Police Detective

Salary: $71,925.00 - $142,312.00 Annually
Location : 65 Plaza Street Leesburg, VA
Job Type: RFT
Job Number: 01325
Department: Leesburg Police
Opening Date: 10/08/2026


About the Town of Leesburg and Nature of Work
The Town of Leesburg Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Detective within the Criminal Investigations Section (CIS). Detectives within the department may serve at the ranks of Police Officer First Class, Senior Police Officer, or Master Police Officer. External applicants will be appointed at the appropriate rank based on relevant prior experience.

Detectives are responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of criminal offenses involving crimes against persons and property within the Town of Leesburg. Primary duties include processing crime scenes; interviewing witnesses, victims, and suspects; preparing affidavits for search warrants; making arrests; completing detailed investigative reports and case files; presenting cases to prosecutors; and providing testimony in court.

Detectives must maintain flexibility in their work schedules and participate in a rotational on-call system. Cases are assigned by supervisory personnel, and Detectives are expected to work efficiently with limited supervision while maintaining regular communication with both crime victims and supervisory staff regarding case progress and developments. Detectives may also be required to supplement uniformed patrol operations during staffing emergencies or Town-wide special events.

While the selected candidate is expected to serve as a Detective within CIS, applicants should be aware that the Chief of Police may reassign this position to other lateral police officer roles within the department based on operational needs.

For a more detailed job description, please visit the Town's Job Descriptions page.

Selected candidates will join a in an innovative municipality. Leesburg, hometown of the 21st century, is located 35 miles west of the nation's capital and enjoys vibrant and authentic community with a population of more than 50,000 residents. The Town strongly encourages innovation, promotes career development, and offers excellent benefits to employees, including membership to the Town's full-service recreation center, retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System and Nationwide, affordable health insurance, and numerous other fringe benefits. For more information on the Town's robust benefits package, please visit the Town's Employee Benefits page.

Career Development Program
The Leesburg Police Department offers a career development program. The purpose of the program is to recognize and compensate individuals who have acquired additional or advance work related knowledge, skills and abilities during their career with the Leesburg Police Department. This program provides a career development plan based on an employee's performance, training, and length of service.

Required Qualifications

• HS/GED.
• Must be 21 years of age with US Citizenship.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Virginia DCJS Certified Law Enforcement Officer.
• Must be able to provide testimony under oath in a court of law.
• Minimum of three (3) years of law enforcement officer experience.
• Reside within 40 straight line miles of police headquarters (65 Plaza Street NE) upon selection.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Detective.
• Minimum of five (5) years of law enforcement officer experience for consideration for employment as Police Officer III (P3).
• Minimum of nine (9) years of law enforcement officer experience for consideration for employment as Master Police Officer (P4).
• Postsecondary Education (Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees).
• Major crimes investigation experience.
• Advanced interview and interrogation training and experience.
• Child forensic interview training.
• Polygraph examiner.
• Virginia Department of Forensic Science Academy graduate.
• Fingerprint Examiner/AFIS experience.
• Advanced training in computer and mobile device forensics.
• Experience in and specialty task force assignments.
• Ability to use computers to research information.
• Self-motivated and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to follow directions to achieve the goals and objectives of the department.
• Ability to react quickly both mentally and physically to dangerous situations.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Written Summary
Applicants must submit a written summary, not to exceed 750 words, describing a criminal investigation in which they served as a primary investigator. The summary should demonstrate the applicant's investigative approach and ability to develop a case from initial assignment through final disposition, including significant investigative actions, evidence developed, and the outcome of the investigation.

The summary must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document or PDF. All submissions must be appropriately redacted and contain no personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise sensitive information that could compromise an investigation or disclose protected information.
ADA/EOE
Please click on " Employee Benefits " to review detailed information regarding employee benefits for regular full-time and regular part-time employees.
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