Police Dectective

City Of Elizabeth City•Elizabeth City, NC

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to perform specialized law enforcement work involving the investigation of criminal offenses, the collection, preservation, and processing of evidence, and the preparation of criminal cases for prosecution. The Detective is responsible for conducting complex investigations, identifying and apprehending offenders, and enforcing applicable local ordinances, state statutes, and federal laws. The position also performs specialized assignments as directed in support of departmental operations and public safety initiatives. This position operates under general supervision and is expected to exercise a high degree of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in planning investigative activities, developing investigative strategies, prioritizing caseloads, and determining appropriate courses of action consistent with departmental policies and applicable laws. The Detective is expected to effectively manage investigations from initial response through case disposition while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and accountability.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
A minimum of two (2) years of full-time sworn law enforcement experience as a patrol officer with a municipal, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency.
Successful completion of a probationary period as a sworn law enforcement officer.
Must possess North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission General Law Enforcement Certification or be eligible for certification through lateral transfer or reciprocity.
Demonstrated proficiency in criminal investigations, report writing, evidence handling, and courtroom testimony.
Valid North Carolina driver's license or the ability to obtain one within the time prescribed by the department.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Requires ICS 100 and 700 Training.
Must meet and maintain all department and State training and education requirements for the position.
Must have satisfactorily completed all requirements of a Probationary Police Officer
Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Administration, Forensic Science, or a related field.
Three (3) or more years of investigative experience.
Completion of specialized investigative training in areas such as homicide, crimes against persons, financial crimes, narcotics, interview and interrogation, search warrants, digital evidence, or crime scene investigations.
Experience preparing and executing search warrants.
Experience conducting complex felony investigations.
Current certification or experience as a Field Training Officer, General Instructor, Firearms Instructor, or other specialized law enforcement instructor.
Demonstrated ability to effectively testify in criminal court proceedings.

Responsibilities

Enforce all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and departmental policies to protect life and property, preserve public safety, prevent crime, and maintain public order.
Conduct thorough criminal investigations involving crimes against persons, property crimes, financial crimes, narcotics offenses, vice crimes, juvenile offenses, child abuse and neglect, elder abuse, missing persons, robberies, assaults, homicides, gang-related offenses, auto theft, cyber-related offenses, and other criminal violations.
Develop investigative plans and strategies; manage assigned caseloads from initial complaint through prosecution; coordinate investigative activities with patrol personnel, prosecutors, regional task forces, and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Respond to and process crime scenes by identifying, documenting, collecting, preserving, packaging, and maintaining physical and digital evidence while ensuring proper chain of custody and compliance with evidentiary standards.
Conduct crime scene documentation through photographs, diagrams, measurements, and written observations; identify and recover latent fingerprints, biological evidence, firearms evidence, digital evidence, and other forensic materials.
Identify, locate, interview, and interrogate victims, witnesses, complainants, suspects, confidential informants, and persons of interest.
Obtain written, recorded, and sworn statements while ensuring constitutional protections and victims' rights are upheld.
Prepare affidavits and obtain search warrants, arrest warrants, electronic search warrants, court orders, subpoenas, and other legal process.
Execute search warrants and conduct lawful searches of persons, residences, vehicles, businesses, and other property.
Analyze investigative information, intelligence, surveillance, forensic reports, digital evidence, financial records, cellular records, social media, and other investigative resources to identify suspects and establish probable cause.
Conduct surveillance operations, undercover investigations, controlled purchases, and other covert investigative activities as authorized.
Evaluate investigative findings to determine whether sufficient probable cause exists for criminal charges; prepare photographic lineups, arrest documentation, and supporting investigative reports; effect arrests when appropriate.
Prepare comprehensive investigative reports, supplemental reports, case summaries, and evidentiary documentation in accordance with departmental policies, legal standards, and accreditation requirements.
Maintain accurate investigative files and records utilizing the department's records management system and other criminal justice databases; compile statistical data and maintain documentation required for investigative reporting and crime analysis.
Prepare criminal cases for prosecution by organizing evidence, coordinating witness testimony, meeting with prosecutors, participating in case review meetings, and testifying in district, superior, and federal courts as required.
Establish and maintain productive working relationships with prosecutors, medical examiners, forensic laboratories, victim advocates, social service agencies, schools, community organizations, and other criminal justice partners.
Operate and maintain department-issued vehicles, firearms, body armor, communications equipment, body-worn cameras, computers, and other assigned equipment.
Report equipment deficiencies and ensure all equipment remains operational and in compliance with departmental standards.
Operate emergency vehicles safely and efficiently under routine and emergency conditions, including adverse weather, heavy traffic, nighttime operations, and emergency response situations requiring operation in excess of posted speed limits.
Review and process criminal complaints, court orders, subpoenas, warrants, autopsy reports, laboratory reports, forensic examinations, and other investigative documents while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable laws and departmental procedures.
Prepare correspondence, administrative reports, memoranda, investigative summaries, grant documentation, statistical reports, and other records as required.
Maintain proficiency through required in-service training, specialized investigative schools, legal updates, firearms qualifications, and other professional development opportunities.
Perform related law enforcement duties and special assignments as directed by supervisory personnel.