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Police Officer Detective Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Huron Police Department

Police Officer

Huron, SD · On-site

SWAT, Field Training Officer, Detective, School Resource Officer, and K-9 Handler. We are also very ... Police ACCOUNTABLE TO: Captain/Sergeant PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION: Under the general, and ...

Huron Police Department

Police Officer

Huron, SD

SWAT, Field Training Officer, Detective, School Resource Officer, and K-9 Handler. We are also very ... Police ACCOUNTABLE TO: Captain/Sergeant PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION: Under the general, and ...

UNC Greensboro

Police Officer

Greensboro, NC

$56K - $61K/yr

Positions may serve as a patrol officer, detective squad member, crime prevention officer, or in some police organizations as a lead officer on an assigned shift. Police Officer Trainee: Applicants ...

City of Reynoldsburg

Police Officer

Reynoldsburg, OH · On-site

$74K - $117K/yr

At the Chief's discretion, police officers may be assigned to work as a patrol officer, detective, narcotic/vice officer, officer in charge, K9 officer, School Resource Officer, or any other position ...

City of Reynoldsburg, OH

Police Officer

Reynoldsburg, OH · On-site

$74K - $117K/yr

At the Chief's discretion, police officers may be assigned to work as a patrol officer, detective, narcotic/vice officer, officer in charge, K9 officer, School Resource Officer, or any other position ...

City of Petaluma

Police Officer Trainee

Petaluma, CA

$93K/yr

A Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn full-time employee of the City and is eligible for pay and ... Officer, Detective, K-9 Officer: 5% as assigned SWAT: 2.5% as assigned Shift Differential: 3% if ...

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Police Officer Detective information

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$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do police officer detective jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for police officer detective in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police officer detective?

Police officer detectives are law enforcement professionals who investigate crimes, gather evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, and help solve criminal cases. Unlike uniformed patrol officers, detectives typically work in plain clothes and focus on specific types of crimes such as homicide, burglary, or fraud. They play a crucial role in building cases for prosecution by analyzing information, conducting surveillance, and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies. Detectives often spend significant time preparing reports and testifying in court. Their work is essential to ensuring justice and maintaining public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police officer detective?

To thrive as a Police Officer Detective, you need a solid background in law enforcement, investigative techniques, and criminal law, often supported by police academy training and relevant certifications. Proficiency with case management systems, forensic analysis tools, and evidence collection technologies is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, interpersonal communication, and ethical judgment set outstanding detectives apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for conducting thorough investigations, building trust in the community, and ensuring justice is served effectively.

What are some common challenges detectives face when transitioning from patrol officer roles?

Detectives often encounter challenges when shifting from patrol duties to investigative work, such as adjusting to a less structured schedule and handling a higher volume of case documentation. Unlike patrol work, detective roles require more independent decision-making, extensive report writing, and collaboration with various departments or agencies. New detectives also need to develop advanced interviewing techniques and learn to manage complex caseloads, sometimes under tight deadlines. Building strong investigative skills and learning to balance administrative tasks with fieldwork are key to a successful transition.

What is the difference between Police Officer Detective vs Police Officer Detective?

AspectPolice Officer Detective
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some roles may require college coursework or specialized training
Work EnvironmentPatrol duties, crime scenes, investigative settings, often indoors and outdoors
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Common Search & ComparisonPeople often compare Police Officer Detective roles to other law enforcement positions like patrol officers or special agents

The Police Officer Detective role involves both patrol duties and investigative work, requiring similar credentials and work environments as regular police officers. Detectives focus more on investigations, gathering evidence, and solving crimes, whereas patrol officers primarily respond to calls and maintain public safety. Both roles are essential in law enforcement agencies and share many skills and training requirements.

Can police officers become detectives?

Police officers can become detectives through promotion, which typically requires experience, a good service record, and passing promotional exams. Detectives often need specialized training and skills in investigations, and promotion processes vary by department but generally involve demonstrating competence in law enforcement duties. Many officers advance to detective roles after gaining experience in patrol or other units.

How to get hired as a police officer detective?

To become a police officer detective, candidates typically need to first serve as a police officer, gain experience, and demonstrate strong investigative skills. Applicants often must pass written exams, physical fitness tests, background checks, and obtain relevant certifications or specialized training. Advancement to detective usually requires a combination of experience, performance, and departmental approval.
More about Police Officer Detective jobs

What cities are hiring for Police Officer Detective jobs?

Cities with the most Police Officer Detective job openings:

What states have the most Police Officer Detective jobs?

States with the most job openings for Police Officer Detective jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Police Officer Detective jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Officer Detective jobs are:

Police Officer Detective jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Officer Detective job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Police Officer - Detective

City of Canon City

Canon City, CO • On-site

$32.50 - $39.82/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Department: Police Department
Reports to: Sergeant - Detective
Hourly Wage Rate: $32.50 - $39.82
Benefit Summary
FLSA Status: Full-Time Non-Exempt
Position closes: Midnight, Sunday September 6, 2026
***$10,000 Hiring Bonus***: $2,500 at commencement of employment, $2,500 after successful completion of Field Training Program and $5,000 after one year of service post Field Training.
The Canon City Police Department is recruiting for a Senior Narcotics Detective to join the other members of our dynamic Investigation Unit. This position will be the senior investigator for narcotics enforcement activities.
The hiring range for this position is $32.50 - $39.82 hourly, based on experience and education.
Any experience or academic education, above the minimum required for this position, will result in movement closer to the $39.82 hourly rate.
In addition to base wages, the Cañon City Police Department has instituted a Career Development Program (CDP), which will increase wages by 5%, 10%, or 15%, dependent on the officer's attained qualifications and length of service.
Additionally, Sworn Officers also receive 30 days Sabbatical Leave, every three years, once they have completed five years of service with the department.
Please Note: Verification of minimum qualification(s) and, if applicable, starting salary/wage is based on information provided in the official application. Resume content will not be used for these purposes. Please ensure your application is complete and accurate.
The City of Cañon City does not provide visa sponsorships. Please do not apply for this role if at any time (now or in the future) you will need immigration support (i.e., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT Training Plans, etc.)
Position Summary: Under general supervision, investigates crimes and assists officers of the Canon City Police Department to assist and protect the lives and property of Canon City residents, business owners, and visitors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities*: The essential duties and responsibilities listed below are central to the job or are the reason the position exists, and the employee must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. This list is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Performs a variety of investigative duties to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases.
  • Investigates known or suspected criminals and facts of particular cases to detect clues to crimes or planned criminal activity.
  • Conducts surveillance.
  • Becomes familiar with habitual criminals and their habits, associates, characteristics, and aliases.
  • Records and reports information to commanding officer.
  • Writes requests for subpoenas, warrants, and court orders and presents to courts for judgment.
  • Conducts searches, as authorized, of buildings, vehicles, documents, and computers following established procedures.
  • Reviews incident reports, develops and follows leads, and interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects.
  • Examines crime scenes to obtain clues and gather evidence.
  • Arrests or assists in arrest of criminals or suspects.
  • Maintain knowledge of computer related and white-collar crimes.
  • Prepares cases for and testifies in the courts.
  • Conducts general crimes-related investigations, including but not limited to:
  • Coordinating follow-up with patrol officers and other investigators
  • Cooperating with outside agencies
  • Conducting covert surveillance
  • Undercover operations
  • Operational deconfliction.
  • Provides excellent customer service to external and internal customers including but not limited to effectively listening and communicating, providing accurate information, offering solutions, assisting in resolution, and ensuring timely follow up as needed.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities*: The following duties, although not essential to the position, are important components to the smooth and efficient operation of the Division, Department, and City.
  • Assists with narcotics investigations, computer forensics investigations, and other complex investigations as needed.
  • Manages confidential information in coordination with the Detective Sergeant.
  • Consults with prosecutors and attorneys and testifies in court as required.
  • Attends or completes trainings, seminars, and meetings as required.
  • Works varying shifts as assigned which may include nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Performs related duties as established by law or ordinance or as reasonably directed by the City.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The essential and non-essential duties listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The below list is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all knowledge, skills and abilities that are required.
  • Knowledge of Federal, state, and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, and regulations pertaining to law enforcement issues in Cañon City.
  • Knowledge of the theory, principles, practices, and methods of criminal justice.
  • Knowledge of the theory, principles, practices, and methods of performing criminal investigations, including developing and following leads, conducting surveillance, and interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing including the preparation of reports, warrants, and other legal paperwork.
  • Ability to testify in court.
  • Ability to examine crime scenes to obtain clues and gather evidence.
  • Ability to conduct authorized searches of building, vehicles, documents, computers, etc.
  • Ability to oversee and respond to emergencies, crime and accident scenes, acts of terror, natural disasters, and preplanned events that require a large police response.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists including investigating and resolving complaints.
  • Familiar with basic computer functions. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Knowledge of basic office equipment including but not limited to copiers, fax machines, multi-line phone systems, and adding machines.
  • Knowledge of computer related and white-collar crimes.
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing excellent customer service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Ability to build effective relationships as needed with employees, government officials, contractors, vendors, and the public.

* This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Requirements
Minimum Qualification(s):
Experience
  • 36 months with CCPD including 24 months at the rank of Officer II or higher, or 24 months with CCPD including 12 months at the rank of Officer II or higher and 36 months with another Law Enforcement Agency as a sworn officer in an investigation's capacity, or 48 months with another Law Enforcement Agency, with at least 12 months in an investigation's capacity.
  • Demonstrated record of criminal investigations and arrest and an above average case clearance rating

Education
  • High school diploma or equivalent

Licenses/Certifications
  • Certified Colorado Police Officer.
  • Valid Colorado Driver's License

Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the listed knowledge, abilities and skills may be substituted.
Preferred Qualification(s):
Experience
  • Completion of specialized narcotics training (e.g., undercover operations, surveillance, drug identification).
  • Demonstrated investigative experience; prior narcotics or vice experience preferred.
  • Leadership training and qualities.
  • 48 months as a Police Officer II or higher, or 36 months as a Police Officer II with CCPD and 36 months as a detective with another LEA as a sworn officer in an investigation's capacity, or 60 months with another Law Enforcement Agency, with at least 12 months in an investigation's capacity

Education
  • Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Political Science, or related field.

Licenses/Certifications
  • Training or certifications in basic investigations, interview and interrogation, criminal interdiction, or related advanced training.

Physical Activities:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee will travel within the City of Canon City and Fremont County
  • Work is performed both indoor and outdoor environments.
  • Physical demands of job require some lifting; pulling; carrying and pushing of objects -approximately 175 pounds.
  • Occasionally required to apprehend and subdue persons resisting arrest.
  • Frequent bending, simple grasping, finger/manual dexterity, standing, walking, twisting upper body, stooping, and hearing.
  • Occasional climbing on stairs.
  • Communicates verbally with City staff, outside agencies and the public in one-on-one settings, group settings and over the telephone.
  • Occasionally exposed to hazardous and potentially lethal situations and individuals, including exposure to firearms, other weapons, explosives, toxins, traffic, and natural disasters.

Additional Information
  • This position will typically work Monday - Friday but will flex to working weekends and evenings based on seasonal, organizational or event needs.
  • This position will be required to attend occasional City Council meetings and/or other meetings and events after normal work hours.
  • Travel within the City of Canon City and Fremont County will be required.
  • Frequent extension of workday to meet deadlines.

Salary Description
$32.50 - $39.82

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