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Police Forensics Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The role also entails serving as the primary forensic contact with the Michigan State Police Laboratory and the YWCA Nurse Examiner Program, alongside coordinating crime scene responses with various ...

Security Officer I, PRN

Saint Joseph, MI · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Provides correctional officers/police officers with forensic education as applicable. * Monitors and enforces visitor pass procedures. * Monitors radio communications by Switchboard Operator and ...

Police Forensics information

See Michigan salary details

$37.9K

$100.6K

$146K

How much do police forensics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for police forensics in Michigan is $100,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $117,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

How to become a police forensics specialist?

To become a police forensics specialist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of laboratory techniques, evidence collection, and analysis, often supplemented by certifications such as the Certified Criminalist credential. Prior law enforcement experience or internships can also enhance job prospects.

What does a police forensics officer do?

A police forensics officer collects, analyzes, and preserves physical evidence from crime scenes to help solve crimes. They use laboratory tools and techniques such as fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, and ballistics to support investigations and ensure evidence integrity.

What job categories do people searching Police Forensics jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Forensics jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Police Forensics jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Police Forensics job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Forensics job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,625 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

State Police Lab Director 15 / SSB / FSD / Marquette Laboratory

State of Michigan

Dimondale, MI • On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


State Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description The Laboratory Director position is responsible for managing the technical and operational services of a forensic laboratory within the Forensic Science Division. The position is responsible for the oversight of multiple forensic disciplines that provide investigative support to the criminal justice community across a large geographical area of the state. The position serves as the principal forensic science liaison to all law enforcement agencies to establish and maintain cooperative relationships at the local, county, state, and federal levels.

This position is responsible for maintaining laboratory policies, procedures, and compliance with the accrediting body's accreditation standards to ensure the laboratory maintains its accreditation and integrity in the scientific community. Develops plans with division administration for the growth and expansion of the services to maintain compliance with legislative mandates and scientific work group's recommendations. This position serves as an accreditation assessor and conducts external audits of other accredited laboratories at the local, county, and state levels nationwide, as well as self-assessments annually of each of the MSP forensic laboratories statewide.

This position functions in a bias free manner. POSITION DESCRIPTION The Michigan State Police (MSP) is a full-service policing agency with statewide jurisdiction, providing over 60 different services either directly to Michigan residents or in support of other law enforcement agencies. The MSP personnel most visible to the public are the uniform troopers whose primary responsibilities include traffic enforcement, crime prevention and investigation, and community engagement and service.

Required Education and Experience Education Possession of a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, criminal justice, or a related pure or applied scientific field. Experience Three years of experience equivalent to a Forensic Scientist 12, or as a State Police Specialist (Sergeant) 12 or State Police Sergeant 12 in the Forensic Science Division; or one year of experience equivalent to a State Police Laboratory Manager 14 or a State Police Technical Leader 15. OR A high school diploma or GED Certificate or higher and eight years of experience in the Forensic Science Division, including a minimum of six years as a State Police Specialist Sergeant 12 or four years as a State Police Detective Lieutenant 14.

Additional Requirements and Information Specific positions may require that applicants have experience in specialized areas. This position requires passing a pre-employment screening, including passing a drug screen, criminal history background check, and a fingerprint check by the Michigan State Police. Please attach a cover letter/memo, resume, and official college transcripts (if applicable) to your application.

Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted. Please note: Applicants will be screened out for failure to attach the required resume, cover letter/memo, and (if applicable) official transcripts to their application. View the entire job specification at: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/StatePoliceLaboratoryDetectiveLieutenant_13068_7.pdf Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.


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