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Police Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A Police Investigator II performs responsible investigative work not requiring police authority within the Police Department. Assignments may include the specialized areas of Missing Persons; Sex ...

A Police Investigator II performs responsible investigative work not requiring police authority within the Police Department. Assignments may include the specialized areas of Missing Persons; Sex ...

The Senior Investigator is responsible for conducting a wide variety of investigations. Job ... This is a sworn police officer position which requires an experienced candidate. The candidate must ...

To learn more about Police Officers please visit this link: Learn more about this agency Duties ... Independently, or as a team member, conduct investigations to apprehend and/or detain persons ...

The Senior Investigator is responsible for conducting a wide variety of investigations. Job ... This is a sworn police officer position which requires an experienced candidate. The candidate must ...

... issues; conduct accident investigations; prepare reports & records; conduct follow-up ... Police Officers have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of community oriented activities ...

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Police Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do police investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for police investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Police Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of criminal law, often supported by law enforcement training and experience. Familiarity with forensic tools, case management software, and evidence handling systems is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills help you interview witnesses, write reports, and collaborate with other agencies. These skills and qualities are crucial for conducting thorough investigations, solving cases efficiently, and upholding justice.

What are some common challenges Police Investigators face when working on complex cases?

Police Investigators often encounter challenges such as gathering sufficient evidence, managing multiple leads, and navigating legal procedures to ensure cases are handled properly. Working under tight deadlines, investigators must balance thoroughness with efficiency while collaborating closely with colleagues, forensic teams, and legal professionals. Communication skills and adaptability are essential, as unexpected developments and changes in case direction are common. Additionally, maintaining objectivity and managing the emotional impact of sensitive cases are important aspects of the role.

What does a police investigator do?

A police investigator is responsible for examining crimes, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and analyzing information to solve cases. They often work with forensic tools and must adhere to legal procedures, typically requiring specialized training and certification. Investigators may work irregular hours and in various environments, including crime scenes and offices.

What is the difference between Police Investigator vs Police Detective?

AspectPolice InvestigatorPolice Detective
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; police academy training; sometimes additional certificationsHigh school diploma or GED; police academy training; often same certifications as investigators
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, crime scenes, officesLaw enforcement agencies, crime scenes, interviews, courtrooms
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, federal agenciesPolice departments, federal agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Police Investigators and Police Detectives often share similar roles, credentials, and work environments. Both work within law enforcement agencies to solve crimes, gather evidence, and interview witnesses. The main difference is that 'Police Investigator' is a broader term that can include specialized roles, while 'Police Detective' typically refers to officers who investigate crimes as part of their regular duties. Both positions require similar qualifications and are integral to criminal investigations.

What are the requirements to be a police investigator?

To become a police investigator, candidates typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete police academy training, and gain experience as a police officer. Additional requirements often include passing background checks, physical fitness tests, and sometimes obtaining relevant certifications or specialized training in areas like forensic analysis or criminal investigation.

Can I be a CSI without being a cop?

Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) are specialized forensic professionals who collect and analyze evidence at crime scenes. They typically do not need to be police officers but often require relevant education, such as a degree in forensic science or criminal justice, and may need certification. While some agencies hire CSIs with law enforcement backgrounds, many positions are open to civilians with appropriate training and experience.

What type of investigators make the most money?

In law enforcement, federal investigators such as FBI Special Agents and DEA agents tend to earn higher salaries compared to local or state investigators. These roles often require specialized skills, advanced training, and security clearances, and they typically offer higher pay scales due to the complexity and scope of their work.
More about Police Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Police Investigator job openings:
What states have the most Police Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Investigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Police Investigator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
Police Investigator II

$55K - $76K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


City Of Mesa rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 659 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description/Duties The Police Department currently has a vacancy in the Missing Persons Unit. This recruitment will also be used to create an eligible list that may fill vacancies in other Police Investigator II assignment areas. A Police Investigator II performs responsible investigative work not requiring police authority within the Police Department.

Assignments may include the specialized areas of Missing Persons; Sex Offender Notification, Enforcement, and Tracking (SONET); Special Victims; and Recovered Property. Initial police reports are received from officers, or sometimes another law enforcement agency, which establishes the case load for the incumbent. Occasionally, a Police Investigator II takes the initial report.

Incumbents are generally responsible for reviewing police reports to determine the urgency of the situation, initiating attempts to locate (ATL) reports, contacting other agencies/investigative leads/probation officers, etc. for additional information, and utilizing automated systems to research criminal history and perform background checks. Incumbents in this class conduct non-suspect interviews and may monitor suspect interviews.

They will also write lengthy supplementary police reports, compile reports and statistics to document activity within the assigned unit, perform detailed redactions of police reports within the assigned unit as requested by various agencies and citizens, and may be required to testify in court. Incumbents will assist sworn personnel by creating and disseminating crime trend information/bulletins to other areas within the Police Department; assisting with the collection of records, evidence, Rule 15, etc. for detective's investigations; and attending and reporting related operational information at Comp Stat meetings as requested.

Specific duties in the Missing Persons Unit include: conduct thorough investigations into cases of missing persons; collaborate with other law enforcement agencies while coordinating efforts with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Arizona Department of Child Services (DCS); utilize specialized databases to investigate and research information; and prepare detailed reports. Specific duties in the Recovered Property Unit include: processing tax and licensing applications, reviewing and entering pawn/secondhand transaction information into the appropriate database, checking for stolen property and wanted persons, preparing new business files and scanning relevant documentation for record-keeping purposes, conducting periodic inspections and investigating violations committed by pawn/secondhand businesses, and completing written reports and testifying in court as necessary. Specific duties in the SONET Unit include: analyzing and conducting a risk assessment on sex offenders who recently moved to Mesa, investigating and researching information received from the NCMEC to build the case and allow sworn detectives to take action, performing routine address verifications on low level Registered Sex Offenders (RSOs), managing Offender Watch program, and processing court document requests.

Specific duties in the Special Victims Unit include: researching and investigating "cold cases", reviewing and determining proper dissemination of summary reports and school reports received from the DCS, assisting other agencies with collection of sexual assault examination kits, performing audits on the medical suite equipment, periodically conducting online searches for persons who are unable to be located to allow detectives to continue working the case, locating individuals in a condensed timeframe for specific court cases, creating and managing a spreadsheet and timeline for incoming tips for large-scale cases, and creating photo lineups. Some assignments will assist with subpoenas and court order processes, prepare numerous teletypes, assist national law enforcement agencies during the course of an investigation, and require a willingness to respond to call-outs at night for large scale investigations. This position is responsible for performing other related duties as required.

Police Investigator II is a civilian classification that performs work of a quasi-police nature. Work requires considerable independence, initiative, and judgment in performing the investigations required. Supervision is typically received from a sworn employee who reviews work through direct observation, reports, meetings, and results achieved.

Police Investigator II is distinguished from Police Investigator III by the latter's greater responsibility of investigating felony crimes and filing charges. Police Investigator II is distinguished from Police Investigator I by the former's greater degree of investigatory work and the processing of cases from beginning to end. This class is FLSA nonexempt.

Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions. Qualifications & Requirements Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Minimum Qualifications Required.

Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. Good (1 - 3 years) public contact experience in a law enforcement/public safety environment. Special Requirements.

Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation is required. Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to successfully complete a psychological evaluation.

Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment/pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures. Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.

Good (1 - 3 years) investigation experience in a law enforcement/public safety environment preferred. Some (6 months - 1 year) experience utilizing a computer to enter and retrieve information is preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking skills are desirable.

Link to Job Description http://apps.mesaaz.gov/JobDescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs3928.pdf


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