Criminal Investigator - Lateral - Savannah Police Department

The Criminal Investigator is responsible for conducting thorough professional investigations into felony and misdemeanor offenses occurring within the Savannah Police Department's jurisdiction. This position requires advanced investigative skills, the ability to analyze complex criminal cases, and the capacity to work collaboratively with patrol officers, specialized units, prosecutors, and external law enforcement agencies. Investigators are expected to identify suspects, gather and preserve evidence, prepare cases for prosecution, and ensure that investigations are conducted in accordance with department policies, state law, and constitutional standards.

We offer great pay, excellent benefits to include medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, employee/spouse/child supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, deferred compensation plan (457

B), pension plan, flexible spending account, home purchase assistance and 12 paid holidays!

Lateral Officer $61,989 to $66,755

Based on years of experience

• 1,500 @ time of hire
• 1,500 @ after Patrol Officer Training phase (time based on prior experience)
• 2,500 @ 1st year anniversary
• 4,500 @ 2nd year anniversary

For Police Officers Reaching Their 3rd Year Anniversary Date on or after January 1, 2023:
Qualified Officers must:

• have three (3) or more consecutive years of service from their most recent hire date
• be at the Rank of Police Officer
• sign and submit a Two-Year Commitment Agreement

• Police Officer signs 2-year commitment agreement, then receives $4000 {gross) at 3rd year anniversary date - 1st incentive payment
• Police Officer signs 2-year commitment agreement, then receives $2500 (gross) at 4th year anniversary date - 2nd incentive payment
• Police Officer signs 2-year commitment agreement, then receives $2500 (gross) at 5th year anniversary date - 3rd incentive payment
• Police Officer signs 2-year commitment agreement, then receives $2500 (gross) at 6th year anniversary date - 4th incentive payment

• Conduct independent and collaborative investigations into crimes such as robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, homicide, narcotics violations, financial crimes, and other major offenses.
• Respond to crime scenes and coordinate investigative activities, including evidence collection, witness identification, and suspect interviews.
• Conduct detailed interviews and interrogations of victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Prepare and execute search warrants and arrest warrants in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
• Collect, document, and preserve physical and digital evidence while maintaining proper chain-of-custody procedures.
• Utilize investigative databases, intelligence systems, and analytical tools to identify suspects and develop leads.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative reports, affidavits, and case files for prosecution.
• Work closely with the Chatham County District Attorney's Office to ensure cases are properly prepared for court proceedings.
• Respond to crime scenes andcallouts.
• Testify in state and federal court as required.
• Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, including state and federal partners, when investigations across jurisdictions.
• Participate in task forces or specialized investigative initiatives when assigned.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisors regarding case status and investigative progress.
• Assist patrol officers with investigative follow-up and provide guidance on evidence collection and case development.
• Conduct rollcall training with Patrol.
• Trains and studies with police equipment and other training personnel to develop and maintain competency and proficiency.
• Assists in patrolling assigned areas of responsibility to prevent and reduce criminal activity.
• Preparing incidents and arrest reports.
• Enforcing traffic laws; conducts vehicle stops, investigates traffic accidents, issue citations.
• Operates miscellaneous equipment including emergency vehicles, radar, breath alcohol analyzers, and other issued equipment.

• Assist in processing of evidence and the preparation of court cases, may provide legal testimony as required.
• Writes and files daily activity report with superior officer.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Performs Shift Work.

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Valid driver's license.
• Applicant must be 21 years of age by the date of hire.
• Must be a citizen of the United States or a repatriated or naturalized citizen of the United States.
• Minimum three…