ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Police Detective Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Town of Vernon

Entry Level Police Officer

Vernon, CT · On-site

$88K - $102K/yr

Police Date Posted: 8/25/2021 Location: Police Department Town of Vernon Entry Police Officer ... When assigned to the Detective Division, conducts investigations of complaints that cannot be ...

Town of Vernon

Entry Level Police Officer

CT

$88K - $102K/yr

Town of Vernon Entry Police Officer NON CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER APPLICANTS * Employment ... When assigned to the Detective Division, conducts investigations of complaints that cannot be ...

Tjx

Loss Prevention Detective

West Springfield, MA

$16.25 - $20.40/hr

Maintains appropriate evidence, demonstrates understanding of law enforcement procedures and professionally participates in legal activities as needed (e.g., police calls, etc.) * Coordinates and ...

TJX Companies

Loss Prevention Detective

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.40/hr

Maintains appropriate evidence, demonstrates understanding of law enforcement procedures and professionally participates in legal activities as needed (e.g., police calls, etc.) * Coordinates and ...

TJX Companies

Loss Prevention Detective

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.40/hr

Maintains appropriate evidence, demonstrates understanding of law enforcement procedures and professionally participates in legal activities as needed (e.g., police calls, etc.) * Coordinates and ...

Tjx

Loss Prevention Detective

Holyoke, MA

$16.25 - $20.40/hr

Maintains appropriate evidence, demonstrates understanding of law enforcement procedures and professionally participates in legal activities as needed (e.g., police calls, etc.) * Coordinates and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Hartford, CT · On-site

... police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide security on ships, at bases and at military ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Springfield, MA · On-site

... police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide security on ships, at bases and at military ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Hartford, CT · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

... police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide security on ships, at bases and at military ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...

U.S. Navy

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Springfield, MA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

... police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide security on ships, at bases and at military ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...

All JobsPolice Detective JobsPolice Detective Jobs in Springfield, MA

Police Detective information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$28.9K

$68.3K

$97.7K

How much do police detective jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for police detective in Springfield, MA is $68,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $83,700.00 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 are popular job titles related to Police Detective jobs in Springfield, MA? For Police Detective jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Police Detective jobs in Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Police Detective jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Police Detective jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Police Detective job openings:
Police Detective jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Detective job openings in Springfield, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,342 per year, or $32.9 per hour.
Entry Level Police Officer

Entry Level Police Officer

Town of Vernon

Vernon, CT • On-site

$88K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Police
Date Posted:
8/25/2021
Location:
Police Department
Town of Vernon
Entry Police Officer
NON CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER APPLICANTS
  • Employment applications may be filed on-line at www.PoliceApp.com/Vernon
  • Employment applications must be complete and must show that all eligibility requirements have been met the date the application is submitted.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.

WAGES COMMENSURATE WITH EDUCATION*
High School $84,423.52, increasing to $92,457.04 on 1 year anniversary
Associate's Degree $87,456.20, increasing to $94,819.92 on 1 year anniversary
Bachelor's Degree $88,884.64, increasing to $102,207.04 on 1 year anniversary
* Degrees must be in law enforcement, criminal, justice, police science, police administration, public administration, sociology, psychology, pre-law or human services.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Defined Benefit Retirement Pension, Paid Vacations, 13 Paid Holidays, Anthem Health Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Group Life Insurance, Sick Leave, Clothing - Equipment Allowance
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You must meet all of the following eligibility requirements by the date that your application is submitted:
  • 21 years of age at time of hire
  • Citizen of the United States.
  • Graduation from high school, technical school, or an equivalent as certified by the State Department of Education
    These eligibility requirements MUST BE COMPLETED by the date that your application is submitted and MUST BE LISTED on the application under education or employment. Documentation of eligibility requirements will be required at a later date.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Applicants must be of good character.
  • Applicants who have a criminal record or who have been dishonorably discharged from any police or fire department or from the Armed Forces of the United
    States are ineligible.
  • A thorough investigation of character and of all statements in the application will be made before any applicant is considered for appointment.
  • Applicants must have the ability to follow oral and written instructions, the ability to read and write in English without difficulty, the ability to make clear and concise written reports and the ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the general public and others.
  • Permanent residence subsequent to appointment must be established within a period of time specified by the Chief of Police and Town Administrator and must be located within a reasonable distance of the Town of Vernon as determined by the Chief of Police and Town Administrator.
  • Weight must be in proportion to height.
  • Must have considerable agility and be free from disease or abnormality that impairs one's ability to perform the essential functions of this position.
  • Must have normal color vision and vision shall be correctable to 20/20 in each eye.
  • Must have no significant defects of the ear.
  • Must be a non-smoker.
  • Upon a conditional offer of employment, physical, psychological, and polygraph examinations will be required.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.

FITNESS TEST REQUIREMENT
Applicants must obtain a COMPLETE HEALTH & INJURY PREVENTION INC. (CHIP) card showing successful completion of the Connecticut POST physical ability assessment. Information on obtaining a CHIP card may be obtained from Complete Health and Injury Prevention, LLC. at CHIP Test
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION
  • Patrols on foot or in car an assigned area to prevent and detect violations of laws and ordinances.
  • Maintains order and protects life and property.
  • Makes arrests for violations of law.
  • Facilitates arrests and uses force or defends against the use of force as is required.
  • Testifies in court in regard to matters of which he has knowledge.
  • Investigates accidents and offenses against law and order.
  • When assigned to the Detective Division, conducts investigations of complaints that cannot be completed at the time by the investigating officer.
  • Makes reports and keeps accurate records.
  • Directs traffic and operates traffic signals.
  • Observes and recognizes people, vehicles, and places being able to accurately describe them.
  • Hears and understands ordinary conversation with each ear.
  • Does related work as required.
  • Works under the immediate supervision of a Police Sergeant or other superior officer who reviews performance frequently for completeness and conformance with orders and regulations.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS
CHIP test:
Applicants must have a valid CHIP card in order to submit their application by the closing date. To view the CHIP Schedule and to register for a test click here.
Written Test:
Applicants must have passed the Connecticut Police Chief Written test with a 70% or greater in order to submit their application by the closing date. Check the CPCA page for test locations, times and registration information.
Oral Interview:
Applicants who pass the written test with a score of 80% or higher may be invited to take the Oral Interview. As the needs of the Vernon Police Department dictate, Admission to the oral interview may be limited.
Questions may be directed to Sgt. Andrew Hannaford, Vernon Police Department, at VPDtraining@vernon-ct.gov
Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant's responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.
Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PoliceApp, PublicSafetyApp, FireFighterApp or EmployementApp account to monitor for emails, scheduling and process updates.

Apply