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Detective Lateral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Fife

Lateral Police Officer

Fife, WA

$6.8K - $8.9K/mo

... detect, apprehend and arrest criminals; enforce the laws and ordinances of the City; perform a ... Lateral applicants do not complete a written or physical agility test. Upon application screening ...

City of Fife

Lateral Police Officer

Fife, WA · On-site

$6.8K - $8.9K/mo

... detect, apprehend and arrest criminals; enforce the laws and ordinances of the City; perform a ... Lateral applicants do not complete a written or physical agility test. Upon application screening ...

City of Fife

Lateral Police Officer

Fife, WA

$91K - $119K/yr

... detect, apprehend and arrest criminals; enforce the laws and ordinances of the City; perform a ... Lateral applicants do not complete a written or physical agility test. Upon application screening ...

City of Lynnwood

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

Lynnwood, WA

$51.14 - $61.96/hr

Lateral officers are only eligible to participate in the incentive program once. Lateral officers ... Conduct preliminary investigation at crime scenes until either relieved by a detective or to a ...

City of Lynnwood, WA

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$51.14 - $61.96/hr

... detection and investigation of crimes and for maintaining and enforcing law and order. The position ... Lateral officers are only eligible to participate in the incentive program once. Lateral officers ...

City of Farmington

Lateral Police Officer

Farmington, NM · On-site

$31 - $41.86/hr

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1+ DEPARTMENT: Police/Operations WORK LOCATION ... at accidents, detection, investigation and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.

City of Farmington

Lateral Police Officer

Farmington, NM · On-site

$31 - $41.86/hr

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1+ DEPARTMENT: Police/Operations WORK LOCATION ... at accidents, detection, investigation and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.

City of Albany

Lateral Police Officer

Albany, OR

$76K - $96K/yr

... Detective assignment Degree may be in any field of study Additional Incentives: - City-provided ... A lateral police officer has completed at least 3 years of continuous service and is in good ...

City of Albany, OR

Lateral Police Officer

Albany, OR · On-site

$76K - $96K/yr

... Detective assignment ** Degree may be in any field of study. Additional Incentives : - City ... A lateral police officer has completed at least 3 years of continuous service and is in good ...

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All JobsDetective Lateral Jobs

Detective Lateral information

See salary details

$29K

$61.9K

$98.5K

How much do detective lateral jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for detective lateral 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Detective Lateral, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Detective Lateral, you need a solid background in law enforcement, investigative procedures, and a proven track record as a police officer, often requiring prior detective or specialized investigative experience. Familiarity with case management systems, evidence tracking software, and sometimes certifications in criminal investigations or forensic analysis are typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective interpersonal communication are crucial soft skills for interviewing witnesses, collaborating with colleagues, and preparing cases. These skills and qualifications are vital for conducting thorough investigations, ensuring justice, and maintaining public trust.

What is a Detective Lateral?

A Detective Lateral is a law enforcement officer who transfers into a detective position from another police department or agency, rather than starting as a new recruit. These professionals already have experience as police officers and often have investigative experience as well. The lateral transfer process allows agencies to hire seasoned detectives who can quickly contribute to ongoing investigations. This can help fill critical roles without the need for extensive retraining or probationary periods. Lateral detectives typically undergo a background check and may complete a modified field training program to familiarize themselves with the new department's procedures.

What is the difference between Detective Lateral vs Police Officer?

AspectDetective LateralPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, detective-specific experienceHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, case analysis, undercover workPatrol, community engagement, basic law enforcement duties
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, detective unitsPolice departments, law enforcement agencies

Detective Lateral and Police Officer roles both require law enforcement credentials and serve within police departments. However, detectives focus on investigations and case-solving, while police officers handle patrol and community policing. The lateral position allows experienced officers to transition directly into detective roles without starting from entry-level positions.

What are some common challenges detectives face when transitioning laterally from another agency?

Detectives making a lateral move often encounter challenges such as adapting to new departmental procedures, learning a different case management system, and building trust with new colleagues. Each agency may have unique protocols and expectations, so flexibility and strong communication skills are essential. Additionally, integrating into established investigative teams can require patience and a proactive approach to relationship-building. However, previous investigative experience typically helps lateral detectives acclimate more quickly and contribute valuable insights.
More about Detective Lateral jobs
What cities are hiring for Detective Lateral jobs? Cities with the most Detective Lateral job openings:
What states have the most Detective Lateral jobs? States with the most job openings for Detective Lateral jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Detective Lateral jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Detective Lateral jobs are:
Detective Lateral jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detective Lateral job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,905 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Lateral Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) Detective

Peoriaaz

Peoria, AZ

$42.93 - $50.19/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Application Deadline:

August 1, 2026

Salary Range:

Min $35.67 - Mid $42.93 - Max $50.19

To view all salary ranges for the City of Peoria, pleaseclick here.

Department:

Police

Minimum Requirements:

Highly qualified applicants will have at least three years' experience working as a Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) Detective, recovering, analyzing, and preserving electronic evidence, and are currently still working in the role or have worked in the role within the last 12 months.

Selection Process

  • Oral Board Interview: An assessment of the candidate's qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.

  • Tabletop Exercise: A scenario-based evaluation conducted following the oral board interview to assess decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Detective and Field Training

Employees must successfully complete the following training to qualify them for a solo assignment as an DFU Detective.

  • Detective FTO (DFU): Specialized training focusing on case management, investigative techniques, and DFU-specific procedures.

  • Patrol FTO: Abbreviated training to establish familiarity with departmental policies, patrol procedures, and operational standards.

Failure to successfully complete the Detective FTO phase will result in reassignment to Patrol, requiring completion of the entire Patrol FTO program. If not successful in the entire Patrol FTO program, it will result in termination of employment during the probationary period.

Probationary Period

Employees are subject to a one-year probationary period. After probation, if an employee's performance as an DFU Detective does not "Meet Standards", they will be reassigned to Patrol.

Assignment Details

  • DFU Detectives currently work either Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday, normally 0700 to 1700.

  • On-call assignments currently average one week per month.

  • All Detectives are currently required to assist with filling staffing shortages in Patrol. Assignments are based on Department seniority and require Detectives to work occasional overtime shifts in Patrol.

To view the full job description, work environment and physical demands, click here.

Why Peoria?

Recently voted the #1 place, to live, work and play, Peoria is a community you can be proud to work for. Take a look at the great benefits offered to eligible employees:Click here to view benefits offered.

About Peoria

The City of Peoria, AZ is a thriving city in the Northwest Valley that provides excellent municipal services to our community. Recently named by AZ Big Media as the Best Place to Live, Work, and Play, we are committed to maintaining the level of service to our residents to sustain and enhance the lives and culture of Peoria.

If you are passionate about providing excellent service through anticipating our community's needs, creating partnerships, promoting sustainability, and embracing diversity, then #PeoriaisthePlace for you!

Get an inside look at the Culture of Peoria

We are PEORIA!

Professional, Ethical, Open, Responsive, Innovative, Accountable

Application Process:

Applications will be accepted for current vacancies until the posted closing date, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received. Applicants will be notified of any next steps by email and/or phone.

During the selection process, any applicant requiring accommodation for a disability should advise the human resources department atemployment@peoriaaz.govor 623-773-7100.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Agency.

Peoria es una Agencia de Igualdad de Oportunidad de Empleo.

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