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Crime Scene Photographer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

... crime or accident scene investigations; collect evidence and impound vehicles at traffic accident scenes and gather traffic statistics. Respond to and assist with crime scenes; take photographs, lift ...

Part-Time Police Cadet

Irvine, CA · On-site

$26.92 - $37.16/hr

... crime scenes from contamination; takes photographs, and collects other related property and evidence; examines and processes evidence on scene and at the Police Department. * Transports police ...

Part-Time Police Cadet

Irvine, CA · On-site

$26.92 - $37.16/hr

... scenes; protects crime scenes from contamination; takes photographs, and collects other related property and evidence; examines and processes evidence on scene and at the Police Department.

Secures crime scenes and gathers and preserves evidence; interviews suspects, victims, complainants ... scene and witness accounts; clears scene of obstructions and wreckage; reports traffic hazards ...

Police Officer (Lateral)

Upland, CA · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Secures crime scenes and gathers and preserves evidence; interviews suspects, victims, complainants ... scene and witness accounts; clears scene of obstructions and wreckage; reports traffic hazards ...

Secure the scene of a crime; administer first aid; conduct preliminary investigations; obtain ... Collect, process, photograph and present evidence suing scientific techniques including ...

Secure the scene of a crime; administer first aid; conduct preliminary investigations; obtain ... Collect, process, photograph and present evidence suing scientific techniques including ...

CADET - PART TIME

Irvine, CA · On-site

$26.92 - $37.16/hr

... crime scenes from contamination; take photographs, and collects other related property and evidence; examine and processe evidence on scene and at the Police Department. * Transport police vehicles ...

CADET - PART TIME

Irvine, CA · On-site

$26.92 - $37.16/hr

... crime scenes from contamination; take photographs, and collects other related property and evidence; examine and processe evidence on scene and at the Police Department. * Transport police vehicles ...

Crime Scene Photographer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$21

$38

How much do crime scene photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for crime scene photographer in Riverside, CA is $21.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a crime scene photographer do?

As a crime scene photographer, you apply forensic science principles to an investigation and collect images that may be useful to said investigation. You document and record physical evidence, ensure each photo has an item to provide scale, and coordinate with analysis labs to answer any questions. Crime scene photographers may be asked to document a site at any time of day or night and are often exposed to gruesome and tragic sites, so mental fortitude is essential to success in this field. Some crime scene photographers focus exclusively on this role while others serve in another position—often a law enforcement role—and switch to forensic photography as needed.

What does a crime scene photographer do?

A crime scene photographer is responsible for capturing detailed and accurate images of crime scenes, evidence, and sometimes victims, to support criminal investigations. Their photographs help law enforcement and legal professionals document and analyze crime scenes, preserve evidence, and present findings in court. Crime scene photographers must follow strict protocols to maintain the integrity of their images and often work closely with forensic teams to ensure all relevant details are documented.

What are some common challenges faced by crime scene photographers on the job?

Crime scene photographers often work in high-pressure environments where attention to detail is critical. Challenges can include working long or irregular hours, responding to crime scenes at short notice, and documenting scenes in difficult weather or lighting conditions. Additionally, maintaining objectivity and emotional resilience is important, as scenes may be distressing. Collaboration with law enforcement officers and forensic teams is frequent, requiring strong communication skills to ensure all necessary evidence is captured accurately.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crime scene photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crime Scene Photographer, you need a solid understanding of forensic photography principles, attention to detail, and knowledge of law enforcement procedures, often supported by formal training or certification in forensic photography. Familiarity with digital cameras, photo editing software, and evidence management systems is crucial. Strong observational skills, discretion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set top professionals apart in this field. These competencies ensure that photographic evidence is accurately captured, preserved, and admissible in court, supporting successful investigations and legal proceedings.

What is the difference between Crime Scene Photographer vs Forensic Photographer?

AspectCrime Scene PhotographerForensic Photographer
CredentialsPhotography skills, law enforcement trainingPhotography skills, forensic science knowledge
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, law enforcement agenciesCrime labs, law enforcement agencies
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, criminal investigationsLegal cases, forensic analysis

Crime Scene Photographers focus on capturing images at crime scenes for investigative purposes, often working directly with law enforcement. Forensic Photographers have similar skills but may also have additional forensic science training, working in labs or detailed forensic documentation. Both roles are essential in criminal investigations, but their work environments and specific focus areas differ slightly.

How much money do crime scene photographers make?

Crime scene photographers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries.

What are popular job titles related to Crime Scene Photographer jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Crime Scene Photographer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Crime Scene Photographer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Crime Scene Photographer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Crime Scene Photographer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Crime Scene Photographer job openings:

Infographic showing various Crime Scene Photographer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,177 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

$53K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


City Of Riverside (California) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 852 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position The City of Riverside Police Department is looking for Community Services Officer(s) to join our team. The Department is looking to fill the current vacancy in the patrol division and will create an eligibility to fill future vacancies in other divisions. The Community Service Officers perform and provide specialized para-professional and technical civilian police support duties in various divisions of the Police Department.

Provides support and serves as liaison between the Police Department and residents, visitors, and business operators in Riverside. This is a journey level classification within the Police Department. Incumbents are expected to have a working knowledge of laws, codes, regulations, Department policies and procedures, and modern office procedures.

Incumbents function with a high degree of independent judgment and assist in the training of other civilian personnel as needed. Assigned to the various divisions in the Police Department and may work a varied work shift, including nights, weekends and holidays. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies within this classification for the Riverside Police Department.

Work Performed Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Process and prioritize arrest reports for assignment and assist in the completion of arrest packages; follow up on cases that have been returned by the District Attorney's office for more information. Assist records personnel as needed with the processing of permits & licenses; manage security alarm system including permitting, payments, and inquiries. Assist in fingerprinting, photographing and interviewing drug, sex, and arson registrants and suspects; create and maintain files for all registrants and handle updates and changes.

Provide information to the public and other agencies in accordance with applicable laws and departmental policy; access, retrieve, update, purge, and research various county, state, interstate, and national law enforcement records and databases to find information. Patrol an assigned area of the City; train and direct Police Cadets, Crossing Guards, and Volunteers and participate in activities as needed. Issue citations or warnings for violations of California Vehicle Code provisions and parking control ordinances; impound illegally parked or abandoned vehicles; inspect vehicles and sign-off on citations.

Respond to calls involving minor traffic matters; perform limited crime or accident scene investigations; collect evidence and impound vehicles at traffic accident scenes and gather traffic statistics. Respond to and assist with crime scenes; take photographs, lift latent fingerprints, and collect and process evidence; assist in criminal case investigation by conducting follow-up phone calls, data base searches, and interviews. Collect and manage missing person, juvenile, runaway, and other police reports.

Conduct home, business, and industry security inspections of property, identifying security problems or conditions that may attract criminal activity. Conduct public presentations, including showing videos, power point presentations, and preparing displays and other audio-visual materials for a wide variety of police programs and services; coordinate and participate in police awareness programs for schools, public events, and other special services within the City. Organize neighborhood watch groups and maintain databases; recruit, oversee, and train volunteers to support crime prevention efforts.

Gather and report information from victims of crimes for analysis of circumstances and trends; receive citizen inquiries and requests for law enforcement service at a public counter, over the telephone, and in the field; take preliminary and routine reports. Compile information, gather evidence, and testify in court as required. Perform various administrative and office tasks for Police department; administers background checks, manages files, promotes services, and assists sworn officers; updates and manages website for department and its services; perform grant related work and place orders.

Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Recruitment Guidelines: Education: High school graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED). Experience: At least one year of responsible public contact experience in the area of enforcement of public laws, ordinance, rules or guidelines in a law enforcement environment, code enforcement, patrolling community parks, police oriented public support, or security patrol and protective services position.

Highly Desired Qualifications: Ability to work a 4/10 schedule, and potentially working days, nights, holidays, or weekends. Willingness to work field operations / patrol. Prior experience taking past crime reports and knowledge of Penal/Vehicle Codes; performing crime scene investigation, including latent fingerprinting and evidence collection; assisting with traffic control; and performing other assigned field operations support duties.

Necessary Special Requirement: Possession of an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Ability to pass a thorough and extensive police background prior to appointment. May require other licenses or certifications based on area of assignment.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is done in a standard office environment and/or in the field with exposure to bodily fluids, chemicals, tools, and potentially hazardous conditions. Employees may interact with staff and/or public and private representatives and will provide professional customer and crime related service. Must be able to climb stairs and lift items up to 50 pounds.

Selection Process The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment. IMPORTANT: Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, medical/physical examination, and drug and alcohol test; and may be subject to polygraph examination, and/or psychological examination. As part of the background investigation, all claims of education and experience made in the employment application process, as well as other information submitted, will be verified.

NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list. Some candidates may be disqualified indefinitely due to the results of their background investigation.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.


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