Police Detective -INTERNAL ONLY

General Description 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. Duties Criminal Investigations 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. and Responsibilities Case Management 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. Community and Interagency Engagement Build relationships with community members, victims, and informants. Collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies. Participates in task forces or specialized investigative units as assigned. Patrol Support Responsibilities Detectives remain sworn law enforcement officers and may be required to perform patrol officer functions when operational needs dictate. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Conducting preliminary investigations at crime scenes. Making arrests and enforcing laws and ordinances. Performing traffic enforcement and accident investigations. Assisting patrol units during critical incidents, staffing shortages, or special events. Serving in an on-call capacity and responding to major incidents outside normal working hours. This requirement ensures operational readiness, departmental flexibility, and continuity of public safety services. Documentation and Reporting Prepare 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 . Use of Force and Legal Compliance 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. Comply with all DCJS training standards and certification requirements. Maintain awareness of current legal developments affecting criminal investigations.

Essential Functions:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of criminal law, investigative techniques, and rules of evidence. Ability to analyze complex information and draw logical conclusions. Strong interviewing and interrogation skills. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to operate law enforcement equipment, vehicles, and technology systems. Skill in de-escalation, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention. Experience (Patrol Officer): Minimum 2 years as a sworn

Police Officer Physical Demands:

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

Unavoidable Hazards:

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.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Working knowledge or ability to develop functional knowledge of multiple computer systems and databases as used by the Bureau. Associate's degree in Criminal Justice (preferred) or relevant law enforcement experience may be substituted for the degree on a year-for-year basis, provided the candidate demonstrates equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Current Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement Officer Certification (or ability to obtain/maintain). Valid Virginia Driver's License. Additional specialized investigative training preferred