Detective

Salary : $64,390.56 - $83,707.52 Annually
Location : Jacksonville, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 4307
Department: Sheriff's Office
Division: Administration
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description

Performs intermediate protective service work in the Sheriff's Office, investigating adult and juvenile criminal activity, including crimes against persons, property, drugs, and other specialized areas as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned, supporting the Sheriff's Office's mission. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Sergeant or Lieutenant within the Investigations Division.

Our core values-Resilience, Excellence, Accountability, Customer Service, and Honesty-are the foundation of our work and the standard by which we operate. As a member of our team, you are expected to demonstrate these values in every aspect of your role. This means delivering high-quality work, taking responsibility for your actions, providing exceptional service, and maintaining integrity in all interactions. Your commitment to these principles is essential to fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring the success of our organization and the community we serve.

This position will be assigned to the General Crimes Unit or the Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Position Responsibilities

Investigates crimes, processes crime scenes, maintains evidence, and performs other specialized duties related to criminal investigation, law enforcement, and special services; prepares reports; maintains files and records; collaborates with prosecutors, testifies in court, and engages with victims and community resources.
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Conducts follow-up criminal investigations by collecting, documenting, and preserving physical and digital evidence; interviewing victims, witnesses, and offenders; and coordinating with forensic specialists.
• Establishes rapport with and supports crime victims; interviews and interrogates offenders consistent with legal requirements; develops and manages confidential informants; prepares and executes search warrants; and makes lawful arrests of criminal offenders.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and manages sensitive law enforcement and criminal justice information in compliance with agency policy, State law, and accreditation standards.
• Prepares criminal cases for prosecution, makes lawful arrests, and provides credible testimony in court proceedings, including District and Superior Courts.
• Collaborates with prosecutors to prepare cases for grand jury hearings, trials, and other judicial proceedings; presents investigative findings and evidence to the grand jury as required.
• Prepares daily, special, and periodic reports on activities using case management systems to ensure timely and accurate documentation.
• Accurately prepares investigative reports, case documentation, and required administrative reports.
• Secures and processes crime scenes, photographs, documents evidence, prepares scene diagrams, and properly collects, packages, and impounds evidence while maintaining the chain of custody.
• Performs general law enforcement duties of a Deputy when required.
• Participates in community outreach efforts, delivering presentations at schools, forums, and public meetings as requested.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Qualifications

Thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Sheriff's Office; working knowledge of modern investigation methods and procedures; general knowledge of investigative techniques of identification; knowledge of interviewing and interrogation techniques, crime scene management, forensic evidence handling, and case preparation for prosecution; ability to use investigative databases, digital forensics tools, and case management systems; thorough knowledge of the geography of the county; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; strong written and oral communication skills; ability to deal tactfully with other employees and the public; possession of physical agility and endurance; skill in the use of firearms and the operation of an automobile.
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of the North Carolina BLET is required. Minimum of three (3) years of law enforcement experience, with patrol experience preferred.

• Possession of an appropriate North Carolina driver's license.
• Must maintain all Sheriff's Office, State, and CALEA-mandated certifications and training, including annual firearms qualification and in-service training.

Regular Onslow County employees have the ability to participate in a wide array of employee benefits including:

Health Insurance
Health Insurance is provided by Cigna and covers a wide variety of healthcare services.

Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental to full-time employees and covers a percentage of basic to major dental procedures, including orthodontia for children and adults.

Vision Insurance
Vision insurance is provided by MetLife to full-time employees and covers a variety of materials (contacts and glasses frames/lenses) and an annual eye exam.

North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System
Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the retirement system and must contribute 6% of their gross salary each pay period. Once eligibility requirements are met, employees will be able to receive monthly payments for life based on their salary, age, and years of service credit.

NC401k
The County contributes 1% of employees' gross salary into the 401(k) account regardless of the employee's deferral amount. In addition, the County matches employee deferrals up to an additional 4%.

Vacation Leave
Regular full-time employees earn 13.5 days of vacation leave per year. With each 5-year increment of employment, vacation accrual increases.

Sick Leave
Regular full-time employees earn 12 days of sick leave per year.

Paid Holidays
County employees receive paid holidays annually. The Board of County Commissioners approves and may adjust the schedule as deemed necessary.

ComPsych Mental Health Services
The County provides Mental Health and Life Services through ComPsych to help employees and their families with personal, family and job-related problems such as counseling, crisis support, work-life resources, legal and financial consultations, and organizational support tools.

Supplemental Benefits
County employees are also offered a variety of supplemental benefits such as Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, 457b Deferred Compensation Plan, and MetLife Supplemental Plans.

For more information, please visit and click on the Benefits tab.
01

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you currently have the North Carolina BLET Certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Salary : $64,390.56 - $83,707.52 Annually
Location : Jacksonville, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 4307
Department: Sheriff's Office
Division: Administration
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description

Performs intermediate protective service work in the Sheriff's Office, investigating adult and juvenile criminal activity, including crimes against persons, property, drugs, and other specialized areas as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned, supporting the Sheriff's Office's mission. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Sergeant or Lieutenant within the Investigations Division.

Our core values-Resilience, Excellence, Accountability, Customer Service, and Honesty-are the foundation of our work and the standard by which we operate. As a member of our team, you are expected to demonstrate these values in every aspect of your role. This means delivering high-quality work, taking responsibility for your actions, providing exceptional service, and maintaining integrity in all interactions. Your commitment to these principles is essential to fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring the success of our organization and the community we serve.

This position will be assigned to the General Crimes Unit or the Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Position Responsibilities

Investigates crimes, processes crime scenes, maintains evidence, and performs other specialized duties related to criminal investigation, law enforcement, and special services; prepares reports; maintains files and records; collaborates with prosecutors, testifies in court, and engages with victims and community resources.
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Conducts follow-up criminal investigations by collecting, documenting, and preserving physical and digital evidence; interviewing victims, witnesses, and offenders; and coordinating with forensic specialists.
• Establishes rapport with and supports crime victims; interviews and interrogates offenders consistent with legal requirements; develops and manages confidential informants; prepares and executes search warrants; and makes lawful arrests of criminal offenders.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and manages sensitive law enforcement and criminal justice information in compliance with agency policy, State law, and accreditation standards.
• Prepares criminal cases for prosecution, makes lawful arrests, and provides credible testimony in court proceedings, including District and Superior Courts.
• Collaborates with prosecutors to prepare cases for grand jury hearings, trials, and other judicial proceedings; presents investigative findings and evidence to the grand jury as required.
• Prepares daily, special, and periodic reports on activities using case management systems to ensure timely and accurate documentation.
• Accurately prepares investigative reports, case documentation, and required administrative reports.
• Secures and processes crime scenes, photographs, documents evidence, prepares scene diagrams, and properly collects, packages, and impounds evidence while maintaining the chain of custody.
• Performs general law enforcement duties of a Deputy when required.
• Participates in community outreach efforts, delivering presentations at schools, forums, and public meetings as requested.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Qualifications

Thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Sheriff's Office; working knowledge of modern investigation methods and procedures; general knowledge of investigative techniques of identification; knowledge of interviewing and interrogation techniques, crime scene management, forensic evidence handling, and case preparation for prosecution; ability to use investigative databases, digital forensics tools, and case management systems; thorough knowledge of the geography of the county; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; strong written and oral communication skills; ability to deal tactfully with other employees and the public; possession of physical agility and endurance; skill in the use of firearms and the operation of an automobile.
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of the North Carolina BLET is required. Minimum of three (3) years of law enforcement experience, with patrol experience preferred.

• Possession of an appropriate North Carolina driver's license.
• Must maintain all Sheriff's Office, State, and CALEA-mandated certifications and training, including annual firearms qualification and in-service training.

Regular Onslow County employees have the ability to participate in a wide array of employee benefits including:

Health Insurance
Health Insurance is provided by Cigna and covers a wide variety of healthcare services.

Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental to full-time employees and covers a percentage of basic to major dental procedures, including orthodontia for children and adults.

Vision Insurance
Vision insurance is provided by MetLife to full-time employees and covers a variety of materials (contacts and glasses frames/lenses) and an annual eye exam.

North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System
Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the retirement system and must contribute 6% of their gross salary each pay period. Once eligibility requirements are met, employees will be able to receive monthly payments for life based on their salary, age, and years of service credit.

NC401k
The County contributes 1% of employees' gross salary into the 401(k) account regardless of the employee's deferral amount. In addition, the County matches employee deferrals up to an additional 4%.

Vacation Leave
Regular full-time employees earn 13.5 days of vacation leave per year. With each 5-year increment of employment, vacation accrual increases.

Sick Leave
Regular full-time employees earn 12 days of sick leave per year.

Paid Holidays
County employees receive paid holidays annually. The Board of County Commissioners approves and may adjust the schedule as deemed necessary.

ComPsych Mental Health Services
The County provides Mental Health and Life Services through ComPsych to help employees and their families with personal, family and job-related problems such as counseling, crisis support, work-life resources, legal and financial consultations, and organizational support tools.

Supplemental Benefits
County employees are also offered a variety of supplemental benefits such as Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, 457b Deferred Compensation Plan, and MetLife Supplemental Plans.

For more information, please visit and click on the Benefits tab.
01

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you currently have the North Carolina BLET Certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

• 

• Government Careers

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