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Police Detective Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Brooklyn Center

Police Detective

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$55.39 - $61.06/hr

Position Summary The police detective is responsible for the investigation of reported offenses, on-scene investigations, preparation of cases for criminal court, and the handling and gathering of ...

City of Bastrop (TX)

Police Detective

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$33.03/hr

... as a Police Detective. The City of Bastrop Police Department is a cohesive, collaborative team of professionals dedicated to providing our community exceptional public service and possess a ...

Bastrop

Police Detective

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$33.03/hr

... as a Police Detective . The City of Bastrop Police Department is a cohesive, collaborative team of professionals dedicated to providing our community exceptional public service and possess a ...

City of Liberal, KS

Police Detective

Liberal, KS · On-site

Police Detective Apply at: This is a non-exempt position with limited supervisory responsibilities, but may require supervisory skills and management of personnel that are assigned operations of ...

City of Liberal, KS

Police Detective

Liberal, KS · On-site

Police Detective Apply at: This is a non-exempt position with limited supervisory responsibilities, but may require supervisory skills and management of personnel that are assigned operations of ...

City of Hobbs

POLICE DETECTIVE

Hobbs, NM · On-site

$38.52 - $51.62/hr

Description Performs technical law enforcement work as a non-uniformed police officer in the investigation of crime and the detection and prevention of violations of the law. Essential Duties Regular ...

City of Commerce City, CO

Lateral Police Detective

CO · On-site

$82K - $121K/yr

A Police Detective performs general and specific law enforcement and investigative functions within the municipal environment. Detectives observe and act upon circumstances that call for law ...

City of Loveland, CO

Lateral Police Detective

Loveland, CO · On-site

$93K - $101K/yr

The Loveland Police Department is seeking a Criminal Investigations Detective who brings sound judgment, professional demeanor, and a disciplined approach to investigative work. This assignment is ...

City of Loveland, CO

Lateral Police Detective

Loveland, CO · On-site

$93K - $101K/yr

The Loveland Police Department is seeking a Criminal Investigations Detective who brings sound judgment, professional demeanor, and a disciplined approach to investigative work. This assignment is ...

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How much do police detective jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for police detective in the United States is $68,582.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Police Detective do?

A Police Detective is a law enforcement professional responsible for investigating crimes, gathering evidence, and solving cases. They often interview witnesses and suspects, analyze crime scenes, and collaborate with other officers and agencies. Detectives typically specialize in specific types of crimes, such as homicide, robbery, or fraud. Their work helps ensure that perpetrators are identified and brought to justice, contributing to community safety.

What is the highest paid detective job?

The highest paid detective roles are often in federal agencies such as FBI Special Agents or DEA agents, who typically earn higher salaries due to specialized training, security clearances, and complex investigations. These positions may also include additional benefits, overtime, and opportunities for advancement, contributing to higher overall compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Police Detective, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Detective, you need strong investigative skills, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and typically a background in law enforcement with relevant training or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic technologies, and evidence handling protocols is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and ethical judgment make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively solving cases, gathering reliable evidence, and ensuring justice is served with integrity.

What Do Police Detectives Do?

Police detectives gather evidence and examine crime scenes to discover what happened in criminal cases. As a police detective, you are among the first law enforcement officials to arrive at the scene of the crime. You look for forensic evidence and interview witnesses. Some police detectives may be general detectives, working on various types of crimes, while others are assigned to specialized departments that focus on specific kinds of crimes, such as drug dealing, financial crimes, or violent crimes. They work on their assigned cases until they are solved or set aside as inconclusive with insufficient evidence.

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

Police detectives often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of evidence, coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies, and maintaining clear communication with victims and witnesses. Another frequent difficulty is balancing the need for thorough investigation with the pressure to quickly solve cases. Additionally, detectives must stay up-to-date with evolving investigative techniques and technology while working within legal and ethical boundaries.

Can cops do detective work?

Police detectives are law enforcement officers who conduct investigations into crimes, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and solve cases. They typically have experience as patrol officers before specializing in detective work and may require specialized training or certifications. Detective work often involves working in an office or on the scene of a crime, sometimes requiring irregular hours.

Is it hard to become a police detective?

Becoming a police detective typically requires first serving as a police officer, which involves meeting minimum age, education, and background requirements, and passing physical and written exams. Candidates often need several years of law enforcement experience, strong investigative skills, and sometimes specialized training or certifications before qualifying for detective roles.

How does a police become a detective?

To become a police detective, officers typically need to have several years of experience as a patrol officer, demonstrate strong investigative skills, and often pass written exams or assessments. Many departments require candidates to complete specialized training or coursework and to be promoted through ranks based on performance and seniority.
More about Police Detective jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Detective jobs? Cities with the most Police Detective job openings:
What states have the most Police Detective jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Detective jobs include:
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Police Detective jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Detective job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,582 per year, or $33 per hour.
Police Detective

Police Detective

The City of Kings Mountain

Kings Mountain, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Police Detective
DEFINITION
Under direction of the Investigations Division Sergeant, the Detective is expected to perform comprehensive criminal investigation work; law enforcement and crime prevention work; to enforce State and local laws and ordinances.
The Detective assists the Investigations Sergeant in performing field supervision of crime scenes, in addition to performing investigative work and general administrative activities in carrying out the direction of the Chief of Police.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Detective classification is assigned to investigative and perform administrative activities. An incumbent in this class may be called upon to lead Investigators engaged in criminal investigation activities as determined by the Investigative Sergeant. Incumbents perform the full range of complex and routine investigative work assignments.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Respond to in-progress calls requiring immediate law enforcement assistance.
  • Conducts criminal and special investigations, including domestic violence, burglaries, thefts, robberies, assaults, homicides and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws.
  • Prepares case documentation for filing with the District Attorney and presents case evidence in Court as required.
  • Receives calls from and assists other law enforcement agencies in emergencies or with requests for assistance with investigations.
  • Coordinates with supervisor on progress and problems concerning assigned cases.
  • Supervises crime scene investigations.
  • Maintains records on investigative assignments.
  • May perform duties in other areas of the Police Department, when called upon to do so.
  • Assists other Detectives with follow-up investigations, and is actively involved in the routine gathering of evidence, questioning of witnesses, apprehension of suspects.
  • Assists Detectives in preparing case reports for trial and preparing for appearances in court to present evidence testimony.
  • Maintains, facilitates and actively participates in the achievement of the City of Kings Mountain Police Department Mission, Goals and Values.
  • Provides information and guidance to the public/victims regarding case status and processes.
  • May review reports submitted by officers and/or other Detectives to insure completeness.
  • Conducts in-service training and provides input in the performance appraisal process for rotational detectives.
  • Participates in an on-call rotation schedule with other detectives.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
  • Modern police methods and procedures, including crime prevention techniques.
  • Criminal law, with particular emphasis on apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of misdemeanors and felonies.
  • Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and the preservation and presentation of evidence in court.
  • Criminal investigation techniques and procedures, including crime scene investigation, interrogation, fingerprinting and photography.
  • Recent court decisions on arrest, search, interrogation procedures and the handling of suspects and prisoners.
  • Maintains a clear understanding of the concepts and philosophy of Community Policing and Problem Oriented Policing.
  • Principles of supervision and training.
  • Use and care of firearms.

Ability to:
  • Gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence.
  • Draw logical conclusions from information and make proper recommendations.
  • Interpret and apply laws and regulations.
  • Train and mentor other Detectives in the full range of investigative procedures.
  • Analyze situations quickly and accurately and take effective courses of action.
  • Demonstrate keen powers of observation and memory.
  • Meet established standards of physical endurance, agility, and vision.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
  • Practically apply the philosophy of Community Policing, toward achieving the organizational mission statement.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Experience:
Three years of law enforcement work.
Education:
Equivalent to graduation from High School.
Completion of BLET training and certification.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
Possession of an appropriate, valid North Carolina driver's license at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Maintain physical ability and stamina to meet police and safety standards including: See well enough to drive vehicles under emergency conditions, make valid identifications, use firearms, detect hazardous situations, write legible reports.
Hears and speaks well enough to converse on the radio, telephone and in person over incident noise, to be alert to situations of danger; bodily mobility to make rapid transitions from rest to near maximum exertion without warm-up periods, stamina and endurance necessary in the apprehension of combative suspects, use of hands and fingers to write, to utilize safety gear, and drive vehicles under emergency conditions; ability to distinguish hazardous odors; must be able to lift equipment as necessary.
HIRING RANGE:
  • $46,721-58,401
  • Placement within the range is dependent upon the candidate's qualifications, education, certifications, and relevant experience.

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