Detective

The Whitewater Police Department is accepting applications to hire for the position of Detective.  This vacancy was created due to the creation of a fourth Detective position being added to our department beginning in April of 2025.

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Detective Lieutenant and the Administrative Captain, this position performs complex investigations and necessary follow-ups specializing in crimes against persons and property occurring in the City of Whitewater.  This individual works closely with internal elements of the department, other governmental agencies, and the general public in the reporting, investigation and prosecution of offenders.

 This individual should possess effective skills and abilities in recognizing and tracking criminal activities associated with crimes against persons and property.  This officer should be highly motivated, possess good communication skills, organizational abilities, and thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal laws as they pertain to criminal offenses.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary. 

• Initiate or conduct complex criminal investigations relating to homicide, suicide, robbery, aggravated assault, arson, sexual assault, dangerous drugs, burglary, theft, and vice offenses.
• Conduct complex and comprehensive interviews of victims, suspects, witnesses, and offenders utilizing modern interrogation and interview techniques.
• Complete complex and comprehensive reports on all investigations and activities, either pending or completed, in a timely fashion and in accordance with department policy.
• Submit reports, photos, etc. to the proper authorities (federal, state, or local), as dictated by the situation and pending charges.   Makes these items accessible to other members of the investigative unit and department.
• Obtain forensic evidence, set up and retrieve surveillance equipment including cameras, video, alarms, etc.; prepares photo line-ups of suspects for positive victim identification; where necessary, coordinates sting operations in the apprehension and arrest of suspect(s).
• Maintain compliance with various policies as they pertain to all uniformed officers and department personnel.
• Maintain professional level of confidentiality, disseminating information only as appropriate.
• Establish a working rapport with various outside agencies and organizations for prompt investigation of crimes against persons and property of the City of Whitewater.  Maintain this rapport in a positive manner for evidence gathering, records access, and cooperation.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other members of the department and other law enforcement agencies.
• Track and record developing patterns of crimes, suspicious activities, etc. in order to apprehend violators.
• Establish and maintain good working relationship with informants, adhering to department policies.
• Assist in the preparation of victims, records, and exhibits for court proceedings.  Attend and assist as necessary.
• Make necessary presentations to outside agencies and organizations; disseminating information on criminal activities and patterns as they develop suspects to be cautious of and safeguards to take to prevent crime.
• Responsive completion of assignments and responsibilities which occur in support of the department and the City.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the training and data gathering sessions for the general patrol element of the department.
• Attend training programs to enhance investigative skills, especially in those areas of assigned specialization.
• Assist the Command Staff by way of special investigative assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND/OR EXERCISED

• Work under general supervision of the Detective Lieutenant and the Administrative Captain, however, performs recurring job duties independently.  Some opportunity to vary work steps and in deciding appropriate procedures, guidelines and methods to apply exists.  Supervised less closely during execution, but end results are still reviewed.
• No formal supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Equivalent to an Associate’s Degree from an accredited school or pursuance of or graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Police Science, or a closely related field.
• Non-probationary, three (3) years of responsible related experience, or any equivalent combination of related education and experience, that provides requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.
• Ability to perform all of the functions required for classification as a Police Officer and Detective.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, copy, record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute, tabulate, and categorize data.
• Ability to persuade, convince, and/or train others.
• Ability to advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such code manuals, City ordinances, directories, State statutes, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.
• Good human relations skills.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with City personnel, Department personnel and City residents.
• Fluency in second language preferred.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to complete accurate mathematical calculations as may be required of the position.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to exercise independent judgment in emergency and non-emergency situations in accordance with departmental rules and regulations.
• Ability to cope with emergency situations calmly but effectively and to react quickly to secure accurate and precise information on the location, extent and nature of the emergency aid requests
• Ability to quickly make assessments of emergency and non-emergency situations, determine appropriate responses and act assertively; cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully.
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle stressful situations, to organize work and set priorities, managing time and resources to meet deadlines and changing demands, perform duties with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper courses of action.  Ability to exhibit good judgment in resolving conflicts among disparate individuals and groups.  Ability to think clearly and decisively in the application of law enforcement duties and to take appropriate action as the situation dictates.
• Ability to coordinate with other governmental agencies, local businesses and citizen groups in analyzing crime trends, crime prevention strategies, in order to distribute information on current crimes and deterrents.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED

• Skill in the operation of departmental equipment, including but not limited to vehicles; handgun; medical equipment, radios, radar units, weapons, intoxilyzer, PBT's; police radio; baton; handcuffs; pager; personal computer; first aid equipment; investigative equipment; cameras and video equipment; telephone; copy machine; fax machine.
• Working knowledge of basic computer functions and computerized record-keeping systems.
• Skill in the operation of general departmental equipment including, but not limited to, word processing, office equipment, files, firearms, etc.
• Skill in the operation of specialized investigative equipment to include, but not limited to surveillance equipment, sensitive crime kits, etc.

 OTHER QUALIFICATIONS 

• Thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, rules and regulations, and Mission and Values, which govern the operation of the Whitewater Police Department.
• Skill in First Aid.
• Skill in CPR/CCR, certification required.
• Demonstrated personal and professional honesty, integrity, and good judgment as shown in applicant's criminal history, background, and motor vehicle record.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain by the time of hire, valid State driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any state.
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, especially those relating to crimes against person and property.
• Considerable knowledge/skill in current investigative and interrogation/interview techniques.
• Knowledge of modern police practices and methods.
• Ability to work independently of direct supervision in an effective and efficient manner; adhering to department policies and federal and state law.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion, independent of direct supervision, adhering to department policies and federal and state law.
• Considerable knowledge of current case decisions on laws of arrest, search and seizure, and interviews.
• Ability to work in and maintain an environment that deals with sensitive and confidential information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to talk or hear.  Ability to hear and understand radio transmissions.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
• Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing skilled movements.
• Physical demands include walking and sitting for extended periods of time and at times, run, jump, crawl, kneel, climb, bend, reach, stoop and carry and/or push heavy objects and any other physical movement in the performance of public safety duties.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to drive and quickly enter and/or exit a Police Department vehicle.  The employee must occasionally carry, drag or restrain individuals and/or lift/move more than 100 pounds.  The employee must also, at times, exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, occasionally involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, crouching, crawling, kneeling, stooping and or moving up to 50 pounds.
• The work sometimes requires above average physical agility and conditioning.  Pursuit situations may require significant physical agility and may expose incumbents to great stress.
• Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities and differences between characteristics of colors, shapes and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
• Ability to meet the Department’s physical standards and maintain good health and fitness.
• Necessary strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination to perform duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Police Officers work in various office and outdoor settings, including significant time spent traveling in a patrol vehicle or other vehicle, as well as on foot, or rides a bicycle as assigned.  The employee frequently works in outside weather conditions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in an office environment.  The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud in the field and quiet in the office.
• Due to the nature of contacts, working conditions are unpredictable and contain an element of personal and public danger.  Police Officers may be confronted with verbal or physical abuse in the course of their duties.  Since the employee takes physical custody of persons, there is a certain amount of physical contact and confrontation.  Ability to defend self and/or others in hostile, combative situations; may be required; and sometimes, the employee is vulnerable to personal injury.
• Conditions present high stress and threat to personal safety during periods of search and seizure and arrest.  The employee occasionally works in emergency field situations, in intense life-threatening conditions, whereby exposure and subject to physical threat from unruly and dangerous individuals; firearms and explosives; fumes or airborne particles; bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens and other potential infectious materials; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious, or confined spaces; toxic or caustic chemicals and materials, unsafe building sites and gunshots.
• Employees are exposed to inclement and extreme weather conditions, uneven terrain and dangerous situations requiring the use of physical force and sometimes firearms and other weapons.  The employee may work irregular work hours and require extended work schedule during period of emergency.
• The employee must be able to operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT  

• Employees are required to live within a 30 miles radius from the edge of the Whitewater city limits by end of probationary period (15 months from date of hire).

Supervision Received and/or Exercised

Under general supervision of the Detective Lieutenant and the Administrative Captain.  Performs job duties independently.  Employees function without direct supervision and exercise discretion in determining appropriate response to emergency situations.  No formal supervisory responsibilities.

The City of Whitewater is an Equal Employment Opportunity.  In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.