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Detective Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Gianteagle

Multi-Store Detective

Washington, DC

Job Summary Store Detectives are key players in serving their assigned locations in the detection and apprehension of shoplifters. * Experience Required: 0 to 1 year * Experience Desired: Experience ...

TJX Companies

Loss Prevention Detective

Lanham, MD · On-site

$15 - $20.40/hr

TJ Maxx At TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and ...

Tjx

Loss Prevention Detective

Lanham, MD · On-site

$15 - $20.40/hr

TJ Maxx At TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and ...

TJX Companies

70118-LP Detective

Arlington, VA

$14.30 - $20/hr

All 1,000 of our Marshalls stores embrace discovery, from designer luggage to statement shoes. Our assortment of brands is always changing, but our mission to provide the surprises that make the ...

TJX Companies

70118-LP Detective

Rockville, MD

$17.15 - $20/hr

All 1,000 of our Marshalls stores embrace discovery, from designer luggage to statement shoes. Our assortment of brands is always changing, but our mission to provide the surprises that make the ...

TJX Companies

Loss Prevention Detective

Lanham, MD · On-site

$15 - $20.40/hr

TJ Maxx At TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and ...

Tjx

Loss Prevention Store Detective

Alexandria, VA

$14.55 - $20.40/hr

Marshalls At TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and ...

New

Tjx

Loss Prevention Store Detective

Rockville, MD

$18 - $20.40/hr

Marshalls At TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDetective JobsDetective Jobs in Washington

Detective information

See Washington salary details

$32.8K

$70.1K

$111.6K

How much do detective jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for detective in Washington is $70,113.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a detective?

Detectives are law enforcement professionals who investigate crimes by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and following leads to solve cases. They often specialize in particular types of crime, such as homicide, fraud, or missing persons. Detectives work closely with other police officers and may testify in court about their findings. Their job requires strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Detectives play a crucial role in ensuring justice and public safety.

What do detectives do?

A police detective is a police officer who works to gather evidence and facts for criminal cases. A police detective’s duties include interviewing potential suspects, examining records and apprehending criminals. These police officers will work on specific cases until they are solved or dropped.

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

To thrive as a Detective, you need strong investigative skills, critical thinking, and a background in law enforcement, typically supported by police academy training and relevant experience. Proficiency in evidence management systems, forensic tools, and case management software is usually required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help detectives excel in interviewing witnesses and building cases. These skills are vital for effectively solving crimes, ensuring justice, and maintaining public trust.

What are some common challenges detectives face when working on complex cases?

Detectives often encounter challenges such as piecing together incomplete or conflicting information, managing multiple leads simultaneously, and working under tight deadlines. Additionally, they must collaborate with various departments, including forensic teams and legal professionals, while maintaining clear communication with victims or witnesses. These challenges require detectives to be resourceful, detail-oriented, and persistent in order to solve cases effectively.

What is the difference between Detective vs Police Officer?

AspectDetectivePolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, police academy, detective training, sometimes college degreeHigh school diploma, police academy
Work EnvironmentInvestigative settings, offices, crime scenesPatrol, crime scenes, community interactions
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, detective bureausPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonInvestigative work, case solvingPatrol duties, maintaining public safety

Detectives focus on investigating crimes, gathering evidence, and solving cases, often working in offices or at crime scenes. Police officers perform patrol duties, respond to emergencies, and maintain public safety. While both roles are part of law enforcement, detectives typically require additional investigative training and work more in investigative settings, whereas police officers handle a broader range of community policing tasks.

How do you get hired as a detective?

To become a detective, candidates typically need to first serve as a police officer, gaining experience and demonstrating strong investigative skills. They often must meet minimum requirements such as age, education, and background checks, and may need to complete specialized training or exams for promotion or selection to detective roles.

What are the different types of detective jobs?

Detective jobs can be categorized into various types, including criminal investigators, homicide detectives, fraud investigators, cybercrime detectives, and private investigators. Each type specializes in different areas of investigation and may require specific skills, certifications, or security clearances. Detectives often work in law enforcement agencies, private firms, or as independent consultants, and their work environments can vary from offices to crime scenes.

What can you do as a detective?

A detective investigates crimes by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing information to solve cases. They often work in law enforcement agencies, using skills such as surveillance, report writing, and sometimes forensics, to identify suspects and support prosecution efforts.
More about Detective jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Detective jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Detective jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Detective jobs in Washington?

For Detective jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Detective jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Detective jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Detective jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Detective job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Detective jobs in WA?

For Detective jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Detective jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detective job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,113 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Multi-Store Detective

Washington, DC

Gianteagle
Retail • 10K+ employees

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 721 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 123 rated grocery stores

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Recommended by parents

Learn more about Gianteagleexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

Store Detectives are key players in serving their assigned locations in the detection and apprehension of shoplifters.

Job Description

  • Experience Required: 0 to 1 year
  • Experience Desired: Experience working in a retail grocery environment/law enforcement or security experience
  • Education Desired: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Lifting Requirement: Up to 50 pounds
  • Travel Required: Regional - Daily, Less than 10%
  • Age Requirement: At least 18 years of age

Job Responsibilities

  • Detect and apprehend shoplifters with the use of standard visual practice and CCTV in multi-store environment.
  • Utilize CCTV to create video records of incidents requested by law enforcement and internal departments.
  • Troubleshoot, report and provide solutions for malfunctions in CCTV equipment.
  • Provide testimony in court cases as required by law enforcement or court representatives.
  • Report possible internal integrity issues to the assigned loss prevention representative.
  • Communicate effectively with customers and law enforcement personnel.
  • Perform other security and loss prevention duties to ensure a safe and secure environment for customers and Team Members.
  • Maintain safety as the top priority for our Team Members, guests and products.
Giant Eagle logo

About Giant Eagle

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Giant Eagle Inc., we're more than just food, fuel and convenience. We're one giant family of diverse and talented Team Members. Our people are the heart and soul of our company. It's why we strive to create a nurturing environment that offers countless career opportunities to grow. Deep caring and solid family values are what makes us one of the top work places for jobs in the Greater Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus and Indianapolis Areas. From our Warehouses to our GetGo's, our grocery Stores through our Corporate home office, we are working together to put food on shoppers' tables and smiles on their faces. We're always searching for the best Team Members to welcome to our family. We invite you to join our Giant Eagle family. Come start a lasting career with us.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

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