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Entry Level Undercover Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... an entry level law enforcement position. Duties will include: answering calls for service ... undercover activity Ability to work independently without close supervision and as a member of a ...

Police Officer

Clearlake, CA · On-site

$5.7K - $7.3K/mo

... convert and undercover investigations as assigned; gather evidence and prepare cases for ... T. training entry level for Police Officers. Learn modern police methods procedures related to ...

Essential Functions CLASS CHARACTERISTICS The Police Officer is entry level in the professional ... Performs undercover and surveillance activities; interviews victims, complainants, witnesses and ...

... convert and undercover investigations as assigned; gather evidence and prepare cases for ... T training entry level for Police Officers. Learn modern police methods procedures related to ...

Police Officers generally works one shift per 24-hour period, but will be subject to recall to on ... undercover surveillance, civil defense exercises, rescue operations, marine patrol, and vice raids.

Police Officer

Doral, FL · On-site

$71K - $104K/yr

Police Officers generally works one shift per 24-hour period, but will be subject to recall to on ... undercover surveillance, civil defense exercises, rescue operations, marine patrol, and vice raids.

Police Officer

Azusa, CA · On-site

$8.4K - $10K/mo

Essential Functions CLASS CHARACTERISTICS The Police Officer is entry level in the professional ... Performs undercover and surveillance activities; interviews victims, complainants, witnesses and ...

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Entry Level Undercover Police Officer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do entry level undercover police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level undercover police officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is undercover cop still a thing?

Yes, undercover police officers are still actively used by law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes discreetly. They often work in plain clothes, use specialized training, and may require certifications in surveillance and criminal law to perform their duties effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Undercover Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Undercover Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement procedures, investigative techniques, and typically must have completed police academy training with state certification. Familiarity with surveillance technology, radio communication systems, and evidence management software is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to adapt quickly under pressure set apart outstanding undercover officers. These abilities are critical for maintaining safety, gathering reliable intelligence, and successfully integrating into covert assignments.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level undercover police officers during their assignments?

Entry level undercover police officers often face challenges such as maintaining their cover identity, adapting quickly to unpredictable situations, and managing the stress of potentially dangerous encounters. Building trust with suspects without revealing their true identity requires strong interpersonal and observational skills. New officers must also balance following protocol while navigating environments that can change rapidly, making adaptability and teamwork with supervising officers essential for safety and success.

What is the difference between Entry Level Undercover Police Officer vs Entry Level Uniformed Police Officer?

AspectEntry Level Undercover Police OfficerEntry Level Uniformed Police Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certificationHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certification
Work EnvironmentEngages in covert operations, often in plain clothesPatrols in uniform, visible in public
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, crime investigation unitsMunicipal police departments, law enforcement agencies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles involving undercover workCompared for visible policing duties

Entry Level Undercover Police Officers focus on covert operations and investigations, often working in plain clothes, while Entry Level Uniformed Police Officers patrol and maintain public safety visibly in uniform. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in work environment and duties.

What does 4 fingers up mean for cops?

In law enforcement, the gesture of holding up four fingers can symbolize support for fallen officers or be part of specific hand signals used during undercover operations. As an entry-level undercover police officer, understanding such gestures is important for communication and safety during covert activities.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Entry level undercover police officers typically need to meet minimum age requirements, which often start at 21 or 22, but there is generally no upper age limit. Many departments value life experience and maturity, so starting a law enforcement career at 27 is usually feasible if you meet other qualifications such as education, background checks, and physical fitness standards.

What is it called when you work for the police undercover?

When a police officer works undercover, the role is called an undercover or plainclothes officer. They operate without uniform to investigate criminal activities discreetly, often requiring specialized training and the use of surveillance tools. This work involves maintaining secrecy to gather evidence effectively.

What are entry level undercover police officers?

Entry level undercover police officers are law enforcement professionals who are new to the field and work covertly to investigate crimes or gather intelligence without revealing their identity as police officers. They may take on false identities, participate in surveillance, and collect evidence to aid criminal investigations. These officers receive specialized training to handle the unique challenges and risks of undercover work while adhering to legal and ethical standards. Their assignments can range from drug enforcement to organized crime investigations. As entry-level officers, they typically work under close supervision and guidance from more experienced personnel.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Undercover Police Officer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Undercover Police Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Undercover Police Officer jobs? The most popular types of Undercover Police Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Undercover Police Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Undercover Police Officer jobs include:

Entry Level Police Officer

City of Tumwater, WA

Tumwater, WA • On-site

$84K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary : $84,612.00 - $122,148.00 Annually
Location : Tumwater Police Department, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025-13
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 03/01/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
General Statement of Duties/Supervision
If you have not taken the written test through Public Safety Testing, you will not be considered for this position. PST Scores must be dated March 1, 2025, or later.The Tumwater Police Department is continuously looking for Entry Level Police Officer candidates. We're searching for individuals to diversify and enhance our excellent team.
To be considered for the recruitment process, applicants for the Entry Level Police Officer position must first pass a written exam and physical ability test through A fee is required to take the exam. Applicants that have scores submitted to Tumwater will be contacted with instructions to complete a city application. Applicants with a minimum of two (2) years of service as a commissioned law enforcement officer may apply as a Lateral Police Officer (see job posting).
Protects life and property through the enforcement of traffic, criminal and other State statutes, laws and City ordinances. Renders assistance to the public and investigates crimes for the purpose of detection, apprehension and prosecution.
Direct supervision is from a superior officer and works in accordance with well-established procedures, although individuals must exercise independent judgment in emergency situations.
Essential Job Duties
  • Patrols areas of the City in a patrol car or on foot to deter and discover crime and enforce traffic and criminal statutes and laws; issues citations to violators and arrests persons on misdemeanor or felony charges; handcuffs and searches arrested persons and takes them into custody as warranted; books arrested persons in a correctional facility.
  • Responds to emergency requests for assistance or to crime-in-progress calls and takes initial action as the situation requires; secures the scene; administers first aid as necessary; interviews available victims and witnesses and gathers evidence; completes incident and arrest reports; arrests suspects for probable causes.
  • Conducts detailed investigations into one or more type of crimes, including fraud, theft, burglary, narcotics, gambling, homicide, sex offenses and similar crimes; interviews witnesses, suspects and informants; analyzes and interprets data and evidence; performs undercover operations; collects evidence; processes and logs evidence into custody; participates in criminal investigations conducted by other law enforcement agencies.
  • Applies for search and arrest warrants; serves criminal and civic orders.
  • Performs traffic enforcement duties; responds to and investigates vehicular accidents; summons emergency medical assistance as required; assists visitors by providing directions and other information; performs breathalyzer tests.
  • Prepares case reports, confers with the City or Prosecuting Attorney; testifies in court.
  • Conducts security checks of homes and businesses.
  • Makes presentations regarding law enforcement activities and crime prevention programs to school or community groups.
  • Assists in training new police officers in basic patrol functions and related duties.
  • Performs other duties as required

Selection Criteria
Knowledge: Knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of municipal law enforcement; knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices used in the prevention, investigation and suppression of criminal activities; knowledge of investigative and forensic techniques and procedures; knowledge of the rights of suspects and defendants; knowledge of the identification and preservation of physical evidence; knowledge of the behavior of criminals.
Abilities: Ability to review a multitude of information related to a criminal incident; identify the key elements and develop a case which can be successfully prosecuted; to analyze stressful, hazardous or life-threatening situations quickly and objectively, and to determine the proper course of action; to read, understand and uniformly enforce laws, ordinances and rules and regulations; to cope with stressful situations firmly, tactfully and with respect for individual rights; to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; to write accurate reports of incidents; to use skill in the use and care of a variety of firearms and law enforcement equipment; to properly perform basic first aid; to perform hazardous tasks requiring strenuous physical exertion for limited periods of time; to recall facts and conditions observed while under severe physical and/or emotional stress; to testify clearly, cogently and with credibility in criminal court; to maintain harmonious working conditions with supervisors and co-workers.
Minimum Qualifications: To be considered for the recruitment process, applicants for the Entry Level Police Officer position must first pass a written exam and physical ability test through within the past year. Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Must be able to pass, or have medical transcripts which demonstrate successful completion of, a LEOFF II medical examination or any other standard physical examination as required by the City of Tumwater or the State of Washington. Must be able to meet the requirements of the Rules and Regulations of the Civil Service Commission, which may encompass requirements regarding minimum age, education, physical strength and agility or other job-related qualifications. Must be able to successfully complete the Basic Academy presented by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission within fifteen months of date of hire.
Special Requirements: A valid Washington State driver's license may be required.
Other information (if any) specific to this position
Tumwater is a vibrant community, rich in history, community, and opportunity.
Nestled into the base of Puget Sound, Tumwater is the southern gateway to the Seattle/Tacoma metropolitan area. It's just a little over an hour from the Pacific Ocean beaches, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier with beautiful landscapes of prairie, river, estuary, and lush green trees. With its central location, Tumwater is a picturesque Northwest community with convenient access to arts, cultural and outdoor recreation.
Our vision is to create a future that is highly livable with diverse and engaged residents, a strong economy, and a healthy natural environment. Safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and a sense of community pride make Tumwater a great place to live, work, and play.
The City of Tumwater is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
The City of Tumwater is committed to wellness, safety, the environment and racial equity.
Benefits Summary - Tumwater Police Guild
The City of Tumwater offers a comprehensive benefits package for Police Guild employees, including:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance through AWC and the Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Trust
    Medical plans include Kaiser Permanente 200 and Premera Plan F (Premera includes vision); dental through Delta Dental with orthodontia; vision through VSP.
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with a city contribution of $250 per month
  • Paid Leave Benefits
    • Vacation Leave accrued based on years of service, per Police Guild collective bargaining agreement
    • Sick Leave accrued monthly and available for personal or family illness
    • Paid Holidays as recognized by the City of Tumwater, with additional provisions for employees required to work holidays
  • Washington State Retirement - LEOFF 2, including retirement, disability, and death benefits
  • Deferred Compensation & Retirement Savings
    • MissionSquare 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
    • MissionSquare Roth IRA
  • Life, Disability & AD&D Insurance
    • Basic life insurance provided by the City
    • Short-term and long-term disability, AD&D, and supplemental life options available
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health care and dependent care (pre-tax)
  • Workers' Compensation (L&I) coverage
  • Dependent Coverage eligible through age 26
  • COBRA continuation rights

Benefit eligibility, accrual rates, and leave usage are governed by the Police Guild collective bargaining agreement and applicable City policies.