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Detective Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Archuleta County

Detective

Pagosa Springs, CO

This person performs professional and technical investigative work required to collect facts and determine circumstances relative to petty, misdemeanor, and felony criminal offenses committed within ...

City of Stockbridge

Detective

Stockbridge, GA · On-site

Description This position is responsible for the investigation of reported or suspected criminal activity and the prosecution of federal, state, and local laws. The Investigator performs a variety of ...

Onslow County

Detective

Jacksonville, NC

$64K - $83K/yr

Performs intermediate protective service work in the Sheriff's Office, investigating adult and juvenile criminal activity, including crimes against persons, property, drugs, and other specialized ...

Career Search

Detective

Stockbridge, GA · On-site

This position is responsible for the investigation of reported or suspected criminal activity and the prosecution of federal, state, and local laws. The Investigator performs a variety of duties ...

Boscov's

Retail Loss Prevention Detective - FT

Erie, PA · On-site

Retail Loss Prevention Detective Use your experience in retail loss prevention to launch an exciting career as a Loss Prevention Detective with one of the nation's leading retailers! Boscov's is a ...

ShopRite

ShopRite - Store Detective

Moosic, PA · On-site

Detect and apprehend Customers, Associates, and Vendors for theft in a professional manner in accordance with Company policy, by specific directions of the Loss Prevention Specialist, and legal ...

ShopRite

ShopRite - Store Detective

Newark, DE · On-site

Detect and apprehend Customers, Associates, and Vendors for theft in a professional manner in accordance with Company policy, by specific directions of the Loss Prevention Specialist, and legal ...

ShopRite

ShopRite - Store Detective

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Detect and apprehend Customers, Associates, and Vendors for theft in a professional manner in accordance with Company policy, by specific directions of the Loss Prevention Specialist, and legal ...

ShopRite

ShopRite - Store Detective

Norwich, CT · On-site

Detect and apprehend Customers, Associates, and Vendors for theft in a professional manner in accordance with Company policy, by specific directions of the Loss Prevention Specialist, and legal ...

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All JobsDetective Jobs

Detective information

See salary details

$29K

$61.9K

$98.5K

How much do detective jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 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.

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 pass written exams, physical tests, background checks, and complete specialized training or detective academies. Advancement usually requires good performance, experience, and sometimes additional certifications or education in criminal justice.

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.

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 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 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 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.

What are the different types of detective jobs?

Detective jobs can be categorized into various types, including criminal investigators, private investigators, corporate detectives, forensic investigators, and cyber detectives. Each type specializes in different areas such as law enforcement, private security, corporate fraud, or digital crime, often requiring specific skills, tools, and certifications. These roles may involve working in police departments, private firms, or corporate security environments.
More about Detective jobs
What cities are hiring for Detective jobs? Cities with the most Detective job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Detective jobs? The most popular types of Detective jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Detective jobs? The top employers for Detective jobs are:
What states have the most Detective jobs? States with the most job openings for Detective jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Detective jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Detective jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Detective jobs? For Detective jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Detective jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detective job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,905 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Detective

Archuleta County

Pagosa Springs, CO

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

This person performs professional and technical investigative work required to collect facts and determine circumstances relative to petty, misdemeanor, and felony criminal offenses committed within the jurisdiction of the County. Performs all law enforcement functions of the Patrol Deputy in the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws and ordinances for the protection of life, health, safety, welfare and property of the public and community. Assists community members in solving problems and maintaining the peace.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The duties described herein are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Responds to emergent and non-emergent complaints of crimes or incidents. Develops leads. Collects and analyzes facts and data necessary for development and documentation of probable cause and for the solution of assigned cases.

Coordinates, conducts and leads all aspects of investigations of crime scenes or incidents to gather pertinent facts and information.

Directs the activities of personnel involved in investigative efforts and provides technical guidance to Deputies conducting initial investigative procedures. Oversees and conducts follow-up investigations.

Prepares affidavits for search and arrest warrants. Assists Deputies in preparing affidavits for warrants.

Interviews victims, witnesses, participants and suspects at the scene of an incident or crime.

Conducts searches and gathers records as well as preserving evidence and/or contraband.

Apprehends and interviews/interrogates suspects.

Prepares detailed reports of the results of investigations. Prepares documentation and case files to be forwarded to the District Attorney's office with requests for prosecution.

Participates in continuing education in specialty areas such as 1) Evidence collection, 2) Forensic Interviewing, 3) DNA collection, 4) Photography, 5) Sexual Assault, 6) Victim based crimes, 7) Court Testimony, etc.

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