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Major Crimes Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Major Crimes Unit augments patrol and investigates property crimes, crimes against people including homicide and sexual assault, and other in-depth investigations. The other units such as SINTF ...

Adult Custody Cook I/II

Anderson, CA · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

The Major Crimes Unit augments patrol and investigates property crimes, crimes against people including homicide and sexual assault, and other in-depth investigations. The other units such as SINTF ...

Major Crimes Staff Attorney

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$113K - $124K/yr

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc . has an exciting opportunity for a Staff Attorney in our Criminal Defense Unit to perform a variety of trial level activities in the area of criminal law ...

$113K - $124K/yr

Major Crimes Staff Attorney - Criminal Defense Unit The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Staff Attorney in our Criminal Defense Unit to perform a variety of trial ...

Police Officer - Lateral

Concord, CA · On-site

$125K - $151K/yr

Detective (Violence Suppression Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, Special Victims Unit, Major Crimes Unit), Canine, Community Impact Unit, Motorcycle, Traffic Investigator, Special Enforcement Team ...

Police Officer - Lateral

Concord, CA · On-site

$125K - $151K/yr

Detective (Violence Suppression Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, Special Victims Unit, Major Crimes Unit), Canine, Community Impact Unit, Motorcycle, Traffic Investigator, Special Enforcement Team ...

Police Officer - Lateral

Concord, CA · On-site

$125K - $151K/yr

Detective (Violence Suppression Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, Special Victims Unit, Major Crimes Unit), Canine, Community Impact Unit, Motorcycle, Traffic Investigator, Special Enforcement Team ...

Police Officer Trainee

Concord, CA · On-site

$31.91/hr

Detective (Violence Suppression Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, Special Victims Unit, Major Crimes Unit), Canine, Community Impact Unit, Motorcycle, Traffic Investigator, Special Enforcement Team ...

Police Officer - Academy Grad

Concord, CA · On-site

$125K - $151K/yr

Detective (Violence Suppression Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, Special Victims Unit, Major Crimes Unit), Canine, Community Impact Unit, Motorcycle, Traffic Investigator, Special Enforcement Team ...

Police Officer Trainee

Concord, CA · On-site

$31.91/hr

Detective (Violence Suppression Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, Special Victims Unit, Major Crimes Unit), Canine, Community Impact Unit, Motorcycle, Traffic Investigator, Special Enforcement Team ...

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Major Crimes Unit information

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How much do major crimes unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for major crimes unit in the United States is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Major Crimes Unit?

The Major Crimes Unit is a specialized division within law enforcement agencies that focuses on investigating serious and complex criminal cases, such as homicides, sexual assaults, kidnappings, and organized crime. Members of this unit are highly trained detectives who use advanced investigative techniques to solve crimes that require extensive resources and expertise. Their work often involves collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, collecting and analyzing evidence, and preparing cases for prosecution. The Major Crimes Unit plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety by addressing the most significant and high-profile criminal cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Major Crimes Unit?

To thrive in a Major Crimes Unit, you need advanced investigative skills, a thorough understanding of criminal law, and experience in law enforcement—often supported by a criminal justice degree and specialized training. Familiarity with forensic analysis tools, case management software, and evidence collection systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for building cases and working with diverse teams. These competencies are essential for solving complex crimes efficiently and ensuring justice is served.

What are some common challenges faced by investigators in a Major Crimes Unit, and how are they addressed?

Investigators in a Major Crimes Unit often encounter complex cases that require navigating large volumes of evidence, coordinating with multiple agencies, and managing high-pressure situations due to public interest or case sensitivity. These challenges are addressed through specialized training, strong teamwork, and leveraging advanced forensic technologies. Regular briefings, clear communication channels, and support from supervisors help ensure effective collaboration and case progress, making adaptability and resilience key traits for success in this role.

What is the difference between Major Crimes Unit vs Detective?

AspectMajor Crimes UnitDetective
CredentialsLaw enforcement training, police academy, specialized unitsLaw enforcement training, police academy
Work EnvironmentInvestigating serious crimes like homicide, sexual assault, robberyInvestigating various crimes, including theft, assault, homicide
Employer & IndustryPolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Search & Comparison IntentMajor Crimes Unit vs Detective

The Major Crimes Unit is a specialized division within law enforcement focused on investigating serious crimes such as homicide and sexual assault. Detectives, on the other hand, handle a broader range of criminal investigations, including theft and assault. Both roles require law enforcement training and work within police departments. While detectives may work on various cases, Major Crimes Units concentrate on high-profile, complex crimes requiring specialized skills.

Is it hard to become a major crimes unit?

Becoming a member of a major crimes unit typically requires several years of law enforcement experience, specialized training, and a proven record of investigative skills. Candidates often need to demonstrate strong analytical abilities, knowledge of criminal law, and proficiency with investigative tools and techniques. Advancement into such units can be competitive and may require passing additional assessments or interviews.

What cities are hiring for Major Crimes Unit jobs?

Cities with the most Major Crimes Unit job openings:

What states have the most Major Crimes Unit jobs?

States with the most job openings for Major Crimes Unit jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Major Crimes Unit jobs?

For Major Crimes Unit jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Adult Custody Cook I/II

Redding, CA

$45K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform cooking and related kitchen duties at the Shasta County Jail facility.

  • Order supplies, keep records, and assist in training inmates in cooking and baking.

  • Assist sworn personnel by handling non-hazardous security responsibilities and supervise inmates in the kitchen/laundry areas.


Job description

THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE SHASTA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 SEE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION REGARDING POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED FINAL FILING DATE: SEPTEMBER 14, 2026, AT 5:00 PM SALARY INFORMATION Adult Custody Cook I: $3,833-$4,892 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $22.11-$28.22 APPROXIMATE HOURLY* Adult Custody Cook II: $4,024-$5,137 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY*/ $23.22-$29.63 APPROXIMATE HOURLY* This position is in the TEAMSTERS bargaining unit. Please refer to the applicable bargaining unit labor agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) for potential future salary increases: Shasta County Labor Agreements The salary range consists of six (6) salary steps, with approximately 5% between each step. Newly hired employees are appointed at Step A of the assigned salary range

Employees are eligible for a merit-based salary increase from Step A to Step B after six months of satisfactory service. Thereafter, employees may be eligible for annual merit-based step increases, beginning one year from the Step B effective date, until they reach the top step of the salary range. ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere.

With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The Sheriff's Office is organized into five divisions: Custody, Services, Enforcement, Investigations, and Coroner. The Custody Division includes the County Jail, the Annex Work Facility, and the Court Transportation facilities.

The purpose of the jail is to incarcerate offenders while providing basic medical care for county, state, out-of-county, and federal prisoners who are ineligible to be assigned to alternative custody programs. The jail is a maximum-security facility that houses both pre-sentenced and sentenced persons. The Services Division includes the local Office of Emergency Services, Personnel and Hiring, Background Unit, Internal Affairs, and Records Unit.

The Enforcement Division handles all patrol-related matters. The Enforcement Division is responsible for municipal law enforcement services within the City of Shasta Lake. The Animal Regulation Unit is also under the Enforcement Division of the Sheriff's Office.

The Investigations Division includes the Major Crimes Unit, Crime Lab, Shasta Interagency Narcotics Taskforce (SINTF), Marijuana Eradication Team (MET), and the AB109 Compliance Team. The Major Crimes Unit augments patrol and investigates property crimes, crimes against people including homicide and sexual assault, and other in-depth investigations. The other units such as SINTF, MET, and the AB 109 Compliance Team augment the Major Crimes Unit along with handling drug-related offenses, probation offenses, parole offenses, and other investigations, as assigned.

The Sheriff is also the County Coroner; therefore, the Coroner's Division is responsible for investigating sudden, violent, unusual, and unexpected deaths when the decedent has not been recently seen by a physician. The Coroner's Division is commanded by a Lieutenant who serves as the agency's Chief Deputy Coroner. ABOUT THE POSITION Adult Custody Cook I: Under close supervision, performs cooking and related kitchen duties at the Shasta County Jail facility; orders supplies and keeps records; performs related work as required.

Adult Custody Cook II: Under supervision, assists sworn personnel by handling non-hazardous security responsibilities, performs cooking and related kitchen duties at the Shasta County Jail facility; directly supervises and trains adult inmates as assigned to the Jail kitchen/laundry areas; orders supplies and keeps records; performs related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Adult Custody Cook I is the entry level classification in the Adult Custody Cook series. Initially under immediate supervision, incumbents learn to prepare and portion food in an institutional setting.

As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. The Adult Custody Cook I will place orders for perishable goods such as produce and dairy products and under supervision, assist in the training of inmates in the cooking and baking of all meal items served and/or transported from the Jail kitchen.

Advancement to the Adult Custody II level is typical after one (1) year of experience which allows the incumbent to gain the knowledge, skill, and experience which meets the qualifications for, and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work, of the higher-level class. Adult Custody Cook II: This is the journey-level classification in the Adult Custody Cook series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Adult Custody Cook I class by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently under less supervision, and exercising judgment and initiative.

The Adult Custody Cook II possesses the knowledge and skill to train and supervise adult inmate workers assigned to the kitchen and laundry located in the Jail facility. Incumbents place orders for perishable goods such as produce and dairy products; trains other Adult Custody Cook II or I employees and inmates in the cooking and baking of all meal items served and/or transported from the Jail kitchen. The Adult Custody Cook II - Supervisor in Charge may be used to supervise the food service and laundry areas in the absence of the Adult Custody Cook III (Custody Division).

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Adult Custody Cook I: Sanitation inspection of the food service and laundry areas; performs non-hazardous security functions within the facility; prepares, cooks and dispenses, soups, meats, dairy, poultry, fish, and vegetables according to standardized menus and special diets; bakes bread and pastries; orders perishable goods such as produce and dairy products; maintains inventory records; rotates food stores; plans the processing of laundry, including the receiving, marking and sorting of laundry articles; enforces safety and sanitation practices; inventories and requisitions supplies; maintains a record of all laundry items and supplies; writes incident reports as necessary; and performs other duties as required. Adult Custody Cook II: Training of other Adult Custody Cook II or I employees in the physical operation and sequence of the food service and laundry systems; supervision of up to 15 male or female adult felony/misdemeanor, sentenced or un-sentenced inmates assigned to these areas; visual inspection of all adult inmate workers as assigned to the food service and laundry areas of the Jail; sanitation inspection of the food service and laundry areas while supervising adult inmate workers; performs non-hazardous security functions within the facility; prepares, cooks and dispenses, soups, meats, dairy, poultry, fish, and vegetables according to standardized menus and special diets; trains and coordinates the activities of adult inmate workers in food preparation; bakes bread and pastries; orders perishable goods such as produce and dairy products; maintains inventory records; rotates food stores; supervises the cleaning of the kitchen and the equipment; plans and supervises the processing of laundry, including the receiving, marking and sorting of laundry articles; establishes work schedules; enforces safety and sanitation practices; inventories and requisitions supplies; maintains a record of all laundry items and supplies; writes incident reports as necessary; and performs other duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following: Adult Custody Cook I: Knowledge of: Cooking, baking utensils and equipment; methods used in preparing large quantities of food; baking bread and pastries; special diet preparation; safety and sanitation principles applicable to the preparation and serving of food; methods of portion control; safety procedures and precautions related to the operation of laundry equipment; proper use and preparation of soaps, bleaches, starches, scouring, brightening, and other washing solutions used in the laundry.

Ability to: Read and prepare standard and special diet menus; arrange food preparation sequence in order to serve meals on schedule; properly and safely operate and clean a variety of food preparation equipment and appliances; plan and schedule work to make efficient use of all laundry equipment and to meet work schedules; adjust standard recipes according to varying number of servings; use methods and procedures required in the preparation of large quantities of food; follow security procedures; maintain accurate inventory and records. Adult Custody Cook II: Knowledge of: supervision of personnel; cooking, baking utensils and equipment; methods used in preparing large quantities of food; baking bread and pastries; special diet preparation; safety and sanitation principles applicable to the preparation and serving of food; methods of portion control; safety procedures and precautions related to the operation of laundry equipment; proper use and preparation of soaps, bleaches, starches, scouring, brightening, and other washing solutions used in the laundry. Ability to: read and prepare standard and special diet menus; arrange food preparation sequence in order to serve meals on schedule; properly and safely operate and clean a variety of food preparation equipment and appliances; plan and schedule work to make efficient use of all laundry equipment and to meet work schedules; adjust standard recipes according to varying number of servings; use methods and procedures required in the preparation of large quantities of food; train and supervise adult inmate workers in food preparations and the operation of a commercial laundry; follow security procedures; maintain accurate inventory and records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below. Adult Custody Cook I: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent AND one (1) year of cooking experience. Experience preparing, baking, and cooking food in an institutional or commercial kitchen is highly desirable.

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered. The Following Applies to the Sheriff's Office: Successful completion of evasive self-defense training; Fire and Life Safety Training; Community CPR, first aid and classroom instruction; OC spray and use; complete Fire and Life Safety Training Course every two (2) years; carry and operate a Scott Air pack; and complete First Aid/CPR training every two (2) years. Adult Custody Cook II: EITHER One (1) year of experience comparable to that of Adult Custody Cook I with Shasta County; OR One (1) year of full-time experience in preparing and cooking food and baking in an institutional or commercial kitchen.

One (1) year working in an institutional or commercial laundry may be required for some assignments. The Following Applies to the Sheriff's Office: Successful completion of evasive self-defense training; Fire and Life Safety Training; Community CPR, first aid and classroom instruction; OC spray and use; complete Fire and Life Safety Training Course every two (2) years; carry and operate a Scott Air pack; and complete First Aid/CPR training every two (2) years. SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

Are you a high school graduate or have a GED equivalent. Yes / No Do you have one (1) year of cooking experience. If "Yes," please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties.

If "No," type N/A. Do you have one (1) year of experience comparable to that of an Adult Custody Cook I with Shasta County. If "Yes," please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties.

If "No," type N/A. Do you have one (1) year of full-time experience in preparing and cooking food and baking in an institutional or commercial kitchen. If "Yes," please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties.

If "No," type N/A. Do you have one (1) year of full-time experience working in an institutional or commercial laundry. If "Yes," please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties.

If "No," type N/A. I understand I must have a Successful completion of evasive self-defense training; Fire and Life Safety Training; Community CPR, first aid and classroom instruction; OC spray and use; complete Fire and Life Safety Training Course every two (2) years; carry and operate a Scott Air pack; and complete First Aid/CPR training every two (2) years. Yes/No PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to stand or walk. The employees are frequently required to use their hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or bend, twist, and taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately noisy. This classification will be working with up to 15 male or female adult, felony/misdemeanor, sentenced or un-se...