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Police Forensics Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$31.32/hr

Maintains visibility to establish police presence. * Settles or calms interpersonal disputes ... Forensics - Crisis Negotiation - Honor Guard - Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State ...

Police Officer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$65K/yr

Maintains visibility to establish police presence. * Settles or calms interpersonal disputes ... Forensics - Crisis Negotiation - Honor Guard - Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State ...

Police Officer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$31.32/hr

Maintains visibility to establish police presence. * Settles or calms interpersonal disputes ... Forensics - Crisis Negotiation - Honor Guard - Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State ...

... police presence. • Settles or calms interpersonal disputes. • Respond to a variety of emergency ... Forensics - Crisis Negotiation - Honor Guard - Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State ...

... police presence. · Settles or calms interpersonal disputes. · Respond to a variety of emergency ... Forensics - Crisis Negotiation - Honor Guard - Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State ...

Maintains visibility to establish police presence. Settles or calms interpersonal disputes. Respond ... Forensics - Crisis Negotiation - Honor Guard - Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State ...

Police Forensics information

See Kentucky salary details

$37.8K

$100.3K

$145.5K

How much do police forensics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for police forensics in Kentucky is $100,271.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,200.00 and $116,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Police Forensics vs Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectPolice ForensicsCrime Scene Investigator
Required CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in forensic analysisForensic science or criminal justice degree, certification in crime scene processing
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crime scenes, courtroomsCrime scenes, laboratories, police stations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsLaw enforcement agencies, crime units
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for crime scene analysis rolesFocuses on scene processing and evidence collection

Police Forensics and Crime Scene Investigators both work within law enforcement to analyze evidence, but Police Forensics often emphasizes laboratory analysis and forensic testing, while Crime Scene Investigators focus more on collecting evidence at crime scenes. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, and they frequently collaborate during criminal investigations.

What is police forensics?

Police forensics, also known as forensic science, involves the application of scientific methods and techniques to assist law enforcement in solving crimes. Forensic specialists collect, preserve, and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes, such as fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, and digital data. Their findings can help identify suspects, support criminal investigations, and provide critical evidence in court cases. Police forensics plays a vital role in ensuring that justice is served based on reliable and objective analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police forensics professional?

To thrive in Police Forensics, you need a solid background in forensic science, criminal justice, and evidence analysis, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, crime scene investigation tools, and specialized software for evidence processing is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling complex cases and presenting findings. These skills ensure accurate evidence collection, analysis, and testimony, which are vital for supporting criminal investigations and securing convictions.

What are some common challenges faced by police forensic professionals when working at crime scenes?

Police forensic professionals often encounter challenges such as preserving evidence integrity in dynamic or contaminated environments and working under tight timelines. They must meticulously document and collect evidence while ensuring it is not compromised, often in stressful or high-pressure situations. Collaboration with detectives and legal teams is essential, as forensics must communicate findings clearly and support investigations throughout the legal process. Adaptability and attention to detail are key to navigating these challenges and contributing effectively to case outcomes.
What are popular job titles related to Police Forensics jobs in Kentucky? For Police Forensics jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Police Forensics jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Police Forensics jobs in Kentucky are:
Infographic showing various Police Forensics job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,271 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

$31.32/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description:

Under general supervision, patrols the city and responds to emergency and non-emergency situations to protect lives and property (e.g., investigate crimes, apprehend criminals, resolve conflicts, regulate traffic, prevent crime, assist and educate the public).


Illustrative Duties:

  • Patrols the city and protects lives and property.
  • Enforces laws and prevents crimes.
  • Monitors traffic conditions and flow, operates radar, and issues citations.
  • Responds to accidents and monitors school zones.
  • Maintains visibility to establish police presence.
  • Settles or calms interpersonal disputes.
  • Respond to a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations, accidents, confrontations, injuries, and complaints.
  • Secures and processes crime scenes and interviews complainants, witnesses, suspects, and victims.
  • Obtains witness reports, collects evidence, and prepares files and reports.
  • Apprehends, arrests, and processes criminal violators.
  • Serves warrants, appears, and testifies in courts of law.
  • Transports prisoners.
  • Performs various Community-Oriented Policing functions, including attending community meetings and giving public safety demonstrations.
  • Operates a police vehicle and radio.
  • Works closely with other law enforcement officers regarding suspects, witnesses, victims, and related criminal investigations.
  • Records daily activities in logs and prepares reports on activities and investigations.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Benefits:

  • 8 and 10-hour shifts with shift differential pay - $0.50/hr. for afternoon shifts and $1.00/hour for night shift
  • Paid vacation and holiday time
  • Clothing allowance
  • Comprehensive health and wellness package
  • Opportunity for a take-home vehicle
  • Special team opportunities - See the list below:

- Bomb Squad

- K9 Handler

- SWAT Team

- Collision Reconstruction

- Digital Forensics

- Crisis Negotiation

- Honor Guard

- Drone Unit

Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay)

$31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 annually (plus incentives of $4,653.00 for a new officer annually $69,798.60).

Requirements:

Qualifications:

Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age; or must turn 21 before graduating from the DOCJT Basic Training Course (i.e., 20-week academy). Must possess a valid operator’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle; must successfully undergo a fingerprint check through the Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; must be able to identify the colors red, green and yellow; must have standard visual acuity – not less than 20/40 in one eye and 20/100 in the other eye without correction, not less than 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye with correction; if served in the military, must possess a conditional or an honorable discharge; must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language; must be a person of good moral character, good reputation in the community in which he/she lives, law-abiding and loyal to the United States government.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of department policies and procedures and federal, state, and local laws relating to law enforcement. Knowledge of safety practices and procedures, public relations, interview techniques, and patrol procedures. Knowledge of traffic control procedures and crisis intervention techniques. Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form. Ability to recognize unusual, emergency, or threatening situations and take appropriate action. Ability to demonstrate endurance (mental and physical). Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner. The ability to use firearms and specialized police equipment. Knowledge of arrest process and procedures.

Must maintain the physical ability to successfully pass the Essential Job Function test for the position.