Police Detective (Special Investigations)

Job Category : Police Department Requisition Number : POLIC001118 Posted : September 29, 2026 Full-Time On-site Locations Showing 1 location Matthews, NC 28105, USA Description Hiring Salary Range is $62,347 – $79,493 (based on qualifications and experience) The Town of Matthews offers a comprehensive benefits package including bilingual incentive pay, vacation and sick leave, increased vacation accrual for qualified service with another government agency, shared sick leave, medical insurance, paid parental leave, health reimbursement account (HRA), dental plan, vision insurance, North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement Plan, 457 and 401K Retirement Accounts, flexible medical & dependent care spending accounts, EAP, group and voluntary life insurance & AD&D, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident plans, hospital indemnity plans, and critical illness insurance, and tuition reimbursement. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR POLICE DETECTIVE (SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS) EMPLOYMENT WITH THE TOWN OF MATTHEWS With our ultimate goal of keeping our city safe, the Matthews Police Department is dedicated to attracting, recruiting, training, and developing employees who meet and maintain our strong hiring standards. As such, applicants who have a history of unethical or immoral behavior will not be hired. Applicants for the position of Police Detective (Special Investigations) must meet the minimum standards set forth by the Department of Justice - Minimum Standards for Criminal Justice Employment. Background will be looked at very closely and all candidates offered employment will be subjected to an intensive background evaluation.

SWORN PERSONNEL AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS

Committed or been convicted of: a felony; or a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment for more than two years; or a crime or unlawful act defined as a Class B misdemeanor within five years prior to the date of application for employment; or four or more crimes or unlawful acts defined as Class B misdemeanors regardless of the date of conviction; or four or more crimes or unlawful acts defined as Class A misdemeanors; except the applicant may be employed if the last conviction occurred more than two years prior to the date of application for employment; or any domestic violence offense (including, but not limited to, Assault, Battery, Telephone Misuse, False Imprisonment, Stalking, etc.); or Ineligibility under Federal or North Carolina State law to possess or carry a firearm; Any use of Heroin, Methamphetamine, Morphine, Opium, LSD, PCP, or other dangerous drugs; Any use of “club drugs” such as GHB, MDMA (ecstasy), or any other illegal hallucinogen drug not listed here within seven (7) years; Any use of cocaine or any derivative of it within seven (7) years; Any use of marijuana, including legal marijuana derivatives, bi-products, or concentrates, within 12 months of application. ** Please note that while some states have decriminalized marijuana, it is still federally illegal and police officers are expected to adhere to all laws and regulations, on and off duty; Been convicted or otherwise found guilty of selling, manufacturing, or distributing a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana; Ever illegally sold, produced, cultivated, distributed, or transported a controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana; Being involuntarily terminated from a previous law enforcement position whether sworn or civilian; For any conviction equivalent to North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law (Impaired Driving) within 5 years of application; Discharge from military service with less than “General under Honorable Conditions.”

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs specialized law enforcement work investigating criminal activity in the Town, solving crimes, and apprehending and prosecuting persons suspected of committing crimes. Work is performed in accordance with department policy and state and federal law, supplemented with specific directions from the superior officers. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Special Investigations Unit Sergeant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.) Conducts preliminary and supplemental investigations of felony and serious misdemeanor crimes, including but not limited to major criminal and narcotics investigations; interviews people in connection with criminal incidents, including witnesses, victims, complainants, informants, and suspects; prepares and reviews written reports of investigative activities. Conducts crime scene investigation, including scene security, taking photographs, processing fingerprints, collecting, documenting, and preserving evidence, making sketches/drawings, and interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects. Prepares records and reports of activities. Prepares felony case files for the United States attorney, district attorney, and magistrate; testifies in local and federal court. Participates in special narcotics investigations, surveillance, and related programs and activities; investigates complaints related to gambling, prostitution, gang, and violent crime offenses; participates in the Federal Law Enforcement Task Force to conduct similar investigations. Arrests offenders; conducts high-risk warrant apprehensions. Attends schools and regular training; provides specialized training for the public and local citizen groups. Maintains issued equipment and vehicles. Establishes effective contacts and coordinates work with the public, informants, co-workers, district attorney’s office staff, and other law enforcement agencies to gain information related to criminal activities; conduct surveillance and develops leads. When not conducting investigations, the employee may participate in the regular patrol and other operations of the Department. Performs the duties of a Police Officer. Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

(The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.) Thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations relating to law enforcement administration. Thorough knowledge of departmental rules and regulations, Town laws and ordinances. Thorough knowledge of the physical, economic, and social characteristics of the Town. Thorough knowledge of the geography of the Town and the location of important buildings. Considerable knowledge of modern law enforcement techniques, principles, and procedures, investigative techniques of identification, surveillance, undercover purchases, and principles. Considerable knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances pertaining to law enforcement operations and investigative procedures. Knowledge of investigative procedures, principles, strategies, and methods. Knowledge of supervisory functions and skills including leadership, motivation, communication, performance coaching and evaluation, and conflict resolution. Knowledge of the community policing concept and de-escalation tactics. Work involves frequent public contact which requires tact, firmness, and decisiveness. Ability to exercise judgment, initiative, and calm control when performing duties with significant independence of action and judgment. Ability to analyze complex police problems and to adopt quick and effective reasonable courses of action. Ability to perform independently complex and sensitive investigative assignments, to apply sound investigative principles to difficult cases, and to report clearly, orally and in writing, the results of investigative efforts. Ability to operate personal computers including some knowledge of applicable software packages. Skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment and in the application of self-defense and de-escalation tactics. Skill in collaborative conflict resolution. Ability to effectively plan and organize work independently. Ability to work calmly under conditions of high stress and physical and emotional fatigue. Ability to prepare clear and concise records and reports. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form, and to present effectively in court testimony. Ability to make effective public and educational presentations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, Town Officials, citizens, community leaders, and the general public. Ability to work closely and in harmony with representatives of other law enforcement and investigative agencies in matters of common interest.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions. Must be able to perform medium work exerting 50 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds of force frequently, and 10 pounds of force constantly to carry or move objects in various lifting positions, such as overhead, chest height, etc. Must possess the visual acuity to operate a police vehicle and distinguish details and differences when observing people, places, or things on patrol.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Must be conscious of safety methods to avoid injury to others and themselves; May be subject to hazards in law enforcement work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards to include but not limited to dangerous persons, heavy traffic, loud noises, and hazardous spills with fumes, oils, gases, and flammable liquids. This position is subject to all State and Federal OSHA regulations, including, but not limited to the following: bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication/GHS, personal protective equipment, slips, trips, and falls, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency from an accredited educational institution by the date of employment application is required. Associate’s Degree with coursework in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, or a closely related field is preferred. At least two (2) years of full-time sworn officer experience as a police detective or criminal investigator is required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience serving as a Task Force Officer (TFO) is preferred.

CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Must possess or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina Driver's License within 60 days of employment with a safe driving record. (If you possess a South Carolina Driver’s License and maintain residence in South Carolina, you are not required to obtain a North Carolina Driver’s License). Must have successfully completed Basic Law Enforcement Training and currently certified to work as a sworn law enforcement officer in North Carolina (or must be able to obtain NC BLET certification within one (1) year of hire). Out-of-state transfers must be able to successfully complete the reciprocity process and requirements through NCDOJ outlined at Must be able to meet and maintain the minimum training, experience, and compliance requirements for the position as established by the Town and the State of North Carolina, including but not limited to the ability to obtain the credential of a sworn law enforcement officer, as issued by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, within one (1) year of hire. Must be able to obtain and maintain required training/certification and security clearance for appropriate federal task force. Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate issued by the North Carolina Justice Training and Standards Commission is preferred.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The Town of Matthews requires background checks to be conducted on the final candidate(s) applying for any position with the Town of Matthews. For this position, final candidates must pass a background process to include, but are not limited to, work history verification, professional/personal reference checks, social media, financial review, polygraph, pre‑employment drug screening and physical, psychological evaluation, criminal background, fingerprinting, driving record checks, and firearms qualification with final approval by the Police Chief and Human Resources. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test and/or participate in other assessments. The Special Investigations Detective must be able to obtain and maintain required security clearance for appropriate federal task force.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. The Town is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town of Matthews provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws in all terms and conditions of employment. The Town of Matthews is an at‑will employer. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Town of Matthews