating in community policing functions.
  • Collect evidence and preserve custody; maintain evidence of cases being investigated; prepare evidence to go to the SBI lab.
  • Work involves frequent public contact which requires tact, firmness, and decisiveness. Cooperate with members of other local, State, and federal law enforcement and investigative agencies in the identification, location, apprehension, and arrest of offenders.
  • Rendering appropriate aid and executing related assignments.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) certificate program and one year of experience as a detective for a law enforcement agency. Additionally, candidates must have completed the minimum requirements established by the North Carolina Sheriff's Training and Standards Commission for certified law enforcement officers.
Must be a United States Citizen, be at least 20 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED and a valid North Carolina driver's license. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation which includes, but not limited to, criminal background check, physical abilities test, polygraph testing, medical exam, drug-screen, and psychological screening. Must be able to work 12 hour rotating shifts. Live within 30 nautical miles radius of Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.
Additional documents required to be submitted within 5 days of applying for this position are listed below:
  • North Carolina Driver's License
  • High School or College Diploma, Transcripts, or GED
  • Birth Certificate
  • Military DD-214 Member-4 (if applicable)
  • Social Security Card
  • Copy of North Carolina BLET Certification

When you come to drop off your documents, we will supply the Authorization of Release of Personal Information to Cumberland County Sheriff's Office. We are able to notarize your form free of charge and make photocopies of your documents.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Working knowledge of State and Federal laws, local ordinances, and policies of the department, especially relating to search and seizure, serving papers, pursuit, and arrest.
  • Working knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, methods, and equipment.
  • Knowledge of scientific crime detection and criminal identification methods and procedures.
  • Skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment and in the application of self-defense tactics.
  • Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
  • Ability to present effective court testimony.
  • Ability to prepare clear and concise investigative reports.
  • Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective public relations with the citizens.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and other public officials.
  • Must have or obtain and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Must have and maintain a clean criminal record, live within thirty (30) nautical miles radius of the Law Enforcement Center, submit to a drug screening test and receive a negative result for the use of drugs specified in the county policy.

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CCSO complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. CCSO does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race color national origin, age, disability or sex.
Cumberland County offers a generous benefit plan including a Government Retirement Plan, 13 paid holidays per year and an Employee Wellness Center Clinic.To see more information about the benefits offered to employees
01
The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Detective Division consists of the following units: Homicide, Major Crimes Investigation Unit, Special Victims/Youth Services, Property Crimes/Financial Crimes/Fire Investigations, Crime Scene Investigations, and the Special Investigations Unit (Narcotics Enforcement, Gangs, and Human Trafficking). Choose the unit or units that spark your interest.
  • Homicide
  • Major Crimes Investigation Unit
  • Special Victims/Youth Services
  • Property Crimes/Financial Crimes/Fire Investigations
  • Special Investigations Unit (Narcotics Enforcement, Gangs, and Human Trafficking)

02
Please briefly describe your previous investigative experience.
Required Question

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