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Civilian Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of Homeland Security

$89K/yr

Have held a federal civilian position in the 1801 occupational series. -AND- Specialized Experience ... Performing law enforcement duties directly related to the topical area(s) for which you are ...

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$94K

How much do civilian law enforcement jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for civilian law enforcement in the United States is $59,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a civilian law enforcement officer?

Civilian Law Enforcement officers are non-military personnel who work for local, state, or federal government agencies to enforce laws, maintain public order, and protect citizens and property. Their duties often include patrolling neighborhoods, investigating crimes, apprehending suspects, and responding to emergencies. Civilian law enforcement includes roles such as police officers, detectives, and other public safety officials who do not serve as part of the armed forces. They play a crucial role in upholding the justice system and ensuring community safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civilian law enforcement officer?

To thrive as a Civilian Law Enforcement Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal law, investigative procedures, and public safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or college degree and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement software, evidence management systems, and radio communications equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, ethical judgment, and emotional resilience help officers build community trust and maintain composure in high-pressure situations. These skills and qualities are essential for upholding the law, ensuring public safety, and effectively serving diverse communities.

What are typical challenges faced by civilian law enforcement officers in balancing administrative duties with fieldwork?

Civilian law enforcement officers often juggle a mix of administrative responsibilities, such as paperwork, report writing, and evidence management, alongside active fieldwork like community outreach, investigations, and support roles. Balancing these duties can be challenging, especially when urgent field tasks arise while administrative deadlines are looming. Effective time management and organizational skills are essential, and many agencies provide training and team support to help officers prioritize tasks. Collaboration with sworn officers and other civilian staff ensures smooth operations and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.

What is the difference between Civilian Law Enforcement vs Police Officer?

AspectCivilian Law EnforcementPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training or certifications often requiredHigh school diploma or equivalent; police academy training required
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, administrative roles, or support positions within law enforcement agenciesPatrol, crime scene investigation, and active law enforcement duties
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, government offices, security firmsMunicipal, state, or federal police departments

In summary, Civilian Law Enforcement roles typically involve administrative, support, or specialized functions within law enforcement agencies, requiring similar credentials but often less emphasis on active patrol duties. Police Officers are frontline personnel responsible for patrolling, crime response, and enforcement activities. Both roles are essential to law enforcement but differ mainly in responsibilities and work environment.

More about Civilian Law Enforcement jobs

What cities are hiring for Civilian Law Enforcement jobs?

Cities with the most Civilian Law Enforcement job openings:

What states have the most Civilian Law Enforcement jobs?

States with the most job openings for Civilian Law Enforcement jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Civilian Law Enforcement jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Civilian Law Enforcement jobs are:

Civilian Law Enforcement jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civilian Law Enforcement job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,965 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Law Enforcement Trng Instructor III

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Richmond, KY • On-site

$73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Advertisement Closes
8/19/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
req80484
Law Enforcement Trng Instructor III
Pay Grade15
Salary
$73,836.00 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY 18A 40.0 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet Dept of Criminal Justice Training
Location
4449 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475 USA
Description
Looking for the next step in your law enforcement career? As a Law Enforcement Instructor, you'll be able toutilize your passion and knowledge for law enforcement, to provide quality criminal justice training, throughboth in-person and virtual training methods, that will enhance the ability of the state's law enforcementpersonnel. Which will reduce crime and its cost to society and create a safe, secure environment for Kentucky.
The Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) located in Richmond, Kentucky has an opening for a LawEnforcement Instructor for the Patrol Section. The law enforcement instructor will facilitate instruction inPatrol Shooting Scene Reconstruction, Crime Scene Investigation, Advanced Latent Print Development, SchoolResource Officer, and Digital Photography. This position provides training to basic recruits and active policeofficers for required annual in-service and professional development on investigations, School ResourceOfficer duties, and evidence collection and packaging. Significant portions of these topic areas involveclassroom, skills training, and practical scenario training.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Instructs, evaluates, coordinates and recommends law enforcement topics, and scenario-based training to agency leaders reflecting the needs of the law enforcement agencies served.
  • Conducts research, manages and develops training curriculum, updates established lesson plans, develops new lesson plans, and instructional class material for law enforcement or law enforcement related topics.
  • Coordinates training classes, class preparation and completes required training course administrative paperwork.
  • Coordinates on the job training and mentoring for new instructional staff. Serves on agency committees. Advises and counsels trainees and assists in the development of training needs.
  • Attends internal and external training courses.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Skills and abilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Sworn civilian law enforcement experience.
  • Full-time School Resource Officer Experience in Law Enforcement.
  • Crime Scene, Evidence Collection and Collision Reconstruction experience.
  • Networking contacts with associations within the School Resource Officer field, such as, Kentucky Association of school resource officers (KYASRO) and National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO).
  • Training/ experience in classroom instruction.
  • Knowledge in the use of computer technology, e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • KLEC Certified Instructor
Additional / Supplemental Information:
  • Maintain a valid driver's license.
  • Lift heavy objects or work in uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time.
  • May be required to carry and/or use a firearm.
  • Frequently communicate in person or by other means of technology.
  • Spend a major portion of time using a computer.
  • Travel required (state vehicle provided).
DOCJT offers great EMPLOYEE benefits package, including:
  • A 37.5-hour work week (with occasional overtime required)
  • Paid time off (sick and vacation) plus paid holidays
  • Overtime and compensatory time
  • Affordable health insurance with optional Health Reimbursement Account
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement
  • Wellness incentives program
  • Training and career development opportunities
  • Optional Deferred Compensation program (401K)
A background check is required. Final job offer is contingent upon successful completion of backgroundinvestigation. In compliance with Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agency, a standard 5.28physical exam will be required after initial offer of employment.
Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due toother applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis.If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact.
Applicants must meet all federal and state laws applicable to the carrying, use, and possession of firearmsand ammunition at the time of appointment.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:Must have seven years of experience as a sworn law enforcement officer, telecommunicator, Law Enforcement Training Instructor or any combination of the aforementioned experience.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:A master's degree will substitute for one year of experience.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:Additional experience as a sworn Law Enforcement officer, telecommunicator, or Law Enforcement Training Instructor will substitute for the education on a year-for-year basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):Must have completed 320 clock hours of in-service or equivalent continuing education credits approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council or the Department of Criminal Justice Training. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Work is typically performed in a classroom and/or simulated training setting. May be required to travel to various facilities throughout the state.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Catherine Eaves at Catherine.eaves@ky.gov or 859-622-8543.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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