Police Detective

Atlanta, GA
Fulton County Sheriff

Salary: $61,380.00 – $114,167.00 Annually

Closing Date: 7/30/2025

Position Summary:

The purpose of this classification is to perform specialized work associated with investigation of criminal activity, collection/processing of evidence, preparation for the prosecution of cases, and other special assignments to enforce all local, state and federal statutes, ordinances and the laws and regulations.

Essential Functions:

  • Investigates crimes and related law enforcement problems; conducts investigations involving financial, vice, homicide, abduction, missing persons, juvenile, child abuse/neglect, abuse of elderly, drugs, auto theft, property, robbery, assault, gang-related, or other crimes; conducts surveillance and undercover operations; coordinates investigation activities with other law enforcement agencies; manages assigned caseload of investigations.
  • Secures crime scenes; examines crime scenes for clues, evidence, and latent fingerprints; makes photographs and diagrams of crime scenes and evidence; collects, evaluates, tests, records, and preserves evidence; maintains control and chain-of-custody over physical evidence gathered; ensures proper handling, packing, and transport of evidence to crime laboratories.
  • Identifies potential witnesses and suspects; interviews victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects; advises victims or other parties of their rights; takes statements and verifies truth/accuracy of statements.
  • Obtains search warrants; conducts searches of premises, property, or persons; seizes property as appropriate.
  • Documents all investigative information; prepares detailed case reports and records; reviews/evaluates crime reports; compiles, maintains, and reviews various statistical data; performs research; reviews laws for application.
  • Determines whether sufficient evidence exists to substantiate an arrest; prepares/presents photo lineups; obtains arrest warrants and makes arrests; advises suspects of their rights.
  • Participates in court activities; prepares cases for prosecution; meets with state/county attorneys to discuss prosecution of cases; testifies in judicial proceedings.
  • Inspects and maintains and operates assigned police vehicle, uniform, weapons, and equipment.
  • Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; performs driving functions in a safe and efficient manner under various conditions, including day/night hours, in congested traffic, in adverse weather conditions, and in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits.
  • Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including criminal complaints, court orders, search and arrest warrants, subpoenas, witness statements and autopsy reports; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including incident reports, search and arrest warrants, administrative forms and logs, ; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
  • Operates or uses various equipment and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains motor vehicle, firearm and other law enforcement equipment; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
  • Communicates with County officials, supervisor, other employees, the public, outside agencies and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
  • Depending on assignment, may also investigate and provide training on acts of terrorism, process property and evidence, participate in the Crime Suppression Unit, and participate as a member of SWAT team.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED is required; supplemented by three years of law enforcement experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
  • Must possess POST Basic Law Enforcement certification.
  • May be required to obtain and maintain additional certifications based on area of assignment.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
  • Must submit to and pass a psychological profile test.
  • Must successfully pass a physical agility test, polygraph examination, drug test, and background investigation, including, but not limited to the following: (1) criminal history record check; (2) driver history record check; (3) financial/credit check; (4) court check for criminal cases and civil lawsuits; (5) previous employment check; and (6) character and social acquaintances check. Must possess a valid Georgia Driver’s License at the time of appointment.
  • Must be at least twenty (20) years of age. Must conform to the following qualifications as required by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Act: Be a citizen of the United States; Have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent (G.E.D.).
  • POST MUST EVALUATE AND APPROVE ALL MILITARY G.E.D. CERTIFICATES;
  • Not have been convicted by any state or the Federal government of any crime, the punishment for which could have been imprisonment in a federal or state prison or institution; nor have been convicted d sufficient misdemeanors to establish a pattern of disregard for the law, provided that, for the purposes of this paragraph, violations of traffic laws and other offenses involving the operation of a motor vehicle when the applicant has received a pardon shall not be considered;
  • Be fingerprinted and a search made of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record;
  • Be of good moral character as determined by established standards and procedures; Have an oral interview with the hiring authority or designated representatives] to determine applicant’s appearance, background, and ability to communicate;
  • Be found, after examination by a licensed physician of the Fulton County Health and Wellness Department, to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental conditions which might adversely affect exercising the powers or duties of a peace officer; and Successfully complete a job related academy entrance examination provided for and administered by the council in conformity with state and federal law.
  • Such examination shall be administered prior to entrance to the basic course provided for in Code Sections 35·8·9 and 35.8.11. The council may change or modify such examination and shall establish the criteria for determining satisfactory performance on such examination.
  • Peace officers who do not perform satisfactorily on the examination shall be ineligible to retake such examination for a period of six (6) months after an unsuccessful attempt.