Police Detective -INTERNAL ONLY

City of Petersburg•Petersburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Police Detective is responsible for conducting criminal investigations, gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing victims and witnesses, and preparing cases for prosecution. Detectives work both independently and collaboratively to solve crimes, support victims, and uphold the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and applicable local ordinances. This position requires the exercise of sound judgment, adherence to constitutional policing principles, and compliance with Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) standards.

Requirements

Minimum 2 years as a sworn Police Officer
May be required to engage in foot pursuits requiring rapid acceleration, sprinting, directional changes, and sustained running over varying distances to apprehend suspects.
May be required to perform physical control and restraint of resisting individuals, including the use of approved non-deadly force techniques.
Maintains situational awareness and readiness to respond physically to evolving threats.
Capability to operate in varied environments, including hazardous or high-risk situations.
Ability to handle firearms and defensive equipment safely.
Must maintain ability to rapidly transition from stationary to full-speed pursuit and change direction while maintaining balance and coordination.
Must be able to physically engage with individuals, including: Grasping, holding, and restraining resisting people, Applying control techniques and defensive tactics, Maintaining physical control during arrest situations.
Exposure to potentially dangerous situations, including violent individuals.
Work in varying weather conditions and environments.
Exposure to noise, bodily fluids, hazardous materials, and traumatic events.
Irregular hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call duty.
Working knowledge or ability to develop functional knowledge of multiple computer systems and databases as used by the Bureau.
Current Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement Officer Certification (or ability to obtain/maintain).
Valid Virginia Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice
Additional specialized investigative training preferred

Responsibilities

Conducts thorough and objective investigations of felony and misdemeanor offenses, including crimes against persons, property, and public order.
Collects, preserves, and analyzes physical and digital evidence in accordance with legal and evidentiary standards.
Interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects; obtains written and recorded statements.
Prepares affidavits, search warrants, subpoenas, and arrest warrants consistent with Virginia law and constitutional requirements.
Coordinates with forensic units, crime labs, prosecutors, and other law enforcement agencies.
Maintains detailed case files and prepares comprehensive investigative reports.
Testifies in court and administrative proceedings.
Reviews and prioritizes assigned cases.
Conducts follow-up investigations from patrol-generated reports.
Utilizes criminal databases and intelligence systems to identify suspects and patterns.
Tracks and documents case progress and outcomes.
Builds relationships with community members, victims, and informants.
Collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies.
Participates in task forces or specialized investigative units as assigned.
Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Conducts preliminary investigations at crime scenes.
Makes arrests and enforces laws and ordinances.
Performs traffic enforcement and accident investigations.
Assists patrol units during critical incidents, staffing shortages, or special events.
Serves in an on-call capacity and responds to major incidents outside normal working hours.
Prepares accurate, timely, and detailed reports, including: Incident reports, Investigative summaries, Evidence logs, Court documentation.
Maintains chain of custody for all evidence.
Ensures all reports meet prosecutorial and legal standards.
Applies force only when objectively reasonable and in accordance with department general orders and Virginia law.
Adheres to constitutional standards, including the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments.
Complies with all DCJS training standards and certification requirements.
Maintains awareness of current legal developments affecting criminal investigations.