Detective

Posting number: 2026-00111

Department: Sheriff's Office (Sworn)

Job classification: Detective Eligibility List

Posting type: Promotional

Categories: Law Enforcement, Investigative

Summary

This position is responsible for conducting criminal investigations, providing essential services to the public and other law enforcement agencies as well as serving as the resource for information concerning investigations, procedures, legal issues, and equipment for all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office.

SCHEDULE

10 - 8-hour shifts per pay period, Monday - Friday, day shift.

Applications are being accepted from current sworn Walworth County Sheriff's Office staff only at this time.

Examples of duties

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Investigate all crimes assigned; interview witnesses, victims, and suspects to determine factual material and provide evidence of leads.

Direct activities at the crime scene to assist victims; obtains clues, gather, and preserve evidence. Ensure that all files are complete with the necessary information to present cases to the District Attorney’s Office.

Regularly update the immediate superior about the progress of investigations and request additional instruction when and if needed.

Communicate with the complainant or victim periodically to apprise him or her of the state of the investigation. Inform the complainant or victim in all cases that are resolved by arrest.

Review departmental reports and other data pertaining to criminal cases such as auto theft, armed robbery, homicide, fraud, burglary, assault, arson, possession of controlled substance and other related crimes.

Safeguard all property recovered and ensure that all evidence is properly entered into the property system.

Collaborate fully with other units within the department and other agencies in other jurisdictions.

Prepare evidence for presentation in court and be able to testify in all court proceedings.

Occasionally direct, instruct or monitor other officers assigned to assist on a specific case or investigation.

Provide testimony as a witness in court.

Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.

Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.

Write and compile reports, search warrants and subpoenas.

Identify, process and document physical evidence.

Demonstrate a commitment to county safety and risk management efforts.

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 supplemented by 60 accredited college-level credits or an associate degree in Police Science and three years of full-time sworn law enforcement experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations and Other Special Requirements

Felony convictions in any jurisdiction are disqualifying per LESB unless the judgment or conviction has been reversed or completely pardoned.

Must possess a valid Wisconsin motor vehicle operator’s license with a driving record which is free of any serious or numerous minor traffic violations.

Must be at least twenty-one (21) years old.

Interactions & Communication

Provides specialized information and/or recommendations to others regarding an area of expertise. Must be able to interact in a positive manner with witnesses, victims, suspects, staff, and other professionals using tact, courtesy and diplomacy.

Decision Making

This position has authority to make decisions that are consistent with policies and precedents; supervision and managerial direction is available as requested. These decisions directly impact performance in the job and/or the work unit within the department and information is provided with additional research and observations which contributes to the decision-making process.

Thinking & Problem Solving

In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the County, challenges in this position tend to be diverse, but are typically covered by precedent or established practice.

Tools and Equipment Used

Squad Car/County Vehicles Radio Evidence Collection Equipment

Handcuffs Firearms Defensive Weapons

Flashlight Intoximeter Safety Equipment

Computers Chemical Agents Defibrillators

Undercover Equipment Video Cameras

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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 sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; run; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Applicant must have 20/20 vision or corrected to 20/20 vision with lenses.

Supplemental information

TO INCLUDE:

Formal Walworth County Electronic Application

Education & Experience Review

Training & Experience Affidavit

Written Exam (70%)

Oral Board Interview

Average Performance Evaluation Score - previous 3 years

Walworth County Sworn Years of Service Credit

Other job related tests may be required.