A Criminal Investigator works on criminal cases either as a police detective or private investigator. Investigates people accused of crimes, gathers evidence from crime scene or other searches, reviews evidence gathered by other law enforcement officials. Collects information that may be used for criminal prosecution.
Department of Correction Contraband Interdiction Unit Only, TN Annual Salary:
$67,764.00 - $87,912.00
Closing Date:
09/07/2026
Background Check:
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position. Who we are and what we do: The mission of the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) is to operate safe and secure prisons and provide effective community supervision in order to enhance public safety. The department manages and operates or oversees 14 state prisons housing approximately 21,000 offenders. In addition, the department supervises some 79,000 offenders on probation, parole, or community correction and operates eight Day Reporting/Community Resource Centers across the state. The department is fully accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA).
Job Overview:
The Special Agents assigned to the Contraband Interdiction Unit (CIU) possess statewide law enforcement authority and will conduct criminal and administrative investigations associated with the introduction of contraband into correctional facilities. Additionally, CIU Special Agents will be required to respond to critical incidents across the state and may assist with criminal and administrative investigations of offenses relative to or affecting the TDOC.
Key Responsibilities:
Specific Responsibilities Include:
Special Agents perform all duties consistent with that of a sworn Tennessee law enforcement officer to include: Make criminal arrests and serve outstanding criminal warrants and summons Conduct contraband investigations Assist internal and external law enforcement agencies by providing information and assisting in criminal investigations related to TDOC interests Appear in court to give testimony Must be able to respond immediately to major crimes and incidents, including unexpected overtime and potential overnight trips On call 24 hours / 7 days a week; nights / weekends / holidays Proficient report writer, proficient in Microsoft Office Prepares affidavits for arrest and/or search warrants, administrative subpoenas, and other legal processes Willing to attend and successfully complete all training requirements and academies, to include, but not limited to: Tennessee Correction Academy, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Basic Criminal Investigation School, Reid Interview and Interrogation, firearms qualification course, etc.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of experience as a police officer, correction officer, or probation/parole officer. Experience performing in criminal investigation work in a government setting, law enforcement, professional criminal law, and /or similar related field may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis. Non-police officer candidates must be able and willing to attend and complete a POST certified law enforcement academy.
Preferred Qualifications:
Successful completion of a state or federal law enforcement academy. Experience conducting investigations in a correctional setting or with a correction nexus. Experience conducting drug investigations capitalizing on human and signal intelligence sources.
Additional Employment Requirements:
All applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, 21 years of age, and possess a valid Tennessee driver's license at the time of hire. Applicants must successfully pass a structured interview, meet medical and psychological qualifications, and pass a background investigation. Applicants must be willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons. Candidate must participate in pre-employment, random and all other drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures. Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.
