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Law Enforcement Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$89K/yr

... law enforcement leadership, online campus, and general training. Additional information on our instructor positions may be found here. Time-in-grade: Current General Schedule (GS) federal employees ...

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Law Enforcement Instructor information

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$35.5K

$88.8K

$136.5K

How much do law enforcement instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for law enforcement instructor in the United States is $88,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Law Enforcement Instructor Do?

A law enforcement instructor provides initial training to recruits and professional development or continuing education to experienced law enforcement personnel. You can work as a law enforcement instructor at a police academy or a federal agency. Your duties and responsibilities include curriculum development, lesson planning, teaching courses about laws and regulations, diversity, physical fitness, defensive tactics, first aid, firearms proficiency, and vehicle operations, and evaluating the performance and learning of your students. Your recommendations as a law enforcement instructor have the potential to impact the career path of your recruits.

What is the difference between Law Enforcement Instructor vs Police Academy Instructor?

AspectLaw Enforcement InstructorPolice Academy Instructor
CredentialsPeace officer certification, law enforcement training certificationsSimilar law enforcement credentials, often with additional academy-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentVaries; police departments, security agencies, training centersPrimarily in police academies or training academies
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, security firmsPolice academies, law enforcement training institutions
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both roles involve training law enforcement personnel, but a Law Enforcement Instructor may work in various settings, while a Police Academy Instructor specifically teaches at police academies. The credentials and work environment are similar, with the main difference being the setting of employment.

What are Law Enforcement Instructors?

Law Enforcement Instructors are professionals who train and educate current and aspiring law enforcement officers. They design and deliver courses on topics such as criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms safety, investigation techniques, and community policing. These instructors often have extensive experience in law enforcement themselves and use real-world scenarios to prepare students for the demands of police work. Their role is critical in ensuring that officers are well-prepared, knowledgeable, and follow best practices in the field.

What are some typical challenges faced by Law Enforcement Instructors in balancing classroom instruction with field training?

Law Enforcement Instructors often navigate the challenge of balancing comprehensive classroom instruction with practical, real-world field training. Ensuring that trainees understand theoretical concepts while also mastering hands-on skills requires careful planning and adaptability. Instructors must continuously update training materials to reflect current laws and best practices, and often collaborate closely with other instructors, field officers, and administrative staff. Effective communication and time management are essential to provide a well-rounded learning experience and maintain a safe, productive training environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Law Enforcement Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Law Enforcement Instructor, you need extensive law enforcement experience, subject matter expertise, and relevant certifications such as instructor credentials from recognized police academies. Familiarity with training technologies, simulation tools, curriculum development software, and ongoing legal education is often required. Strong communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities help instructors effectively engage trainees and foster a positive learning environment. These skills and qualifications ensure instructors can deliver relevant, up-to-date training that prepares officers for real-world challenges and maintains public safety standards.
What cities are hiring for Law Enforcement Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Law Enforcement Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Law Enforcement Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Law Enforcement Instructor jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Law Enforcement Instructor jobs? The top employers for Law Enforcement Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Law Enforcement Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Law Enforcement Instructor jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Law Enforcement Instructor jobs? For Law Enforcement Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Law Enforcement Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,815 per year, or $42.7 per hour.
Law Enforcement Specialist (General Training Instructor)

Law Enforcement Specialist (General Training Instructor)

US Department of Homeland Security

Artesia, NM

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

83rd of 274 rated public sector bodies


Job description

This is a public notice flyer. Applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer.
"The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), through strategic partnerships, prepares the federal law enforcement community to safeguard America's people, property, and institutions." We are a unique inter-agency organization preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers to meet our Nation's most pressing security challenges." Click here to learn more.Qualifications:A resume must be no more than two pages. If an applicant's resume exceeds two pages, the USAJOBS database will not allow the application to be submitted. For additional assistance, please visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements
If interested in this position, please email your resume to fletc-jobinfo@fletc.dhs.gov. Please ensure you list the job announcement number, location, position title, series and grades you are interested in.
You can also apply in person at the DHS Career Expo in Jacksonville, Florida on June 16 & 17, 2026.You must register for the event atDHS Career Expo. More information about the event may be found at Expo | Homeland Security. More details can be found in the How To Apply section of this job announcement.
This position has a Selective Placement Factor (SPF). If your resume does not demonstrate possession of the SPF, you will be rated ineligible.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: In order to be considered for this position you must:

A. Possess experience as a sworn law enforcement officer or agent with full arrest authority in the prevention, detection, apprehension, detention and/or investigation of felony and/or misdemeanor violations of federal, state, local, tribal, or military criminal laws;
-OR-
B. Have held a federal civilian position in the 1801 occupational series.

-AND-
Specialized Experience: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the federal service, or equivalent experience in the private or public sector performing the following duties:
Performing a variety of complex law enforcement actions with field experience in at least four of the following law enforcement topical areas to include: Advanced Interviewing, Use of Force, Controlled Substance Identification, Basic Tactics, Control Tactics, and Law Enforcement Instructor Training.
-OR-
Researching, developing, modifying, and instructing law enforcement training curriculum in at least four of the following law enforcement topical areas to include: Advanced Interviewing, Use of Force, Controlled Substance Identification, Basic Tactics, Control Tactics, and Law Enforcement Instructor Training.
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.
All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.
Note: Secondary Administrative Law Enforcement Officer retirement coverage is being offered for this position.
Transfer Requirement for CSRS: To be eligible for secondary coverage, an employee must: - Transfer without a break in service exceeding 3 days directly from a primary position to a secondary position; AND - Be continuously employed in a secondary position since moving from a primary position; except a break in employment in secondary positions that begins with an involuntary separation (not for cause) and/or voluntary breaks in service that began prior to January 20, 1988.
Transfer Requirement for FERS: To be eligible for secondary coverage, an employee must: - Transfer without a break in service exceeding 3 days directly from a primary position to a secondary position; AND - Have completed 3 years of service in a primary position, including any such service during which no FERS deductions were withheld; AND - Be continuously employed in a secondary position since moving from a rigorous position; except a break in employment in secondary positions that begins with an involuntary separation (not for cause).
For Term Positions Only:
Pub. Law 114-285 grants the FLETC approval to hire retired federal employees with law enforcement/investigative experience to meet the expanding mission of the FLETC. Individuals may be selected for time-limited positions with eligibility for the dual-compensation waiver. The dual-compensation waiver allows retirees to return to work, earning their full salary with no offset to their FERS annuity. However, this waiver does not exempt the FERS annuity supplement from being reduced. Therefore, FERS retirees receiving a FERS annuity supplement, must be aware that like social security benefits, the FERS annuity supplement is subject to an earnings test and may be reduced if the salary earned is more than the social security exempt amount of earnings. Additional information is available on OPM's website or by contacting OPM.
If selected, federal retirees will be eligible for a waiver of the dual compensation reduction. Click here for more information. FLETC Reemployed Annuitants | Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
For Permanent Positions Only:
Re-employed annuitants' annual salaries will be reduced by the amount of their retirement annuity and by further cost of living increases. FERS retirees receiving a FERS annuity supplement must also be aware that, like social security benefits, their FERS annuity supplement is subject to an earnings test and may be reduced if the salary earned is more than the social security exempt amount of earnings. Additional information is available on OPM's website or by contacting OPM.Education:Not Applicable.Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003