Criminal Investigator - Lateral - Savannah Police Department

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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 and callouts. 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.
• Trains and studies with police equipment and other training personnel to develop and maintain competency and proficiency.
• Affixes to assigned areas of responsibility to prevent and reduce criminal activity.
• Prepares incidents and arrest reports.
• Enforces traffic laws; conducts vehicle stops, investigates traffic accidents, issue citations.
• Operates miscellaneous equipment including emergency vehicles, radar, breath alcohol analyzers, and other issued equipment.
• Assists 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Valid driver's license.
• 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 (3) years of sworn law enforcement experience as a Criminal Investigator.
• Current Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification or the ability to obtain Georgia POST certification within the required timeframe.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in criminal investigations, case management, or detective functions.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of criminal law, investigative techniques, and constitutional law.
• Ability to analyze complex information and develop investigative strategies.
• Skill in interviewing witnesses and conducting interrogations.
• Ability to prepare detailed written reports and legal documentation.
• Proficiency in using investigative technology, records management systems, and criminal intelligence databases.
• Strong organizational and case management skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

Benefits

• Paid Holiday
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave
• Defined Benefit Retirement Pension Plan
• Protective Services Retirement Plan (select positions)
• Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
• Retirement Seminars
• PPO Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Health & Wellness Incentives
• Long Term Disability
• Excellence and Service Recognition
• Employee Development and In-Service Training
• Education Assistance Program
• Uniform Allowance (select positions)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts and Memberships
• Employee Relations
• Direct Deposit
• Credit Union
• Pretax Parking Deductions
• Employer Assisted Home Purchase Program
• Domestic Partnership Benefits
• Healthcare PPO Medical Plus Plan
• Healthcare PPO Medical Basic Plan
• Dental Plus Plan
• Dental Basic Plan
• Vision Service Plan
• Life Insurance Basic Life and ADD Supplemental Life Employee Supplemental Life Spouse Supplemental Life Child Benefits costs are paid by the City of Savannah, by the employee or shared by both the City and the employee.

Pay

Lateral Officer $61,989 to $66,755 Based on years of experience
Lateral Entry Bonus Schedule
$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
Retention Bonus
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
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
$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
$2500 (gross) at 6th year anniversary date - 4th incentive payment

Schedule

Work may involve irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on investigative needs.