Public Safety Investigator-Cold Case Homicide Squad

Job Posting End Date:

November 11, 2026

Department:

POLICE

Compensation Grade:

H3068

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Pay Range: $27.04-$32.44
Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range
Scheduled Weekly Hours = 28

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

About Us:

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

Duties: The Virginia Beach Police Department’s Cold Case Homicide Squad (CCHS) is staffed with two full-time detectives and two part-time investigators. The squad is also assisted by volunteers who are periodically called upon to review unsolved homicide cases.  

The duties of the part-time investigator include: 

• Reviewing case files
• Reviewing evidence, including items that are sensitive in nature and may be disturbing
• Identifying new leads and individuals to be re-interviewed
• Listening to recorded conversations and reviewing videos
• Conducting investigative research using open-source intelligence and investigative databases
• Writing supplemental reports
• Monitoring the Cold Case Squad website and email account
• Monitoring the tip phone line
• Conducting interviews with witnesses, tipsters, etc. within the Detective Bureau offices (Note:  This position will not involve interviewing suspects, and no business will not be conducted outside the Detective Bureau offices.)
• Taking directions from the sworn cold case detective
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.

 

Special Instructions:

• Applicants who are currently receiving benefits through the Virginia Retirement System are encouraged to contact VRS (www.varetire.org) to ensure that this part-time employment opportunity will not impact their current benefits. Retired City employees must be separated for 30 days prior to being eligible for re-employment.

• Candidates must successfully complete a police background investigation, including polygraph examination.

• CJIS/VCIN/NCIC certification is required, in addition to the successful completion of a background check, candidates must have U.S. citizenship or be a lawful resident of the United States and eligible for naturalization.

Minimum Requirements:  Any combination of education (beyond high school) and experience equivalent to six years’ experience as a law enforcement professional or related field which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Critical Criteria:  In order to proceed in the hiring process candidates must have the following critical skills:

• Experience working as an investigator for a federal, state, or municipal agency

• Investigative experience involving homicide or violent crimes, including homicide, robbery, or special victims’ cases

Additional Preferred Attributes: 

• 10 years’ experience as a prior sworn officer or investigator

• Homicide/Violent Crime investigator experience

• Experience conducting interviews

• Experience with Microsoft Office, to include Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.

• Experience working in a team environment

• Associate's degree in Police Science, Forensic Science, Administration of Justice, Criminal Justice

• Experience reviewing evidence

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Strong attention to detail

• Strong analytical/problem-solving skills and research skills

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 0800-1530. 28 hours per week. 

Disqualifiers:  The following is a list of "disqualifiers" or concerns that could result in you not being selected for employment. Please consider these factors before applying. This is not an exhaustive listing.

Criminal History:  Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals).  Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Virginia State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.

Traffic Violations:  Any conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years. 

Drugs:  Any involvement in the sale of illegal drugs as an adult.   Any illegal use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last five years.  Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 36 months.

Additional requirements:
• DMV Transcript: Yes
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: No
• Physical: No
• Respirator: No
• Psychological Screening: No
• Polygraph: Yes
• At Will: No

Minimum Requirements:

Skills:

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business. 

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile.  Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.
There are no working conditions for this position.

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.