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Entry Level Crime Scene Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Eugene

Police Officer-Entry Level

Eugene, OR

$80K - $103K/yr

... crime scene evidence; summarizes events in report format; and performs preventative community ... All Entry Level -- -- -- -- -- Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an ...

City of Novato

Police Officer Trainee

Novato, CA · On-site

$78K - $95K/yr

Crime scene preservation and gathering; preserving, documenting and cataloging evidence. Physical ... As an entry level position, Police Officer Trainees will have little to no knowledge regarding the ...

City of Novato, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Novato, CA · On-site

$78K - $95K/yr

T.). This is an entry-level classification designed to allow for the assessment, hiring, and ... Conducting criminal investigations. * Crime scene preservation and gathering; preserving ...

City of Eureka

Entry-Level Police Officer

Eureka, CA · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

Conducts comprehensive investigations into felony and high level crimes as assigned including conducting surveillance activities and coordinating and maintaining crime scene activities. Provides ...

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Entry Level Crime Scene information

See salary details

$21K

$43.1K

$70.5K

How much do entry level crime scene jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level crime scene in the United States is $43,088.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Crime Scene vs Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectEntry Level Crime SceneEntry Level Crime Scene Investigator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma; basic forensic training or certifications
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locationsCrime scenes, labs, and field locations
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsLaw enforcement agencies, forensic units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Crime Scene roles focus on initial scene processing, while Entry Level Crime Scene Investigators typically have more responsibilities in evidence collection and analysis. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, often within law enforcement or forensic labs. The main difference lies in the scope of duties and experience level.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level crime scene investigators, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level crime scene investigators often face challenges such as adapting to irregular hours, handling emotionally charged situations, and ensuring meticulous attention to detail under pressure. Working at scenes that may be graphic or distressing requires strong emotional resilience and professionalism. Building organizational skills and effective communication with law enforcement and forensic teams are key to success. New investigators benefit from thorough training, mentorship, and gradually increasing responsibility to gain confidence and expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator, you need a background in forensic science or criminal justice, strong attention to detail, and basic knowledge of evidence collection procedures. Familiarity with crime scene photography, fingerprint analysis tools, and evidence management systems is typically required, and some roles may prefer completion of a crime scene investigation certification. Critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure accurate evidence handling, effective teamwork, and the integrity of investigations crucial for legal outcomes.

What are entry level crime scene jobs?

Entry level crime scene jobs are positions that involve assisting in the investigation and processing of crime scenes, typically under the supervision of more experienced professionals. These roles often include collecting and preserving evidence, taking photographs, making sketches, and documenting findings. Individuals in these positions usually work for law enforcement agencies and may be titled as Crime Scene Technicians, Evidence Technicians, or Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs). Entry level roles generally require a high school diploma or associate degree, with some employers preferring candidates who have completed coursework in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. On-the-job training is commonly provided to familiarize new employees with proper procedures and protocols.
More about Entry Level Crime Scene jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Crime Scene jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Crime Scene job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Crime Scene jobs? The most popular types of Crime Scene jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Crime Scene jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Crime Scene jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Crime Scene jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Crime Scene jobs are:
Entry Level Crime Scene jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Crime Scene job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,088 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Entry Level Police Officer

City of Arlington, WA

Arlington, WA • On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Salary : $90,624.00 - $114,108.00 Annually
Location : Police Department, Arlington, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-PD-04
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 10/29/2025
Summary
**** To apply please submit your application through Public Safety Testing and select City of Arlington.
Individuals perform assigned law enforcement work necessary to maintain public peace and order, to protect life and property, to prevent crime, to apprehend suspected violators of the law, and otherwise to ensure enforcement of State laws and City ordinances.
** Please note salaries listed are 2026 salaries.
Essential Duties
  • Patrol the city by vehicle. Maintain continual observation of areas patrolled including residential, business, rural and industrial facilities; observe for evidence of illegal activity in progress or which has already occurred or any other irregular activity which indicates need for attention.
  • Patrol on foot as necessary to perform job thoroughly. Investigate conditions such as open doors, broken windows, and vehicles parked in suspicious locations.
  • Use portable or car-mounted radio transmitters/receivers as necessary to exchange any and all job-related information.
  • Enforce motor vehicle operating regulations. Apprehend violators, issue warnings or citations and make arrests or take other action as deemed warranted by the circumstances. As necessary, coordinate such activities with other law enforcement or government agencies in accordance with established policy.
  • Operate radar unit to discover speed violations, perform routine radio checks of vehicle identification against current stolen vehicles and identify outstanding arrest warrants.
  • Investigate and assist drivers and pedestrians in difficulty. Resolve such situations or refer to proper authorities.
  • Direct traffic during abnormal situations such as accidents, fires or periods of congestion.
  • Perform crowd control activities at public gatherings as warranted under particular circumstances including dispersal of unruly individuals or groups.
  • Develop detailed knowledge of city street system, airport facilities, landmarks, local activities and habits of citizens and suspected or known criminals, and other patterns of public activity.
  • Respond to any and all emergency calls, including traffic accidents, public or private altercations, robberies, burglaries, thefts, industrial or home injuries, water accidents and deaths.
  • Respond to personally sensitive calls such as family disturbances, missing persons and domestic altercations. Exercise caution relative to personal safety, safety of others at scene; take appropriate steps to calm the parties as necessary to resolve the immediate situation.
  • Assess the nature and urgency of the problem upon arrival at the scene of call, immediately determine the circumstances and persons in relation to nature of call, whether situation warrants routine or emergency handling, and whether other officers or superior officers should be called to the scene.
  • Upon arriving at scene of crime, arrest or detain suspects for probable cause as warranted; take all steps necessary to preserve and control crime scene; may assist in the initial investigation, including interview of victim and witnesses.
  • Report to scene of accidents; as necessary, administer first aid; summon medical personnel; control accident scene; interview principals, witnesses; prepare general sketch of accident scene noting details; and, complete standard accident report. Issue citations or make arrests as situation warrants.
  • As required, make arrests or detain suspects employing level of physical force necessary only to control individuals as warranted under circumstances; handcuff and search individuals; advise individuals of rights; and transport to County Detention Facility.
  • Appear in court to present evidence, facts, details of circumstances, and otherwise testify against persons accused of crimes; respond to questioning and cross- examination from prosecuting and defense attorneys.
  • Prepare written reports of sufficient legibility and clarity that others without knowledge of the incident or situation can readily comprehend the facts, and assure that the reports can serve as the basis for subsequent investigations or for court proceedings and testimony; requires narrative writing, noting identifying features, times, places, etc.; must answer the questions "who, what, when, where, how, why."
  • Explain content of law to persons involved in a dispute, describing the process of filing a formal complaint, the extent of law enforcement powers, and the responsibility of citizens to follow prescribed legal procedures; inform those involved of the law applicable to their situation and their alternatives, or refer to employee of higher classification.
  • Conduct presentations before school groups and service organizations on law enforcement matters.
  • Read, interpret and enforce applicable laws and ordinances in order to be prepared to quickly determine application of law to any incident encountered.
  • In any incident, assess the sensitivity and complexity of the situation to decide expeditiously the course of action to take and whether and at what point it should be turned over to an employee of higher classification.
  • Determine when persons being detained in any incident should know why they are detained and are aware of the law or violation; advise accordingly.
  • Maintain composure and self-control under varied and adverse physical and/or psychological conditions, such as public harassment or heckling, ridicule, critical injury, situations or death by any cause; carry out official duties in a timely, objective and effective manner.
  • Within parameters of departmental policy, develop and apply individual methods and techniques which enhance personal ability to persuade, influence and control individuals of varied backgrounds.
  • Maintain continuous alertness to potential "worst case" reaction from any person questioned for violation of law; exercise caution in approaching the individual, be prepared for self- defense or defense of other individuals or property,and apprehend and detain individual when necessary.
  • In driving police vehicle in emergency situations, make determination of when to use flashing lights and sirens, and how to drive in relation to own driving ability, weather conditions, traffic density, speed, etc., in order to respond to emergency calls or apprehend offender.
  • Determine when and how to use firearms of the appropriate type in any specific situation consistent with departmental policies and procedures.
  • Ability to satisfactorily complete course work and training including in-service training in methods, procedures and techniques of law enforcement work presented by employees of higher classification in the department or by attendance at special schools.
  • Ability to express self clearly and concisely in speaking and writing, and legibly in writing or printing.
  • Ability to memorize and recall detail, e.g., names, faces, incidents, identification of objects.
  • Ability to maintain composure and self-control under adverse conditions, e.g., public harassment, ridicule, critical injuries, death.
  • Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect for the rights of citizens.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
  • Ability to perform duties and maintain personal conduct, attitude and appearance that conform to strict policies, procedures, discipline and within a "chain of command" management system.
  • Ability to hold self in readiness at all times to answer calls, accept authority, obey orders of superiors and accept a strict personal and organizational code of conduct and ethics.
  • Ability to adjust to a lifestyle that requires working rotating shifts and days of the week, including work on holidays, and being subject to overtime, holdover and call back at any time.
  • Ability to maintain balanced perspective about life in general notwithstanding continuous exposure to the criminal element of society.

Qualifications
  • Must be twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • Must be United States citizen, lawful permanent resident or DACA recipient
  • Criminal record free of any convictions which relate to fitness to perform the job.
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Associates Degree in criminal justice or related field preferred.
  • Valid Washington State Driver's License, or ability to obtain, and a driving record acceptable to the City.
  • Pass Civil Service Examination process.
  • Upon a conditional offer of employment, other examinations will include, but are not limited to, a pre-employment interview, psychological examination, polygraph examination, and complete background investigation including criminal history and driving record.
  • Must complete Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy within one year of hire.

Supplemental Information
This position is represented by the Arlington Police Officers' Association.
The City of Arlington offers a comprehensive benefit package for regular full-time employees. (Note: Represented employees should consult their union agreements for specific information about their benefits). Find the current CBA
Insurance Benefits:
  • Medical/Vision Insurance: LEOFF Trust Plan B. Employer pays approximately 95% of employee and dependent monthly premiums
  • Dental Insurance: Employer pays 100% of employee and dependent monthly premium.
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • $26,000 Life Insurance Policy for Employee
  • Long Term Disability and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Health Reimbursement Account: $176 per month for employees without dependents and $343 per month for employees with dependents.
  • Vacation Accrual starting at 96 hours per year, with maximum of 240 hours per year-
  • Sick Leave - 144 hours per year
  • Two (2) Personal Days per year (24 hours)
  • Holiday Pay - 156 hours annually
  • Jury Duty/Bereavement Leave/Military Leave
  • Longevity pay: 2% - 8%
  • Specialty pay: 1% - 4%
  • Education pay: 2% - 6%
  • GREAT SCHEDULE: Patrol teams work a 12-hour schedule that is patterned in such a way that every officer has every other weekend off as a three-day weekend.
  • Uniforms and equipment provided by employer.
  • Take Home Car Program within 25 mile radius
Investment and Retirement Programs:
  • State of Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
  • 457 Deferred Compensation (Employer matches up to 2%)
Voluntary Benefits:
  • Colonial Life or AFLAC optional plans for life insurance, cancer, hospital, disability, critical illness, and accident coverage
  • Legal Shield: legal and identity protection
  • Direct Deposit

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