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Police Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In this highly visible, fast-paced, and challenging position as a Police Officer, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to perform all patrol and police investigative procedures ...

In this highly visible, fast-paced, and challenging position as a Police Officer, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to perform all patrol and police investigative procedures ...

In this highly visible, fast-paced, and challenging position as a Police Officer, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to perform all patrol and police investigative procedures ...

In this highly visible, fast-paced, and challenging position as a Police Officer, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to perform all patrol and police investigative procedures ...

In this highly visible, fast-paced, and challenging position as a Police Officer, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to perform all patrol and police investigative procedures ...

POLICE OFFICER

Minot, ND ยท On-site

$26.83 - $39.83/hr

All qualified applicants must successfully complete the IPMA-HR POA Series written police exam, MPAT physical agility test, oral interviews, background investigation, personality assessment and post ...

In this highly visible, fast-paced, and challenging position as a Police Officer, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to perform all patrol and police investigative procedures ...

Police Chief

Hardin, MT ยท On-site

... operate police investigative equipment, and maintain records. AREAS OF JOB ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE: * Schedules and supervises Police Department personnel. * Keeps a daily log of all ...

... operate police investigative equipment, and maintain records. AREAS OF JOB ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE: * Schedules and supervises Police Department personnel. * Keeps a daily log of all ...

In this highly visible, fast-paced, and challenging position as a Police Officer, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to perform all patrol and police investigative procedures ...

Police Chief

Hardin, MT ยท On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

... operate police investigative equipment, and maintain records. AREAS OF JOB ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE: * Schedules and supervises Police Department personnel. * Keeps a daily log of all ...

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Police Investigator information

See salary details

$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do police investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 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.

$61K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Salary: $61,000.00 - $91,500.00 Annually
Location : Huntersville, NC
Job Type: Police Full Time
Job Number: 202500001
Department: HUNTERSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Division: Patrol Operations Bureau
Opening Date: 07/01/2025
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Description
Receive up to $6,000 for 5+ years of sworn law enforcement experience. Cash incentives for less experience as well, other conditions may apply. Contact the Recruiter for more information.
Posted rate is for intermediate entry. Lateral entry starting rate is $61,000, with additional hiring incentives for experience, education and training. For additional information on pay and incentives, see Huntersville Police Jobs.
Performs protective service and law enforcement work involving a variety of general or support duty police assignments including patrol of assigned areas, accident and crime scene investigations, collection and preservation of physical evidence, follow-up investigations, and special assignments for the purpose of the prevention of crime, apprehension of offenders, which are often performed under emergency conditions and frequently involve considerable personal hazard, and related work as required. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a Police Sergeant or Police Lieutenant.
Essential Duties of the Position
The following duties are those considered most essential to the position. This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project.
  • Engages in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotating shifts.
  • Patrols streets in a police vehicle or on foot; develops and maintains working rapport with citizens and community leaders in assigned neighborhood; checks doors and windows; examines premises of unoccupied residences or buildings; detects unusual conditions; maintains surveillance and observation for stolen cars, missing persons, or suspects; reports dangerous or defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, or other hazardous conditions; serves criminal summons, subpoenas and warrants in assigned jurisdiction; makes arrests and transports suspects for processing; provides service to the public; advises citizens on departmental procedures and options available.
  • Responds to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, loud and disruptive behavior, etc.; completes calls by determining true nature of the situation and taking whatever legal or persuasive action is warranted.
  • Enforces traffic laws; patrols or conducts stationary observation of traffic; utilizes radar to detect speed violations; stops suspicious vehicles for investigation; issues warnings, citations and arrests for violations; uses standard field sobriety tests to determine impairment.
  • Investigates accidents and possible crimes through observation, questioning witnesses and others in the community and gathering physical evidence; performs investigative tasks, arrests and processes criminal suspects.
  • Investigates criminal cases including felonies; secures crime scenes and evidence; gathers and processes physical evidence; prepares cases in consultation with district attorney's office; testifies in trials; performs narcotics, juvenile, arson, computer forensics, crime scene technology, and other specialized investigations.
  • Executes warrants; effects an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints, subdues resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons, and resorts to the use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in self-defense.
  • Operates a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions.
  • Exercises independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used.
  • Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
  • Loads, unloads, aims and fires from a variety of body positions, handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.
  • Creates special educational, enforcement, or other programs focused on neighborhood needs; works with residents, public officials, other enforcement agencies to carry out special programs. Performs civic functions by providing public education on crime prevention through various programs.
  • Prepares investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
  • Pursues fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles, jumping down from elevated surfaces, climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
  • Conducts searches of people, vehicles, building and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
  • Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
  • Effectively communicates with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.
  • Demonstrates communication skills in court and other formal settings. Endures verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
  • Performs security functions at special events; assists other law enforcement agencies; maintains order in crowds, attends parades, funerals and other public gatherings; provides assistance, escorts, protects and assists visitors.
  • Processes and transports prisoners and committed mental patients using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
  • Processes arrested suspects to include taking their photographs and obtaining legible inked fingerprint impressions.
  • Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.
  • Reads and comprehends legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants.
  • Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
  • Performs general field law enforcement duties as required, including traffic control, police patrol, special assignments, emergency duty, crime prevention, and other policing functions.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Education and Experience
Ability to act without direct supervision using independent judgment and discretion in meeting emergency and non-emergency situations; some knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; some knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department; some knowledge of the geography of the Town and location of important buildings; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions and to prepare clear reports; ability to deal professionally, courteously and fairly with the public; ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances; skill in the use of firearms and the operation of police vehicles; ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with associates and the general public.
High school diploma or GED. Or a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to complete the essential functions and job responsibilities of this position.
Successful completion of a course in Basic Law Enforcement Training approved by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. Position is subject to emergency callback.
Supplemental Information
This position's physical requirements involve very heavy work which requires occasionally exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and/or walking.
Work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), extreme heat (non-weather), and bloodborne pathogens, and may require wearing specialized personal protective equipment. Work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. heavy traffic, large earth-moving equipment).
The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff.
Click HERE to learn more about the great benefits offered by the Town of Huntersville.
01
How many years of experience do you have as a sworn law enforcement officer?
  • 0-4 Years
  • 5+ Years

02
If you have not successfully completed Basic Law Enforcement Training, when is your graduation date?
03
If you are currently enrolled in BLET, which school are you attending?
Required Question