Narcotics Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $61,989.00 - $66,755.00 Annually
Location : 201 Habersham Street, Savannah, GA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2603226
Department: Savannah Police Department
Division: Criminal Investigations Division
Opening Date: 05/14/2026
Purpose
The Criminal Investigator is responsible for conducting thorough professional investigations into felony and misdemeanor offenses occurring within the Savannah Police Department's jurisdiction. This position requires advanced investigative skills, the ability to analyze complex criminal cases, and the capacity to work collaboratively with patrol officers, specialized units, prosecutors, and external law enforcement agencies. Investigators are expected to identify suspects, gather and preserve evidence, prepare cases for prosecution, and ensure that investigations are conducted in accordance with department policies, state law, and constitutional standards.
We offer great pay, excellent benefits to include medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, employee/spouse/child supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, deferred compensation plan (457 B), pension plan, flexible spending account, home purchase assistance and 12 paid holidays!
Lateral Officer $61,989 to $66,755
*Based on years of experience
Lateral Entry Bonus Schedule
$1,500 @ time of hire
$1,500 @ after Patrol Officer Training phase (time based on prior experience)
$2,500 @ 1st year anniversary
$4,500 @2nd year anniversary
Retention Bonus
For Police Officers Reaching Their 3rd Year Anniversary Date on or after January 1, 2023: Qualified Officers must:

• have three (3) or more consecutive years of service from their most recent hire date

• be at the Rank of Police Officer

• sign and submit a Two-Year Commitment Agreement

1. Police Officer signs 2-year commitment agreement, then receives
a. $4000 {gross) at 3rd year anniversary date - 1st incentive payment
b. $2500 (gross) at 4th year anniversary date - 2nd incentive payment
2. Police Officer signs 2-year commitment agreement, then receives
c. $2500 {gross) at 5th year anniversary date - 3rd incentive payment
d. $2500 (gross) at 6th year anniversary date - 4th incentive payment
Essential Job Functions

• Conduct independent and collaborative investigations into crimes such as robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, homicide, narcotics violations, financial crimes, and other major offenses.
• Respond to crime scenes and coordinate investigative activities, including evidence collection, witness identification, and suspect interviews.
• Conduct detailed interviews and interrogations of victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Prepare and execute search warrants and arrest warrants in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
• Collect, document, and preserve physical and digital evidence while maintaining proper chain-of-custody procedures.
• Utilize investigative databases, intelligence systems, and analytical tools to identify suspects and develop leads.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative reports, affidavits, and case files for prosecution.
• Work closely with the Chatham County District Attorney's Office to ensure cases are properly prepared for court proceedings.
• Respond to crime scenes and callouts.
• Testify in state and federal court as required.
• Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, including state and federal partners, when investigations across jurisdictions.
• Participate in task forces or specialized investigative initiatives when assigned.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisors regarding case status and investigative progress.
• Assist patrol officers with investigative follow-up and provide guidance on evidence collection and case development.
• Conduct rollcall training with Patrol.
• Trains and studies with police equipment and other training personnel to develop and maintain competency and proficiency.
• Assists in patrolling assigned areas of responsibility to prevent and reduce criminal activity.
• Preparing incidents and arrest reports.
• Enforcing traffic laws; conducts vehicle stops, investigates traffic accidents, issue citations.
• Operates miscellaneous equipment including emergency vehicles, radar, breath alcohol analyzers, and other issued equipment.

• Assist in processing of evidence and the preparation of court cases, may provide legal testimony as required.
• Writes and files daily activity report with superior officer.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Performs Shift Work

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Valid driver's license.
• Applicant must be 21 years of age by the date of hire.
• Must be a citizen of the United States or a repatriated or naturalized citizen of the United States.
• Minimum three (3) years of sworn law enforcement experience as a Criminal Investigator
• Three (3) years' experience or comparable experience or training.
• Current Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification or the ability to obtain Georgia POST certification within the required timeframe. Out-of-State Certified Officers, Federal Police Officers, Military Police Officers, and Department of Defense Uniformed Police, may complete Equivalency of Training (EOT) via Georgia P.O.S.T. More information is available on the P.0.S.T. website (DownloadPDFreader)

• Demonstrated experience in criminal investigations, case management, or detective functions.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a detective or investigative assignment.
• Specialized investigative training in areas such as homicide investigations, violent crimes, property crimes, financial crimes, interview and interrogation, search warrants and affidavits, and digital forensics.

Work Location: 201 Habersham St. Work Hours: varies
Additional Requirements
Background investigation, including supervised drugscreen, postoffer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.
Working Conditions

• Work may involve irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on investigative needs.
• Investigators may be required to respond to crime scenes, emergency incidents, and callouts outside of normal working hours.
• Work involves exposure to stressful situations, crime scenes,and potentially hazardous environments.
• During emergencies and disasters affecting the City of Savannah, you may be required to report to work as part of a disaster operations team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the physical functions of a sworn law enforcement officer, including standing, walking, lifting evidence, and responding to active crime scenes.
• Ability to operate departmental vehicles and investigative equipment

Additional Information

• Strong knowledge of criminal law, investigative techniques, and constitutional law.

• Ability to analyze complex information and develop investigative strategies.
• Skill in interviewing witnesses and conducting interrogations.
• Ability to prepare detailed written reports and legal documentation.
• Proficiency in using investigative technology, records management systems, and criminal intelligence databases.
• Strong organizational and case management skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

• The application and selection process will consist of the following:

Physical Agility Test (PAT) Course Description:

1. The course measures a total of 870 feet (290 yards/265.2 meters) (half-court basketball court).
2. There is a time limit of two minutes six seconds (2:06) - time starts on candidate's movement from the starting line and ends when they pass the finish line.
3. The course consists of a series of nine interspersed individual tasks, arranged in a continuous form at that may be viewed as being essential (physical) job tasks for law enforcement training:

Penalties Assessed:
+2 seconds for knocked down hurdles,
+2 seconds for foot faults on "ditch simulation"

1. 3 physical attempts "through the window" and "over the fence" before evaluator can offer run around
2. If a candidate skips stairs going down, they will be returned to the stair landing and repeat.

• After the Physical Agility Test (PAT), the applicant will complete the following

1. Fingerprinting
2. Orientation
3. Oral Board Interview
4. Polygraph Examination
5. Extensive Background Investigation
6. Interview with the Police Chief or designee
7. Medical Examination
8. Psychological Evaluation
9. Equivalent of Training (EOT) GA POST verification.

• Figure 1: Physical Agility Test (PAT) Course Description

Applicants will be performing the above series of nine interspersed individual tasks, arranged in a continuous format that may be viewed as being essential (physical) job tasks for peace officer training:
Running
CITY OF SAVANNAH EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Overview of Benefits
Paid Holiday
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Defined Benefit Retirement Pension Plan
Protective Services Retirement Plan (select positions)
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
Retirement Seminars
PPO Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness Programs
Health & Wellness Incentives
Long Term Disability
Excellence and Service Recognition
Employee Development and In-Service Training
Educational Assistance Program
Uniform Allowance (select positions)
Employee Assistance Program
Discounts and Memberships
Employee Relations
Direct Deposit
Credit Union
Pretax Parking Deductions
Employer Assisted Home Purchase Program
Domestic Partnership Benefits
Healthcare
PPO Medical Plus Plan
PPO Medical Basic Plan
Dental Plus Plan
Dental Basic Plan
Vision Service Plan
Life Insurance
Basic Life and ADD
Supplemental Life Employee
Supplemental Life Spouse
Supplemental Life Child
Benefits costs are paid by the City of Savannah, by the employee or shared by both the City and the employee.
01
Are you a sworn police officer?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a current Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification or the ability to obtain Georgia POST certification within the required timeframe?

• Yes
• No

03
Have you been a sworn certified peace officer in another state, Federal Police Officer, Military Police Officer, or DOD Uniform Police? Is your certification active? When did your certification expire? Enter N/A if you have never been in law enforcement.
04
Do you have at least three (3) years of sworn law enforcement experience as a Criminal Investigator or three (3) year's comparable experience and training?

• Yes
• No

05
Are you a United States Citizen?

• Yes
• No

06
Describe your prior experience in a detective or investigative assignment. (Please include the agency where this experience was obtained.)
07
Please list any specialized investigative training in areas such as homicide investigations, violent crimes, property crimes, financial crimes, interview and interrogation, search warrants and affidavits, and digital forensics. (Please include the agency where this experience was obtained.)
08
Please attach a copy of your high school diploma/transcripts, birth certificate, and social security card to this application. Official copies of your high school transcript should be emailed to spdrecruiting@savannahga.gov.

• Yes
• No

09
Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

10
Has your driver's license ever been suspended?

• Yes
• No

11
If yes, please provide reason and date of suspension.
12
Please indicate which branch of the Armed Forces you have served in below.

• Army
• Air Force
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corp
• National Guard
• Army Reserve
• Not applicable

13
Please provide a copy of your DD214 or a Letter of Good Standing.

• Yes
• No

14
Do you have any tattoos?

• Yes
• No

15
If Yes, please describe and list locations. Please also attach photos of your tattoos for vetting purposes.
16
Have you used illegal drugs to include marijuana in the last year?

• Yes
• No

17
Have you ever sold or distributed illegal drugs?

• Yes
• No

18
Have you ever been a member of or had any association with any hate group, gang, or terrorist organization?

• Yes
• No

19
Does your employment his...