Certified Police Officer-Police Detective

City of Hampton; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hampton is seeking a Certified Police Officer - Detective to join the Hampton Police Division. This role emphasizes proactive investigations, evidence gathering, and collaboration with local and regional agencies to protect the community.

You will conduct in-depth investigations, interview witnesses and suspects, and assist in prosecutions while upholding integrity and public safety. A Virginia DCJS certification, minimum age of 21, a valid driver's license, and passing physical,

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED required; college coursework in Police Science preferred.
• Virginia DCJS certification as a Police Officer required.
• 3–5 years of VA DCJS Police Officer/Detective experience preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations, surveillance, and arrests with other police personnel.
• Enforce City of Hampton and Virginia laws and ordinances.
• Investigate suspicious conditions to determine probable cause for arrest.
• Respond to criminal complaints and take corrective action.
• Perform preliminary investigations and assist other investigative staff.
• Conduct detailed follow-up investigations and manage evidence, interviews, and possible arrests.
• Assist in prosecuting cases and file reports with the Commonwealth's Attorney.
• Provide information to the public regarding laws and ordinances.
• Review case reports for completeness and data quality.

Skills

Communication skills

Integrity

Education

High School Diploma or GED

DCJS Certification

Job description

Are you committed to public service, professionalism, and a peaceful community? Make a real difference to the people in your community, immediately. If you possess integrity, and strong communication skills, you can make a difference with the Hampton Police Division.

Come work for the City of Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community, celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits and promotes career and personal development. Benefits include enrollment in the Virginia Retirement System, flexible and/or remote work opportunities for certain positions, excellent healthcare insurance, and other fringe benefits.

Join our team as a Certified Police Officer - Detective! We're seeking experienced and driven law enforcement professionals to help protect and serve our community through proactive investigations and diligent case work.

As a Certified Detective, you will be responsible for conducting in-depth criminal investigations, gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to justice and public safety. The purpose of the position is to perform a wide variety of general and/or technical law enforcement duties in the prevention, detection and investigation of criminal acts, as well as apprehending and assisting in the prosecution of criminal offenders. The position works under general supervision according to set procedures, but determines how or when to complete tasks.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent, preferably supplemented by specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one year of college in in Police Science or related field of study preferred.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Must hold current DCJS certification as a Police Officer, as defined in Virginia Code: 9.1-101.
• 3-5 years of experience as a Virginia DCJS Certified Police Officer or Detective is preferred.
• Must currently becertified as a Police Officer in Virginia, as defined in Virginia Code: 9.1-101.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.
• This position is safety sensitive and is subject to testing for alcohol and controlled substances in accordance with the City’s current substance abuse policy.
• Must pass City physical examination, background investigation (to include polygraph examination), and physical agility examinatio

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to function in stressful situations and to exercise good judgment under potentially volatile conditions;
• Must be able to read and understand laws, policies, rules and regulations and procedures, and to follow written and oral directions;
• Must be highly motivated, self-supervising, productive and able to adopt a flexible work schedule;
• May require work outside the regular 40-hour workweek.
• May require overtime work and rotation to other patrol officer positions within the Division.
• Must have proven ability to positively interact and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in accordance with established policies, procedures and regulations.
• The incumbent may be considered “essential personnel” during city emergency situations, or at the direction of the City Manager or designee which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Works with other police personnel in conducting searches, surveillance, investigations and arrests.
• Enforces the laws and ordinances of the City of Hampton and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Investigates suspicious conditions and complaints to determine probable cause to arrest for violations of laws/ordinances.
• Answers criminal complaints and takes necessary corrective action.
• Conducts preliminary investigations on new cases and/or furnishes assistance to other police personnel upon request.
• Conducts detailed follow-up investigations. Attempts to bring all cases to a logical and correct conclusion. Is responsible for the complete investigation, including any and all collection of evidence, interview and arrests, or the delegation of these functions as may be applicable.
• Aids in the prosecution of cases. Furnishes case reports to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.
• Gives information to the public relating to laws and ordinances.
• Checks case reports and supplements to ensure completeness, accuracy and quality of data reported. Ensures that all reports comply with police division requirements before forwarding to superiors.
• Assists other agencies (Social Services, Probation, schools, law enforcement agencies, etc.) to ensure that individuals concerned and citizens in the community are served in the best possible manner.
• Trains police officers temporarily assigned to Investigative Services in the various requirements of investigative work.
• Counsels individuals, youths, parents and guardians on a wide variety of matters when they are involved in some element of a case being investigated. Ensures that they are informed of their rights, responsibilities and privileges.