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Detective Sergeant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Sergeant is responsible for leading, coordinating and ensuring the quality of operations in the assigned shift and organizational unit (i.e., patrol or detective) of the Grants Police Department ...

The Sergeant is responsible for leading, coordinating and ensuring the quality of operations in the assigned shift and organizational unit (i.e., patrol or detective) of the Grants Police Department ...

SOCPF PATROL SERGEANT

Concord, NH · On-site

$31.03 - $41.77/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

... Sergeant), SOC Title 33-1012 SUPS OF POLICE-P1. This position has a 40 hour work week and is ... detection and investigation operations: and assists the supervising officer in commanding the State ...

The Sergeant is responsible for leading, coordinating and ensuring the quality of operations in the assigned shift and organizational unit (i.e., patrol or detective) of the Grants Police Department ...

Police Detective

Steamboat Springs, CO · On-site

$45.62 - $58.96/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The City of Steamboat Springs is hiring a Police Detective to join their team! Pay Range: $45.62-58 ... SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the direct supervision of the Investigations Sergeant. SUPERVISION ...

Police Detective

Steamboat Springs, CO · On-site

$45.62 - $58.96/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The City of Steamboat Springs is hiring a Police Detective to join their team! Pay Range: $45.62-58 ... SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the direct supervision of the Investigations Sergeant. SUPERVISION ...

Police Sergeant

Pilot Point, TX · On-site

$90K - $101K/yr

The Police Sergeant in this supervisory role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day ... Examples of Duties Regularly patrol assigned areas on foot or by vehicle to deter and detect ...

Police Sergeant

Pilot Point, TX · On-site

$90K - $101K/yr

The Police Sergeant in this supervisory role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day ... Regularly patrol assigned areas on foot or by vehicle to deter and detect criminal activity ...

Police Sergeant

West Linn, OR · On-site

$42.95 - $58.90/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Directs briefing and planning activities of a patrol or detective shift; reviews and determines ... The sergeant has discretionary decision-making power on a regular basis regarding enforcement ...

Police Sergeant

Port Townsend, WA

$100/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sergeant or other supervisory experience. * Completion of CJTC's Pre-Supervisors course ... Specialty pay of 1% for assignment as detective * Jury duty pay at regular rate during service

Police Detective

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$33.03/hr

... Police Detective. The City of Bastrop Police Department is a cohesive, collaborative team of ... Under the general direction of the Criminal Investigations (CI) Sergeant, CI Lieutenant, and/or the ...

Showing results 21-40

Detective Sergeant information

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$37.5K

$56.9K

$84K

How much do detective sergeant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for detective sergeant in the United States is $56,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $56,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a detective sergeant?

Detective Sergeants are experienced law enforcement officers who supervise and lead detective teams in investigating crimes. They are responsible for overseeing complex cases, managing investigations, and ensuring that evidence is properly gathered and documented. Detective Sergeants also mentor junior detectives, coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, and may serve as the primary point of contact for high-profile cases. Their role is crucial in ensuring that investigations are thorough, lawful, and effective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a detective sergeant?

To thrive as a Detective Sergeant, you need extensive investigative experience, strong knowledge of criminal law, and supervisory qualifications, often supported by police academy training and promotion through the ranks. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic tools, and evidence tracking technology is typically required. Leadership, critical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills for coordinating teams and interacting with diverse stakeholders. These competencies ensure thorough investigations, sound decision-making, and the effective management of complex cases.

What are the main challenges a detective sergeant faces when managing a team of investigators?

As a Detective Sergeant, one of the biggest challenges is balancing supervisory responsibilities with ongoing investigations. You are tasked with managing case loads, ensuring proper investigative procedures are followed, and supporting the professional development of your team. Additionally, you often need to coordinate resources, handle administrative duties, and maintain open communication with both your team and upper management. Navigating high-pressure situations and making critical decisions quickly are key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Detective Sergeant vs Detective?

AspectDetective SergeantDetective
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; police academy training; law enforcement certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; police academy training; law enforcement certification
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, crime scenes, courtroomsCrime scenes, investigations, surveillance
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Common Search & ComparisonDetective Sergeant vs Detective

The main difference between a Detective Sergeant and a Detective lies in their rank and responsibilities. A Detective Sergeant typically supervises detectives and manages investigations, while a Detective focuses on conducting investigations directly. Both roles require similar credentials and work within law enforcement agencies, but the Sergeant holds a leadership position overseeing investigative teams.

Do detectives or sergeants get paid more?

Detective sergeants typically earn higher salaries than detectives due to their supervisory responsibilities and experience requirements. Salary differences can vary by department and location, but sergeants generally receive increased pay for leadership and administrative duties.
More about Detective Sergeant jobs

What states have the most Detective Sergeant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Detective Sergeant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Detective Sergeant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,879 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

JHPD Police Sergeant

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 619 rated colleges and universities


Job description

JOHNS HOPKINS POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICE SERGEANT - LATERAL (Maryland and Non-Maryland Law Enforcement Officers)
THIS JOB POSTING IS FOR CURRENT, RETIRED, OR PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS ONLY.
Mission:
The Johns Hopkins Police Department is committed to the equitable delivery of police services that prioritizes the well-being of our students, staff, faculty and guests. We build trust by engaging our community and partners as co-creators of the campus safety environment.
We employ knowledgeable, service-focused professionals who embrace diversity and recognize that safety is a community effort.
Johns Hopkins University Police Department is seeking highly motivated individuals to serve as Police Sergeants. We are accepting applications for lateral police candidates who meet the experience qualifications as a certified law enforcement officer in a full-service law enforcement agency (Maryland or Out-of-State). Applicants must be Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) Certified OR meet Comparative Compliance Standards.
Police Sergeants work in a team environment with integrity, professionalism, humanity and courage to protect the lives and property of the Johns Hopkins community. Johns Hopkins Police Sergeants regularly engage with students, faculty, staff and visitors in a variety of ways in order to provide services and information needed. Johns Hopkins Police Sergeants provide campus police services to the Homewood Campus, East Baltimore Campus and Peabody Campus where officers will be assigned to work. They will ensure JHPD is a leader in the provision of responsive, quality and customer service-oriented policing.
The Johns Hopkins Police Sergeant will lead through the lens of 21st century policing and ensures officers perform their duties in a manner that furthers public trust. Work will be supervised on a daily basis by a Lieutenant.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
  • Represents the JHPD's mission, vision and values when interacting with university, community, advocacy groups, and coordinates JHPD resources and activities via direction from their supervision to address concerns about university and community issues.
  • Represents the JHPD leadership team when interacting with university, community, advocacy groups, and coordinates JHPD resources and activities under their supervision to address concerns about community issues.
  • Provides the full level of law enforcement work, enforcing laws, rules and regulations governing the safety and protection of individuals, building and property. Performs simple and complex problem-solving projects designed to enhance safety and prevent or reduce harm.
  • Provides direct support for the allocation and direction of resources (staffing, vehicles, equipment and supplies) to meet the needs of the JHPD and is responsible for management of operational and overtime expenditures to ensure that funds utilized are used appropriately and within the mission of the JHPD.
  • Provides supervision of day-to-day operations of a patrol area, which includes direct supervision and performance management of police officers assigned to a patrol area. Holds police officers accountable for executing proactive and community policing initiatives, as well as crime initiatives strategies. Looks for opportunities to actively engage in community policing and models such for officers.
  • Ensures priorities and community policing strategies for the patrol area are properly managed, holds police officers responsible for completing initiatives, and manages performance of all officers in the assigned patrol area. Will perform patrol functions regularly for training purposes and as needed.
  • Ensures priorities and community policing strategies for the patrol area are properly implemented. Patrols designated areas by vehicle, bicycle and foot to identify and report safety hazards, detect prioritized violations of laws and ordinances, and identify wanted vehicles, persons, and unusual conditions. Maintains a visible presence to serve as a positive resource and actively develop relationships with community stakeholders to successfully implement initiatives to deter crime.
  • Ensures police officers regularly use procedural justice principles, de-escalate situations as necessary, and are engaged in community policing and problem-solving activities.
  • Coaches subordinates about performance issues, and trains subordinates in the handling of general management problems, monitors subordinates' professional behavior to proactively address potential issues, and recommends corrective action to address performance problems.
  • Supervises special assignments and details as required.
  • Coordinates and cooperates with Campus Safety and Security Command Staff in the preliminary and follow-up investigations of complaints, reported criminal offenses, and disruptions.
  • Communicates and continually supports effective relationships with the faculty, staff, students, public, other law enforcement agencies, and public officials.
  • Participates as instructed in specialized unit activities such as crime prevention, recertification instruction, criminal investigations, or special events.
  • Responds to calls for assistance and emergency service and takes appropriate action; de-escalates situations as reasonable and appropriate; engages other necessary levels of response to ensure safety of community.
  • Conducts the investigation of incidents reported on the shift.
  • Coordinates preliminary investigative activities at a crime scene or significant or unusual event until the arrival of an investigative entity.
  • Interacts with university community and establishes a rapport with the surrounding communities.
  • Directs traffic and assists with crowd control.
  • Provides the public with safety information and conducts community related public safety programs.
  • Inspects and maintains assigned equipment and clothing. Operates and utilizes various types of law enforcement equipment such as self-defense tools.
  • Performs or assists in collection and preservation of evidence.
  • Conducts or assists with serving warrants and summonses.
  • Prepares or assists with cases for court, including testifying in court when necessary.
  • Collaborates with local and state law enforcement agencies when needed.
  • Performs office duties such as answering telephones, dispatching, issuance of parking permits and providing general information.
  • Maintains visitor logs.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • A minimum of five (5) years of total service as a commissioned law enforcement officer.
  • A minimum of two (2) years of service in the rank of Sergeant or similar level of supervisory experience.
  • Distinguished service record, including excellent performance rating and no serious or repeated disciplinary actions or citizen complaints.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice or related field.

Comparative Compliance Standards: (for out-of-state applicants):
  • Minimum of 750 hours of acceptable entrance-level police academy training (not including firearms, field training, or in-service training) to meet COMAR and MPCTC requirements.
  • Must currently be in good standing with a full-service law enforcement agency or have retired in good standing within 2 years of application.
  • Comparative Compliance applicants must provide the academy curriculum that was completed with the total number of hours and provide a graduation certificate including successful completion of the academy.

Conditions of Employment: Satisfactory completion of a Maryland Police Training Commission recognized or approved Police Academy Training program and successful completion of a Police Field Training program. Employees in this job class may be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Employees in this job classification will serve a one-year probationary period after successful completion of the Maryland Police Training Standards Commission (MPTSC) training academy, field training and all other requirements as defined by MPTSC for certification and/or recertification as MARYLAND LAW ENFORCEMENT.
OTHER: Certification as a sworn Police Officer recognized by the Maryland Police Training Commission or other state through the Comparative Compliance Training for lateral candidates. This is an abbreviated entrance level program designed for previously certified Maryland police officers who have been separated from law enforcement between 3 and 5 years, and non-Maryland state officers who completed an acceptable entrance level academy in another state or through the federal government as approved by the Maryland Police Training Commission.
OTHER: Clery act designated job as campus security authorities (CSA) member and will comply with Clery Act requirements.
Requirements:
  • Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent legal resident of the United States who: (i) Is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces; and (ii) Has submitted an application for United States citizenship that is pending approval; and (2) Submit documents to the hiring law enforcement agency that support a claim of: (a) Citizenship; or (b) Permanent legal residency and proof of a pending application for United States citizenship.

**Applicant must provide official proof of separation from the military in good standing with an honorable discharge prior to being extended a conditional offer of employment.
  • Must not have been convicted of a felony.
  • Must demonstrate physical ability to perform job.
  • Must possess and maintain a Valid Driver's License.
  • Must have current MPTC certification.
  • Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills.

* Finalists will be required to complete a comprehensive background check, including medical exam, drug test, polygraph, and psychological evaluation
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to effectively direct, manage and build teams.
  • Ability to efficiently organize work and to quickly prioritize quickly; confidently manage multiple deadlines.
  • Knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and methods.
  • Knowledge of related federal, state and municipal criminal laws.
  • Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies and procedures.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all members. of the college community including students, faculty, staff, and administrators in a multicultural environment and the surrounding communities.
  • Ability to operate a police car, police radio and other equipment or weapons as required (i.e. side handle baton, handcuffs, first aid equipment, etc.)
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure.
  • Ability to quickly analyze complex, sensitive and/or hazardous situations and issues and quickly devise solutions and action plans.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
  • Ability to function with a community-oriented value-based philosophy.
  • Knowledge of procedural justice principles, de-escalation techniques, and community policing and problem-solving practices.
  • Knowledge of the principles and methods of crime investigation, techniques of interrogation, and identification and preservation of physical evidence.
  • Knowledge of the laws and protocols of arrest and evidence.
  • Knowledge of the principles and methods of crime prevention.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of crowd control and group behavior.
  • Knowledge of police communications equipment.
  • Skill in working in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Skill in the use of police equipment.

Work Environment:
This position regularly works both indoors and outdoors. The position may also work under exposure to hazardous physical activities; works in all types of weather conditions and at all times of day; and interacts with individuals under physical and/or emotional stress. Duties may require the operation of a motor vehicle. The position may be subject to call-in during emergencies and staffing shortages and may work a rotating shift, holidays and weekends. The work environment is highly diverse and demands a high level of cultural competence in interpersonal communications and interactions.
Physical Demands:
Duties require physical health, strength, agility and stamina. The work may entail sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, crawling, kneeling, climbing and lifting and transporting both objects and persons. Work requires eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, near vision acuity, and the ability to see and read printed material and computer screens. Duties involve oral, written, electronic and telephonic communication.
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION INCENTIVES
CERTIFICATION INCENTVE: $15,000 INCREASE TO BASE SALARY FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF MARYLAND POLICE TRANING STANDARDS (MPTSC) TRAINING, FIELD TRAINING AND ALL OTHER REQUIREMENTS AS DEFINED BY MPTSC FOR RECERTIFICATION OF CURRENT MARLAND LAW ENFORCMENT CERTIFICATION.
CITY RESIDENCY: 20% INCREASE OVER BASE SALARY FOR BALTIMORE CITY RESIDENTS.
ANNUAL STEP INCREASES.
Working Title: JHPD Lateral Police Sergeant
Starting Salary: $116,022
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Shift -Work - 12-hour shifts
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: JHU Homewood, Peabody and East Baltimore
Department name: 10001513-VP for Public Safety Office of
Personnel area: University Administration
Please be aware that our employment offer is contingent upon the successful completion of our pre-employment process, including criminal background, education, employment, and reference checks.

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876