Police Detective

An employee in this class conducts preliminary and supplementary investigation of crimes;interviews victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects; secures and investigates the crime scene; identifies, collects, and preserves physical evidence; prepares reports; and testifies in court. Work involves general criminal, narcotic, and domestic violence investigations. Work requires the application of modern investigation techniques, sound judgment, and independent initiative in pursuit of work objectives. Work involves frequent public contact which requires tact, firmness,and decisiveness. Work is performed in accordance with departmental policy and State and Federal law, supplemented with specific directions from superior officers. An employee is subject to hazards associated with law enforcement work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as dangerous persons, loud noises, and hazardous spills with fumes, oils, gases, or flammable liquids. Work is subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Policed Lieutenant over Investigations and is evaluated through observation, monitoring radio traffic, discussion, proper judgment, community involvement, review of reports for adherence to laws and departmental policies and procedures, adherence to Town policies and procedures, quality and effectiveness of work completed, ongoing and timely feedback, and scheduled performance evaluations.

• Conducts initial and follow-up investigations of criminal incidents; interviews persons in connection with criminal incidents including victims, witnesses, and suspects; secures crime scenes; collects evidence, establishes chain of custody, and preserves physical evidence; processes evidence through on-site identification technology and use of State and local laboratories.
• Prepares and reviews written reports of investigative activities,arrests offenders, and testifies in court regarding investigative activities.
• Establishes effective contacts and relationships with the public, informants, coworkers, district attorney staff, and other law enforcement departments to gain information related to criminal activities; conducts surveillance; and develops leads.
• Cooperates and coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to investigate, locate, apprehend, and arrest offenders.
• Participates in special narcotics investigations, surveillance, and related programs and activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, local ordinances, and policies of the Police Department, especially relating to arrest, pursuit, search and seizure, and traffic control.
• Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, procedures, methods, techniques, and equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of investigative procedures, principles, strategies, and methods.
• Thorough knowledge of geographical layout of town.
• Thorough knowledge of the physical, economic, and social characteristics of the Town.
• Thorough knowledge of the community policing concept.
• Thorough knowledge of the Town’s and Police Department’s personnel policies.
• Thorough knowledge of scientific criminal detection and identification methods.
• Thorough knowledge of computers and basic software programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook as well as department specific software programs.
• Thorough knowledge of evidence processing, chain of custody procedures, security, and laws regarding disposition of evidence after trial.
• Thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures involved in narcotics investigations, surveillance, and undercover purchases.
• Proficiency in the use of firearms, other law enforcement equipment, and in the application of self-defense tactics.
• Proficiency in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Ability to work calmly under conditions of high stress and physical and emotional fatigue.
• Ability to communicate clearly over radio and other technology.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise records and reports.
• Ability to perform independently complex and sensitive investigative assignments;to apply sound investigative principles to difficult cases;and to report clearly, orally and in writing, the results of investigative efforts.
• Ability to act with sound judgement in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to effectively plan and organize work independently.
• Ability to make mathematical computations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and calculation of rates, ratios, and percentages.
• Ability to present effectively, and with integrity, in court testimony.
• Ability to work closely and in harmony with representatives of other law enforcement and investigative agencies in matters of common interest.
• Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with coworkers, supervisors, citizens, community leaders, and Town officials.

Required Education and Experience Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of law enforcement experience, or an equivalent combination of education and law enforcement training and experience. 
• Current General Certification through a Training and Standards program (transfers from other agencies or out-of-state must meet NC Training and Standards’ criteria for a Police Department).
• Extensive training in areas related specifically to Investigations.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license or ability to obtain.

Preferred Education and Experience Qualifications

• Graduation from a community college with an associate degree in criminal justice or related field and considerable experience in law enforcement.
• Completion of Police Law Institute, Basic Criminal Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, and Interview and Interrogation training upon hire.
• One year of experience in an Investigations unit.
• Bilingual in both written and spoken English and Spanish.

Additional Employment Requirements

• Must maintain current certifications (Radar, Intoxilyzer, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), and DCI I) 
• Must complete Police Law Institute, Basic Criminal Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, and Interview and Interrogation training within 18 months of hire.