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Missing Persons Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Pre-Service Police Officer

Rialto, CA · On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

Performs a variety of peace officer duties in the enforcement of laws, the protection of persons ... missing people. * Serves arrest warrants; makes arrests for crimes committed under penal and ...

Pre-Service Police Officer

Rialto, CA · On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

Performs a variety of peace officer duties in the enforcement of laws, the protection of persons ... missing people. Serves arrest warrants; makes arrests for crimes committed under penal and ...

To perform a variety of peace officer duties in the enforcement of laws, the protection of persons ... missing people. 6. Serves arrest warrants; makes arrests for crimes committed under penal and ...

Police Officer Lateral

Rialto, CA · On-site

$7.0K - $9.4K/mo

To perform a variety of peace officer duties in the enforcement of laws, the protection of persons ... missing people. 6. Serves arrest warrants; makes arrests for crimes committed under penal and ...

Provides guidance and leadership to Guest Services Agents and Valet Persons whenever necessary ... Notifies supervisor and/or Security of all unusual events, circumstances, missing items, or alleged ...

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Missing Persons information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$26

$55

How much do missing persons jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for missing persons in Riverside, CA is $26.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job finds missing people?

Jobs that find missing people include missing persons investigators, law enforcement officers, and search and rescue personnel. These roles often require skills in investigation, communication, and sometimes specialized training or certifications, and they work in coordination with agencies and organizations dedicated to locating missing individuals.

What Are Jobs in Missing Persons Investigations?

Jobs in a missing persons unit in a law enforcement agency or police department involve collecting evidence and performing investigations to locate missing people. As a detective in this specialized area, you investigate reports of missing people, including suspected runaways and cases that involve a kidnapped person. Your duties and responsibilities include investigating the missing person’s last known movements, interviewing family and friends, and reviewing surveillance footage. Missing person investigators often coordinate with detectives and authorities in other jurisdictions and agencies. You may also coordinate with homicide detectives if you suspect that the missing person may be dead.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Missing Persons Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Missing Persons Investigator, you need a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, strong investigative skills, and relevant police or detective certification. Proficiency with case management databases, forensic technology, and communication systems is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, empathy, and resilience distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills are crucial for efficiently locating missing individuals, supporting affected families, and collaborating effectively with multiple agencies.

How do I become a missing person investigator?

To become a missing person investigator, typically one needs a background in law enforcement or criminal justice, along with experience in investigations. Relevant skills include interviewing, evidence collection, and familiarity with databases and search techniques; some roles may require specialized training or certifications. Entry often involves working for law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, or specialized organizations.

What is the highest paid investigator?

In the field of missing persons investigation, salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer. Senior investigators or those working for government agencies or private firms with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Top earners may also have advanced training in forensic analysis or law enforcement procedures.

What if I can't find a job?

Missing Persons jobs typically involve investigative and administrative tasks related to locating individuals, often requiring skills in research, communication, and sometimes law enforcement procedures. If you struggle to find employment in this field, consider gaining relevant certifications or experience in criminal justice, social work, or law enforcement to improve your prospects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in missing persons investigations, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Professionals working in missing persons investigations often encounter emotionally charged situations, high-pressure decision-making, and the need for meticulous attention to detail. They collaborate closely with law enforcement, families, and sometimes the media, which requires strong communication and empathy skills. Applicants should be prepared to manage sensitive information, work irregular hours, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Gaining experience in investigative work, crisis response, or social services can be valuable preparation for these challenges.

What is the difference between Missing Persons vs Missing Persons Investigator?

AspectMissing PersonsMissing Persons Investigator
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification requiredLaw enforcement or private investigator certification often required
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, search teams, or private firmsPolice departments, private investigation firms, or specialized agencies
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, private firms, non-profitsLaw enforcement, private investigation, security firms
Search & Comparison IntentGeneral searches for missing persons casesFocused on investigating and locating specific missing persons

Missing Persons refers broadly to cases involving individuals who are unaccounted for, often handled by various organizations. Missing Persons Investigators are specialized professionals who actively investigate and locate specific missing individuals, often working within law enforcement or private sectors. The key difference lies in the investigative role and expertise involved in Missing Persons Investigators.

What are Missing Persons specialists and what do they do?

Missing Persons specialists are professionals who work to locate individuals who have been reported missing. They may work with law enforcement agencies, non-profit organizations, or government departments, and their responsibilities often include investigating cases, gathering information, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating searches. These specialists use a variety of methods such as public alerts, media outreach, and collaboration with other agencies to help find missing people and reunite them with their families. Their work is crucial in both emergency situations and long-term missing person cases.
What job categories do people searching Missing Persons jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Missing Persons jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Missing Persons jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Missing Persons job openings:
Infographic showing various Missing Persons job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,735 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Pre-Service Police Officer

City of Rialto, CA

Rialto, CA • On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Salary : $84,888.00 - $113,772.00 Annually
Location : Rialto, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202000072
Department: POLICE ADMINISTRATION
Opening Date: 12/17/2020
Classification Definition
This recruitment is continuous and may close without further notice.
The City of Rialto is seeking to fill a Police Officer (Pre-Service) vacancy within the Police Department. The Rialto Police Department is dedicated to selecting those individuals who meet the highest of professional standards with a commitment to serving all members of their community with sensitivity, empathy, and impartiality. Under direct supervision, a Police Officer will perform a variety of peace officer duties in the enforcement of laws, the protection of persons and property, crime prevention and suppression; perform assignments in specialized areas including; motorcycle patrol, K-9 programs, street crime prevention, gang suppression, community oriented policing, and related program areas. Additionally, a Police Officer will perform a variety of duties relative to an assigned area responsibility. The ideal candidate exhibits a strong leadership, innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to service. The City is looking for individuals willing to join a culture that embraces industry best practices and innovation through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Under direct supervision, a Police Officer will perform a variety of peace officer duties in the enforcement of laws, the protection of persons and property, crime prevention and suppression; perform assignments in specialized areas including; motorcycle patrol, K-9 programs, street crime prevention, gang suppression, community oriented policing, and related program areas. Additionally, a Police Officer will perform a variety of duties relative to an assigned area responsibility. The ideal candidate exhibits a strong leadership, innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to service. The City is looking for individuals willing to join a culture that embraces industry best practices and innovation through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
The Police Officer is the journey level class in the Police Officer series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned law enforcement duties and responsibilities under general supervision. Incumbents may receive special assignments taskforces. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Corporal in that the latter is responsible for the performance of the more complex and difficult tasks and for providing field supervision of assigned personnel and activities.
Essential Duties and Responsiblities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS-Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  1. Performs a variety of peace officer duties in the enforcement of laws, the protection of persons and property, and crime prevention and suppression; performs assignments in specialized areas including motorcycle patrol, K-9 program, street crime prevention, gang suppression, community oriented police and related program areas.
  2. Enforces state, local and federal laws and ordinances; issues verbal warnings and citations; pursues and apprehends suspects; coordinates crime scene control and investigation activities.
  3. Patrols a designated area of the City to ensure security of life and property, observe situations and deter or prevent the commission of crimes; enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.
  4. Responds to general public service and crime victim calls, traffic hazards, stray animal reports and related misdemeanors and felony incidents; deploys police dog to protect self and others as assigned.
  5. Plans, executes, writes and serves search warrants; search suspects, vehicles, residences and buildings for evidence, contraband, and lost or missing people.
  6. Serves arrest warrants; makes arrests for crimes committed under penal and institute codes; performs booking procedures for new prisoners; contacts and interviews suspects and witnesses to gain additional information.
  7. Processes and stores evidence and property found at various crime scenes; maintains records and enters data into computer as necessary.
  8. Investigates traffic accidents and incidents; responds to calls; requests emergency services as required; provides traffic and crowd control.
  9. Prepares a variety of reports and documents on assigned cases; prepares and maintains files; ensures documentation of all case activities.
  10. Reviews and investigates reports related to vehicle theft/accidents and cellular phone fraud; identifies locations of illicit drug use and sales.
  11. Provides assistance in a variety of investigations relative to assigned area of responsibility including narcotics, crime suppression and theft; gathers information from witnesses and informants; interviews suspects; prepares reports and follows up on investigations.
  12. Testifies in court and associated hearings; prepares and processes documents and reports as assigned.
  13. Maintains and operates specialized police surveillance equipment including transmitters, radios and cameras.
  14. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required; within the scope of this classification.

Knowledge of: Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts; techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic levels under hostile and emergency situations; safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work inclusive of:
  • Operations, services and activities of a law enforcement program.
  • Law enforcement terminology and concepts.
  • Police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control and investigation.
  • Methods and techniques of investigating criminal activity.
  • Problem solving methods and techniques.
  • Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure, and preservation.
  • Laws governing the rights of citizens including apprehension, arrest and custody procedures.
  • Methods and techniques of communicating and implementing crime prevention programs.
  • Use of firearms and other modern police equipment.
  • Operational characteristics of police equipment and tools.
  • Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to: Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics and facts of incidents; remain calm and take appropriate action in tense situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; read, interpret and apply complex laws, procedures and policies; make rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines; prepare clear and concise reports, records and other written materials; understand and follow oral and written directions; learn the principles, practices, procedures, laws and ordinances, terminology and operation of equipment used in law enforcement and crime prevention and investigation.
  • Perform a wide range of law enforcement assignments.
  • Use and care for firearms and other police equipment.
  • Prepare clear and concise reports on criminal activities.
  • Interpret and enforce City and Sate laws, codes and ordinances.
  • Work independently in the absence of supervision.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
  • Graduation from High School or equivalent and successful completion of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified Police Academy.

Additional Information: Education, Training, and Experience: Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade; some college level training in police science, criminal justice or a related field is desirable. Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license; must possess satisfactory hearing capabilities and visual acuity and be able to meet physical, psychological and background standards; must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts; must be able to maintain firearms qualification.
  • Must be a recent graduate of a California Commission on P.O.S.T. Academy (within the most recent 6 months);or
  • Previously employed as a Police Officer within the State of California within three (3) years of application, or
  • Be currently employed as an out-of-state Officer with a valid POST waiver, or
  • Currently employed as a Peace Officer within the State of California, but NOT possessing a California Basic POST Certification.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Possession of a valid California POST Basic Certificate or a valid California POST Basic Course Waiver at time of application.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must currently be employed as a sworn Peace Officer, in good standing.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must successfully complete a comprehensive POST background investigation, physical examination and psychological evaluation.
  • Must possess U.S. Citizenship at time of appointment.
Background Check Process:
All appointments to this position are subject to the successful completion of an in-depth background investigation conducted by the Rialto Police Department as well as a physical examination including a drug screening. The background investigation is a rigorous process. A typical background investigation includes but is not limited to: background interviews with individuals designated by the Rialto Police Department (this may include current and former co-workers, friends, relatives, neighbors, or any other relevant individual), criminal background check, credit check, polygraph examination, and physiological evaluation. Candidates may be disqualified from further consideration during the background investigation for a variety of reasons including if they have: an excessive number of traffic citations and/or collisions; arrests and/or convictions; a history of illegal substance abuse; poor credit history (factors include bankruptcy, foreclosures, liens and repossessions); or thefts from a previous employer. For clarification of any of the above disqualifying reasons, please call the Police Department Personnel and Training Unit at (909) 421-4926.
The following list describes some areas that are covered in the background investigation:
  • Your relatives, references, and acquaintances are asked to comment on your suitability for this position.
  • The information supplied regarding your educational history is examined and verified.
  • You must list a history of your residences.
  • Your work history and experience are examined with regard to your dependability, relationships with fellow workers, trustworthiness, and general job performance.
  • Military service records are subject to verification.
  • The background investigation considers your management of personal finances (however, being in debt does not automatically disqualify you).
  • Your criminal, driving, and insurance records are evaluated.

Note: All applications are active and on file for consideration for 6 months from the recruitment closing date. After 6 months, all applications become invalid. Interested applicants must reapply to be considered for any current recruitments.
Supplemental Information
Initial Application Procedure:
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.yourrialto.com. All other employment inquiries can be directed to The City of Rialto, Human Resources Department. 246 S. Willow, Rialto, CA 92376. Telephone: (909) 820-2540.
Veterans Preference Credit Eligibility:
Veterans of the armed forces, who have been discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable (Government Code: 18540.4), shall receive an additional five (5) points to their final examination score for ranking purposes only. This preference will apply only to the first appointment to any regular full-time City appointment. A copy of your valid DD214 must be submitted on or before the final filing date in order to be eligible for Veterans Preference Credit. For more information, please see the City's
E-Verify:
The City of Rialto is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.
This benefits overview is a summary and is not to be considered all-inclusive or applicable to all employees.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
RETIREMENT
The California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), which took effect in January 2013, changes the way CalPERS retirement and health benefits are applied, and places compensation limits on members. The greatest impact is felt by new CalPERS members.
As defined by the PEPRA