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Police Evidence Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Clearlake, CA · On-site

$5.7K - $7.3K/mo

CLEARLAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT Opening Date: 11/28/2022 Are you a lateral, academy graduate or ... Collect, process, photograph, and present evidence including fingerprints, fibers, blood, and ...

Police Officer

Brawley, CA · On-site

$54K - $63K/yr

Police Department Division: Patrol Opening Date: 06/15/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description ... Serve warrants, present evidence and testify in court. * Respond to crime and collision scenes ...

Collect, process, photograph, and present evidence including fingerprints, fibers, blood, and ... May serve as Police Sergeant as assigned; act as Watch Commander; review and approve the reports of ...

Police Officer

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$139K - $169K/yr

Police Opening Date: 04/20/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description Do you enjoy serving the ... Secures crime scenes and evidence; interviews suspects, victims and witnesses; collects and ...

Police Officer II

Turlock, CA · On-site

$8.0K - $9.7K/mo

Prepares evidence for trial and testifies in court. Interviews merchants and the public to obtain ... Modern police methods and procedures, including crime prevention techniques. Maintains a clear ...

Police Officer

Brawley, CA · On-site

$54K - $63K/yr

Serve warrants, present evidence and testify in court. Respond to crime and collision scenes ... Brawley Police Department organization, policies and directives. Principles, practices and ...

POLICE OFFICER

Manteca, CA · On-site

$97K - $137K/yr

Rules of evidence and laws of arrest. Operation of a variety of specialized police vehicles and equipment. Practices and procedures of collecting, processing and preserving crime scene evidence.

Police Officer

Oakdale, CA · On-site

$83K - $102K/yr

Police Department, 245 North 2nd Ave., Oakdale, CA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 20260814 ... evidence using a variety of methods and techniques, including taking photographs, lifting ...

POLICE OFFICER

Manteca, CA · On-site

$97K - $137K/yr

Rules of evidence and laws of arrest. Operation of a variety of specialized police vehicles and equipment. Practices and procedures of collecting, processing and preserving crime scene evidence.

Police Officer - Lateral

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$95K - $133K/yr

Police Opening Date: 06/15/2026 Description The City of Anaheim is seeking experienced Police ... Collecting and preserving evidence * Responding to traffic accidents for investigation of cause ...

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Police Evidence information

See California salary details

$23.7K

$59.8K

$82.9K

How much do police evidence jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for police evidence in California is $59,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $64,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police evidence technician?

Police evidence technicians, also known as evidence custodians or crime scene technicians, are professionals responsible for collecting, preserving, and managing evidence from crime scenes. They ensure all evidence is properly documented, stored, and tracked to maintain its integrity for investigations and court proceedings. Their duties may include photographing crime scenes, packaging physical evidence, maintaining evidence logs, and testifying in court about the handling of evidence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police evidence technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Evidence Technician, you need attention to detail, knowledge of evidence handling procedures, and typically a background in criminal justice or forensic science. Familiarity with evidence management systems, chain-of-custody documentation, and sometimes certifications like Certified Evidence Specialist (CES) are important. Strong organizational skills, integrity, and effective communication set top professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure the proper handling, documentation, and security of evidence, which is crucial for supporting investigations and upholding the integrity of the justice process.

What are some common challenges faced by police evidence technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Police evidence technicians often face challenges such as managing large volumes of evidence, maintaining accurate chain of custody records, and ensuring strict adherence to procedures to preserve evidence integrity. These challenges can be addressed by utilizing evidence management software, following standardized protocols, and participating in regular training on best practices. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication with law enforcement officers and legal teams are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Police Evidence vs Police Crime Scene Technician?

AspectPolice EvidencePolice Crime Scene Technician
CertificationsEvidence handling certifications, law enforcement trainingCrime scene processing, evidence collection certifications
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, police stationsCrime scenes, forensic labs, outdoor locations
Job FocusCollecting, preserving, and cataloging evidenceProcessing crime scenes, documenting evidence, forensic analysis
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, criminal justiceForensic science, law enforcement

Police Evidence specialists focus on collecting and managing evidence, often working within police departments. Police Crime Scene Technicians are trained to process crime scenes, document evidence, and assist forensic investigations. While both roles require evidence handling skills and law enforcement knowledge, Crime Scene Technicians have specialized training in scene processing and forensic techniques.

What does a police evidence clerk do?

A police evidence clerk is responsible for cataloging, storing, and maintaining evidence collected by law enforcement. They ensure proper documentation, chain of custody, and secure storage of evidence, often using specialized software and following strict protocols. Attention to detail and knowledge of legal procedures are essential for this role.

What does a police evidence officer do?

A police evidence officer is responsible for collecting, cataloging, and preserving physical evidence from crime scenes. They ensure evidence integrity, maintain detailed records, and often use specialized tools like fingerprint kits or forensic software. Their work supports investigations and legal proceedings by providing accurate and secure evidence handling.

What skills do police evidence technicians need?

Police evidence technicians need strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of evidence handling procedures. They should be familiar with forensic tools, documentation practices, and often require certifications in evidence management or crime scene processing. Good communication skills and the ability to work independently are also important in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Police Evidence jobs in California?

For Police Evidence jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Police Evidence jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Evidence jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Police Evidence jobs?

Cities in California with the most Police Evidence job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Evidence job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,835 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

$94K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Salary : $94,265.60 - $125,112.00 Annually
Location : Police Department - 600 10th Street Modesto, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 02695
Department: Modesto Police Department
Opening Date: 08/17/2020
Bargaining Unit: MPOA
The Position
Looking to advance your career in law enforcement? The Modesto Police Department is seeking experienced Police Officers. Join our team today!
The Police Officer is responsible to perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local municipal codes, violations, and traffic regulations; to perform investigative work; to participate in and provide support and assistance to special crime prevention and enforcement programs; and to perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the department.
Hiring Incentives
$20,000 Hiring Incentive - For this position.
$5,000 Military Hiring Incentive - Is an additional hiring incentive for anyone who has served in any branch of the United States Military and received an Honorable or General Discharge as denoted on the DD214.
Sick/Vacation Front Loading - 40 hours of sick and 40 hours of vacation will be front loaded on date of hire.
Lateral Service Credit - Any lateral hire will accrue leave balances based on their years of experience in a prior public safety position.
A full list of hiring incentives can be found at this link
All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications of the position will be placed on an eligible list and invited to a selection interview with the Modesto Police Department.
Any out of state applicants must have the California POST Course waiver at time of application and will need to apply for the Police Officer Trainee position . Any out of state applicants without the California POST Course waiver must apply for Police Officer Recruit,
For more information about becoming a Police Officer with the Modesto Police Department, check out our recruitment page
Human Resources reserves the right to revise the selection process to best meet the needs of the City.
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A city application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City does not sponsor H-1B Visas.
Essential and Marginal Function Statements
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
Patrol assigned areas and interact with the community; work collaboratively with community residents to address problems and concerns with a focus on identifying solutions.
Receive calls through dispatch and respond to requests for police services; respond to medical aide requests and administer first aide as needed.
Perform problem-oriented policing functions and duties.
Carry out all aspects of police work in accordance with department training and policy including but not limited to:
  • Interviewing/questioning individuals as required.
  • Conducting lawful stops, pursuits, searches of persons or property, detentions, citations and arrests of persons.
  • Securing crime and accident scenes.
  • Collecting and preserving evidence.
  • Responding to traffic accidents for investigation of cause, traffic control, hazard removal and conduct traffic accident analysis and general traffic surveys.
  • Completing accurate, complete and timely reports and booking of evidence.
  • Testifying and presenting evidence in court proceedings.

Based on assignment, it may be required to investigate crimes, perform administrative duties, conduct crime prevention, or conduct training for other personnel.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of: City, state and federal laws, statutes, ordinances and court decisions; departmental policies; criminal investigations principles and practices; law enforcement crime prevention community and problem-oriented policing principles; interviewing and interrogation techniques; collection of evidence; and technology including various computer hardware, software applications and electronic applications.
Ability to: Work in a community-based oriented policing environment, communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing; exercise tact, self-restraint and good judgement; demonstrate collaborative problem solving abilities, de-escalate tense and volatile situations; safely and appropriately use firearms and other weapons; enforce laws within established departmental guidelines, standards, policy, and law; and establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of employment.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Must have at least one year of full-time experience as a sworn peace officer with a California law enforcement agency and have at a minimum, a Basic POST certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade
Completion of a minimum of 15 units of college coursework from an accredited college or university is desirable.
License or Certificate
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license at time of application; valid California driver's license by time of appointment.
Must possess a Basic POST certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training.
Additional Requirements
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age at date of application.
Must meet the physical requirements of the job established by the department.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Mobility: pulling and pushing objects, sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, twisting, turning, stooping, squatting, and climbing. Lifting: Ability to perform tasks requiring strength and stamina, such as medium heavy lifting and moving equipment and objects weighing 75 pounds and continuously wearing a duty belt weight and other police equipment. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading of work papers, reports and special projects; color and depth vision; ability to identify suspects and interpret and apply the law to field situations; observation skills while conducting surveillance. Dexterity: perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation to use a computer and operate a motor vehicle. Hearing/Talking: verbal communication including projecting a voice that can be heard in a noisy environment, hearing and distinguishing various sounds; explain the law to the public. Emotional/Psychological: frequent concentration and decision making, frequent public and coworker contact, ability to maintain high level cognitive, observation and memory skills. Environmental: Must be willing to work in office and field environment, including life threatening emergencies
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in both an office and field environment and requires travel from site to site. Overtime and shift work is required.
Modesto Police Officers Association (MPOA)
Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 3% @ 55 or the 2.7% @ 57 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution plus an additional 3% Cost-Share. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).
HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of holiday credit. (For employees on a 4/11 work schedule, a total of 91 hours of holiday credit are allocated separately, in lieu of holidays.)
VACATION: Accrual normally begins at a rate of two weeks per year, with incremental increases to five weeks at 21 years of service. Employees may accumulate up to two times their annual accrual.
SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees can accumulate up to 2,200 hours.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:
$ 2,110.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,494.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 748.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out
The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.
LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $10,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.
LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE:Coverage is sponsored through PORAC, at employee cost, reimbursed by the City. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of their monthly salary (to a maximum of $7,500 in monthly salary) not to exceed $5,000 payable per month when totally disabled
PHYSICAL EXAM: A comprehensive exam is provided once per year, at City's expense.
SPECIAL PAY(S): Employees who possess an Intermediate POST Certificate shall be eligible for five (5%) percent certification and ten percent (10%) certification pay who possess an Advanced POST Certificate. The maximum POST certificate pay shall be ten percent (10%).
MASTER POLICE OFFICER: Employees eligible for Master Police Officer will be eligible for two and a half percent (2.5%) at six (6) years, five percent (5) at eleven (11), seven a half percent (7.5%) at sixteen (16) years, and ten (10%) at twenty-one (21) years.
BILINGUAL PAY: Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive four percent (4%) Bilingual Pay.
COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT: Employees are eligible for two and a half percent (2.5%) for serving on a Collateral Assignment such as Canine, Critical Incident Team, SWAT, FTO Sergeant, Drug Recognition Expert, Air Support Pilot, and Tactical Flight Officer
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Employees may enroll on a voluntary basis.
RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): $2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $120 per month.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to employees and dependents. Plan provides up to 3 counseling visits per incident, at City expense.
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: Uniform allowance of $101.67 per Month.
LOAD BEARING VEST: Up to six hundred dollars ($600) for purchase of a load bearing vest not sooner than five years from the previous reimbursement.
CITY CAR: City car provided for some positions.
SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premiums, unreimbursed medical expenses, and dependent care costs.
01
I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.
  • Yes

02
Are you a minimum of 21 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Have you been employed by a California law enforcement agency which requires a Basic POST certification within the last 12 months?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have a minimum of one year experience in a California Law Enforcement Agency, which requires a Basic POST Certificate?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you possess a valid Basic POST Certificate from the State of California?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Did the Modesto Police Department's hiring incentives influence your decision to apply?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question