Police Officer - Detective Assignment

Town of Erie; Erie (CO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Erie seeks a Detective for an Investigations unit assignment, offering the chance to advance investigative skills over a 3-7 year term before returning to Patrol with enhanced expertise.

The role requires Colorado POST certification or the ability to obtain it, and participation in the FTO program prior to assignment completion. On-going training and community collaboration are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Colorado POST certification (or ability to obtain) is required.
• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 21 years old.
• Two years of continuous service as a certified Police Officer.
• Must pass background check, polygraph, drug screen, psych, and medical exams.
• Able to attain various law enforcement certifications.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License with satisfactory record.

Responsibilities

• Investigates crimes against persons and property.
• Conducts on-scene and follow-up interviews of witnesses and victims.
• Conducts on-scene and follow-up interrogations of suspects.
• Arrests suspects and processes evidence with chain of custody.
• Develops and maintains case files and prepares court documentation.
• Provides testimony in court and supports prosecutors.

Skills

Investigative techniques

Written communication

Oral communication

Community liaison

Detail orientation

Education

Colorado POST Certification

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Driver's License

Job description

The Erie Police Department is seeking a motivated, detail‑oriented, experienced Detective or Police Officer interested in advancing their investigative skills through a dedicated assignment within our Investigations unit as a Detective. In this role, you will serve in a detective capacity, working complex cases, collaborating with specialized units, and playing a key role in the community. This assignment provides an exceptional opportunity to build deep investigative experience over a 3-7 year term before returning to Patrol with enhanced expertise, greater career versatility, and a broadened skill set that strengthens your impact on the department.

The selected certified Police Officer must successfully complete the full Field Training Officer (FTO) program before being formally assigned to the Detective special assignment.

Police Department Location

• 1000 Telleen Ave, Erie, CO 80516

Application Period

• 10/01/2026 – 10/15/2026

Expected Earliest Start Date

12/28/2026

Job Duties for the Detective Special Assignment include and are not limited to the following:

• Investigates crimes against persons and/or their property.
• Investigates illicit drug activities and coordinates activities with the Drug Task Force.
• Manages crime scenes; collects, establishes chain of custody, processes and maintains evidence.
• Conducts on scene and follow‑up interviews of witnesses and victims.
• Conducts on scene and follow‑up interrogations of suspects.
• Arrests suspects involved in violations of laws.
• Performs surveillance and develops leads.
• Obtains and executes arrest warrants, subpoenas, production of records, and search warrants.
• Develops and maintains case files and other files to document all pertinent information.
• May provide oversight with the field investigative work of police officers.
• Prepares and file criminals cases with the town’s prosecuting attorney, the Boulder County and Weld County district attorney’s offices.
• Provides testimony in court.
• Prepares and presents written reports and oral presentations as required.
• Serves on Weld and Boulder County Critical Incident Response Teams
• Serves as police officer to cover shifts as required.
• Attends training including firearms, arrest control, first aid CPR, legal updates etc.; attends meetings with community, staff, and other agencies; participates in community and education programs and projects.
• Performs related work as required and assigned.

Once your Detective assignment ends you will return to Patrol and duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to the following:

• Respond to priority calls regarding public disturbances, criminal, civil, or emergency situations. May provide emergency medical assistance, control traffic, and otherwise ensure attention is given to public safety.
• Detect and prevent criminal activities by surveillance of assigned business and residential areas. Note possible criminal occurrences and takes steps to prevent criminal actions. Promote crime prevention by initiating contact with businesses and residents, including explaining applicable laws, soliciting cooperation in crime reporting, and otherwise creating good rapport with citizens.
• Investigate crime scenes or accidents and assist other officers. Protect evidence, takes testimony from witnesses, and assists detectives in specialized investigations.
• Enforce traffic laws, vehicle codes, and promotes traffic safety.
• Make arrests as appropriate.
• Directs traffic, reports unsafe road conditions, and otherwise promotes vehicular and pedestrian safety.
• Prepare a variety of daily reports and logs.
• Provide a variety of related police services, including transport of prisoners, assistance to motorists, and mediation of family disturbances.
• May conduct or assist with in‑depth investigations involving felonies or other serious offenses and work closely with District Attorneys regarding cases.

Other

• Conduct a variety of community‑oriented policing activities to include participating in Erie’s Community Police Academy, business and community participation, working with community groups, conducting welfare checks, etc.
• Prepare and provides testimony in court and works with prosecution attorneys.
• Provide code enforcement and animal control activities as needed.
• Issue appropriate citations and take immediate action to mitigate problems and disputes.
• At advanced levels, may be assigned as a Field Training Officer.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for this position, an applicant must be Colorado P.O.S.T. certified or, for out‑of‑state applicants, must have the ability to successfully challenge the Colorado P.O.S.T. and obtain certification.

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• State of Colorado Peace Officers Standards Certificate (POST Certification)
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Two years of continuous service as a certified Police Officer
• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, polygraph, drug screen, psychological, and medical exams.
• Must be able to attain and maintain a variety of law enforcement certifications.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience of advanced criminal investigative techniques.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Municipal statutes, codes, ordinances, and relevant case law relating to criminal or illegal activity.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with peers, superiors, court officials, prosecuting attorneys, suspects, witnesses, other law enforcement personnel, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with victims, suspects and fellow police officers.
• Is required to be on‑call and respond in a timely manner for case investigations and crime scene processing which may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours.

Important Information Regarding the Examination Process –

Candidates who are deemed qualified and eligible will be required to participate in and pass the following steps:

• Resume/Application Screening
• Law Enforcement Test - Please do not initiate the test until you are notified you are proceeding in our recruitment process. We will provide you with information to start your testing after the resume/application screening.
• Physical Agility Testing – 10/29/2026
  • Run an obstacle course which begins by sitting in the driver's seat of a car, exiting the car and running 175 feet to an 8‑foot ladder and ascend/descend five steps or rungs, then run 50 feet to and crawl for 12 feet and return, running 50 feet to the sitting position in the driver's seat of the car within 101 seconds.
  • Within two minutes of completing the obstacle course, the participant will pull a weighted object (150 pounds) for 25 feet from a standing position.
  • Immediately after the weight pull, the participant will run a distance of ¼ mile within 162 seconds.
• Oral Board Interview – 10/29/2026
• Conditional Job Offer
• Personal History Statement (PHS) and Release of Information Agreement
• Extensive Background Investigation
• PolygraphInterview with the Chief of Police
• Psychological Exam
• Medical Exam
• Final Decision – Final Job Offer