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Detective Sergeant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Port Townsend

Police Sergeant

Port Townsend, WA · On-site

$53.40 - $58.40/hr

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

City of Milwaukie, OR

Detective - Lateral

Milwaukie, OR · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

We have eight sergeants, four detectives, two captains, and a chief. We strive to provide excellent ... Detective incentive, 7.5% of base pay * K-9 handler, 5% of base pay * School Resource Officer, 5% ...

City of Milwaukie

Detective - Lateral

Portland, OR

$76K - $98K/yr

While assigned as a Detective, Milwaukie Police Officers work a 4/10 schedule with weekends off ... We have eight sergeants, four detectives, two captains, and a chief. We strive to provide excellent ...

Tyler Junior College

Campus Police Sergeant

TX · On-site

$67K - $77K/yr

ABOUT The primary function of a Police Sergeant is to provide supervisory and enforcement skills in ... Investigate criminal offenses to detect and arrest criminals, and recover stolen or lost property

Onslow County

Detective

Jacksonville, NC

$64K - $83K/yr

Work is performed under the general supervision of a Sergeant or Lieutenant within the Investigations Division. Our core values-Resilience, Excellence, Accountability, Customer Service, and Honesty ...

Onslow County, NC

Detective

Jacksonville, NC · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

Work is performed under the general supervision of a Sergeant or Lieutenant within the Investigations Division. Our core values- Resilience, Excellence, Accountability, Customer Service , and Honesty ...

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All JobsDetective Sergeant Jobs

Detective Sergeant information

See salary details

$37.5K

$56.9K

$84K

How much do detective sergeant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 are Detective Sergeants?

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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Detective Sergeant jobs
What states have the most Detective Sergeant jobs? States with the most job openings for Detective Sergeant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Detective Sergeant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Detective Sergeant jobs are:
Detective Sergeant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detective Sergeant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,879 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Brookline Police Department - Lateral Transfer

Brookline Police Department - Lateral Transfer

Town of Brookline

Brookline, MA • On-site

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Brookline, MA. Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of a full-time police officer, via lateral transfer. We are seeking officers who are proactive, community policing orientated with proven reliability and problem-solving skills. The Brookline Police is no longer a Civil Service department and may accept applications from Non- Civil Service departments.

Applicants must have completed a full-time MPTC approved police academy and be POST certified. Applicants must be currently employed as a fulltime police officer in Massachusetts. Applicants must be in good standing with their current department and be eligible for a lateral transfer from their current department. Officers must have a minimum of one years experience as a full-time police officer. Bridge academy graduates and out-of-state applicants will not be considered.

Town of Brookline and Police Department:
The Town of Brookline is 6.81 square miles and has a residential population of approximately 65,000 and is located adjacent to the City of Boston. Local educational and medical institutions, offices and businesses elevate the daytime population to over 100,000. The police department has an authorized deployment of 134 sworn officers. The department consist of numerous divisions and specialty positions including Detectives, Traffic, Motor Cycle Unit, K9 Unit, Community Service, Special Response Team (SRT), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), Warrant Service Unit, Crisis Negotiations Team and Patrol Bike Unit.

Benefits:

  • Salary range for patrol officers is $83,159 - $133, 463*, as of 7/1/26, (education dependent)
  • Quinn equivalent educational incentive eligible for various qualifying degrees (10%-25%)
  • EMT stipend, CIT training incentive, longevity pay, 13 paid holidays
  • 48+ hours of contractual In-service training paid on an overtime basis
  • Detail rate Day Rate - $75 per hour. Night/ Weekend/ Holiday Rate - $112.50
  • Vacation Time: 14 - 28 days per year
  • Administrative Days: 4 - 9 per year
  • Sick Time 14 days per year
  • Generous compensatory time off benefit
  • Health Insurance premiums are covered at a rate of 83/17% - Town/Employee.

* Lateral officers will get credit for time served. Experience, and years of service will determine starting salary.

Application Process:

Any interested candidate should apply to this requisition and then submit a resume to Detective Sergeant Chris Malinn, Officer Employment Coordinator, at cmalinn@brooklinema.gov, (617) 730-2240, no later than June 15, 2026. All eligible candidates will be required to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, oral interview, and medical and psychological examinations.

Apply