Police Officer - Detective in Canon City, Colorado at City of Canon City

Department: Police Department

Reports to: Sergeant - Detective

Hourly Wage Rate: $32.50 - $39.82

Benefit Summary

FLSA Status: Full-Time Non-Exempt

Position closes: Midnight, Sunday July 26, 2026

***$10,000 Hiring Bonus***: $2,500 at commencement of employment, $2,500 after successful completion of Field Training Program and $5,000 after one year of service post Field Training.

The Canon City Police Department is recruiting for a Senior Narcotics Detective to join the other members of our dynamic Investigation Unit. This position will be the senior investigator for narcotics enforcement activities.

The hiring range for this position is $32.50 - $39.82 hourly, based on experience and education.

Any experience or academic education, above the minimum required for this position, will result in movement closer to the $39.82 hourly rate.

In addition to base wages, the Cañon City Police Department has instituted a Career Development Program (CDP), which will increase wages by 5%, 10%, or 15%, dependent on the officer’s attained qualifications and length of service.

Additionally, Sworn Officers also receive 30 days Sabbatical Leave, every three years, once they have completed five years of service with the department.

Please Note: Verification of minimum qualification(s) and, if applicable, starting salary/wage is based on information provided in the official application. Resume content will not be used for these purposes. Please ensure your application is complete and accurate.

The City of Cañon City does not provide visa sponsorships. Please do not apply for this role if at any time (now or in the future) you will need immigration support (i.e., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT Training Plans, etc.)

Position Summary: Under general supervision, investigates crimes and assists officers of the Canon City Police Department to assist and protect the lives and property of Canon City residents, business owners, and visitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities*: The essential duties and responsibilities listed below are central to the job or are the reason the position exists, and the employee must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. This list is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs a variety of investigative duties to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases.
• Investigates known or suspected criminals and facts of particular cases to detect clues to crimes or planned criminal activity.
• Conducts surveillance.
• Becomes familiar with habitual criminals and their habits, associates, characteristics, and aliases.
• Records and reports information to commanding officer.
• Writes requests for subpoenas, warrants, and court orders and presents to courts for judgment.
• Conducts searches, as authorized, of buildings, vehicles, documents, and computers following established procedures.
• Reviews incident reports, develops and follows leads, and interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Examines crime scenes to obtain clues and gather evidence.
• Arrests or assists in arrest of criminals or suspects.
• Maintain knowledge of computer related and white-collar crimes.
• Prepares cases for and testifies in the courts.
• Conducts general crimes-related investigations, including but not limited to:
• Coordinating follow-up with patrol officers and other investigators
• Cooperating with outside agencies
• Conducting covert surveillance
• Undercover operations
• Operational deconfliction.
• Provides excellent customer service to external and internal customers including but not limited to effectively listening and communicating, providing accurate information, offering solutions, assisting in resolution, and ensuring timely follow up as needed.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities*: The following duties, although not essential to the position, are important components to the smooth and efficient operation of the Division, Department, and City.

• Assists with narcotics investigations, computer forensics investigations, and other complex investigations as needed.
• Manages confidential information in coordination with the Detective Sergeant.
• Consults with prosecutors and attorneys and testifies in court as required.
• Attends or completes trainings, seminars, and meetings as required.
• Works varying shifts as assigned which may include nights, weekends and holidays.
• Performs related duties as established by law or ordinance or as reasonably directed by the City.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The essential and non-essential duties listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The below list is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all knowledge, skills and abilities that are required.

• Knowledge of Federal, state, and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, and regulations pertaining to law enforcement issues in Cañon City.
• Knowledge of the theory, principles, practices, and methods of criminal justice.
• Knowledge of the theory, principles, practices, and methods of performing criminal investigations, including developing and following leads, conducting surveillance, and interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing including the preparation of reports, warrants, and other legal paperwork.
• Ability to testify in court.
• Ability to examine crime scenes to obtain clues and gather evidence.
• Ability to conduct authorized searches of building, vehicles, documents, computers, etc.
• Ability to oversee and respond to emergencies, crime and accident scenes, acts of terror, natural disasters, and preplanned events that require a large police response.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists including investigating and resolving complaints.
• Familiar with basic computer functions. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Knowledge of basic office equipment including but not limited to copiers, fax machines, multi-line phone systems, and adding machines.
• Knowledge of computer related and white-collar crimes.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing excellent customer service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Ability to build effective relationships as needed with employees, government officials, contractors, vendors, and the public.

* This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Qualification(s):

Experience

• 36 months with CCPD including 24 months at the rank of Officer II or higher, or 24 months with CCPD including 12 months at the rank of Officer II or higher and 36 months with another Law Enforcement Agency as a sworn officer in an investigation’s capacity, or 48 months with another Law Enforcement Agency, with at least 12 months in an investigation’s capacity.
• Demonstrated record of criminal investigations and arrest and an above average case clearance rating

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent

Licenses/Certifications

• Certified Colorado Police Officer.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License

Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the listed knowledge, abilities and skills may be substituted.

Preferred Qualification(s):

Experience

• Completion of specialized narcotics training (e.g., undercover operations, surveillance, drug identification).
• Demonstrated investigative experience; prior narcotics or vice experience preferred.
• Leadership training and qualities.
• 48 months as a Police Officer II or higher, or 36 months as a Police Officer II with CCPD and 36 months as a detective with another LEA as a sworn officer in an investigation’s capacity, or 60 months with another Law Enforcement Agency, with at least 12 months in an investigation’s capacity

Education

• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Political Science, or related field.

Licenses/Certifications

• Training or certifications in basic investigations, interview and interrogation, criminal interdiction, or related advanced training.

Physical Activities:

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 will travel within the City of Canon City and Fremont County

• Work is performed both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Physical demands of job require some lifting; pulling; carrying and pushing of objects –approximately 175 pounds.
• Occasionally required to apprehend and subdue persons resisting arrest.
• Frequent bending, simple grasping, finger/manual dexterity, standing, walking, twisting upper body, stooping, and hearing.
• Occasional climbing on stairs.
• Communicates verbally with City staff, outside agencies and the public in one-on-one settings, group settings and over the telephone.
• Occasionally exposed to hazardous and potentially lethal situations and individuals, including exposure to firearms, other weapons, explosives, toxins, traffic, and natural disasters.

Additional Information

• This position will typically work Monday – Friday but will flex to working weekends and evenings based on seasonal, organizational or event needs.
• This position will be required to attend occasional City Council meetings and/or other meetings and events after normal work hours.
• Travel within the City of Canon City and Fremont County will be required.
• Frequent extension of workday to meet deadlines.