Applications are now being accepted for the position of Detective in the City of Fairfax Police Department—at the rank of Master Police Officer. Applicants who are currently Virginia Certified Police Officers with a minimum of 20 years of law enforcement experience, with a minimum of 10 years of investigative experience, retired or preparing to retire from a law enforcement agency, in good standing. Highly Qualified candidate(s) will be given an oral interview; conditional job offer; background investigation; polygraph examination; physical examination and a psychological examination. A polygraph examination and psychological test will generally not be required if there is no break in service from previous law enforcement employment. If there is a break in service, a modified polygraph examination and psychological examination may be required. After successful completion of the process, a final interview with the Chief of Police will be scheduled.

As an equal opportunity employer and in order to respond to the needs of a diverse community, minorities and women are encouraged to submit applications. Spanish speaking individuals are encouraged to apply.

Under the supervision of the Criminal Investigations Lieutenant and Sergeant, conducts criminal investigations for serious crimes. Work involves processing crime scenes; interviewing witnesses and victims; interrogating suspects; preparing affidavits for search warrants and making criminal arrests. Presents criminal cases to prosecutors and testifies in court. Detectives will be assigned a position within the Criminal Investigations Division and assigned as Major Crimes, Property Crimes, Financial Crimes, Background Investigations, Computer Forensics, Cyber Crimes, or Juvenile cases. Detectives must remain flexible as to cases assigned to them.

Detectives are assigned cases by their supervisory staff and/or designee and are expected to work efficiently with little supervision. Communication with victims of crimes and keeping supervisors apprised of developments with cases is expected. Detectives may also be placed on Task Forces part time basis as an additional duty. Hours of operation are 8-9 hours a day on weekdays, however, call out may be necessary to include nights and weekends. Detectives often have to be flexible with their schedule and remain committed to serving the citizens of the City of Fairfax.

U.S. Citizen.

Virginia Certified Police Officer who is a graduate of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy, Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, or Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy.

20 or more years of experience, 10 years of investigatory experience, currently certified or retired with good standing.

High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent. 

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Eyesight must meet a minimum of 20/20 binocular vision. Corrective glasses may be worn. Uncorrected vision with glasses must be no worse than 20/100 in either eye, corrective soft contact. Must demonstrate successful long term wear of lenses of 6 months minimum for pre-employment examination lenses may be worn, uncorrected vision with soft contacts must be no worse than 20/200.

No felony convictions. Must be of good character and reputation, have a favorable credit record, possess the ability to speak clearly, hear, analyze, understand, and follow complex oral and written instructions.

Additional Desirable Qualification:

College coursework or a degree in criminal justice or related field.

Ability to communicate effectively in a second language.

Graduate of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Possession of a valid operator's license.

Current Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) certified police officer.