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Police Forensics Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

... Forensics Detective Motorcycle Unit Community Outreach & Enforcement Team ** Follow this link to more specialty assignments that you may find attractive.** ** For a full description of the police ...

Police Officer (Entry Level)

Everett, WA · On-site

$8.5K - $11K/mo

... Forensics DetectiveMotorcycle UnitCommunity Outreach & Enforcement Team ** Follow this to more specialty assignments that you may find attractive.** ** For a full description of the police officer ...

Criminal Defense Attorney

Kent, WA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Review police reports, analyze body‑worn camera footage, evaluate forensic evidence, and conduct field investigations to build trial defense theories. * Motion Practice & Legal Writing: Research ...

New

Criminal Defense Attorney

Kent, WA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Review police reports, analyze body-worn camera footage, evaluate forensic evidence, and conduct field investigations to build trial defense theories. * Motion Practice & Legal Writing: Research ...

New

Police Forensics information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$49.5K

$131.4K

$190.6K

How much do police forensics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for police forensics in Seattle, WA is $131,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,400.00 and $153,100.00 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 are popular job titles related to Police Forensics jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Police Forensics jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Police Forensics jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Forensics jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Police Forensics jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Police Forensics job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Forensics job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,385 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Everett Police Department Hiring

We Want Your Service in our Department! We are actively looking to hire high quality candidates. Everett Police Department serves a population over 112,000. We believe in community-oriented policing and work in partnership with the community to enhance quality of life and reduce crime through our core values of integrity, professionalism, and honor. The City of Everett is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and our goal is to recruit and hire capable and engaged job candidates from a wide range of backgrounds. We are committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.

This is a Civil Service class involving general police activities associated with the protection of life and property by enforcement of state and municipal codes, regulations and ordinances. The Civil Service eligibility register for this position is subject to continuous modification as a result of the open/continuous nature of the process. Highest grades earned within the past year as a result of this screening process are valid for twelve (12) months after certification by the Civil Service Commission. This job classification is represented by Everett Police Officers Association. Hiring offers are contingent upon successful completion of a City-paid LEOFF medical evaluation and medical history review that may include back x-rays and will include drug screening.

Competitive Wages - Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits

Vacation Accrual Starting First Year - Employee funded VEBA

Pitman Work Schedule for Patrol Officers (rotating schedule with every other weekend off) - VERA Clinic – free primary care for enrolled employees and their dependents

Uniforms, firearms, and duty gear provided - College Tuition Reimbursement

Boot/Vest Upgrade for Patrol Assignments, Clothing/Equipment Allowance for plainclothes assignments - City Match on Deferred Compensation

Dry Cleaning Benefit - LEOFF 2 Pension Plan

Take-home Car Program - Floating Holidays

Holiday Bank (Can be used OR cashed out)

The City provides excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and basic life insurance plans. Employees will also accrue vacation, sick, and holidays throughout the calendar year.

Everett Police Officers perform a wide variety of law enforcement activities including patrol of designated areas of City on foot, bike, motorcycle, or automobile.

How do you see yourself contributing to the community in three to five years as an Everett Police Officer?

Downtown Bike Patrol - Training Officer - Marine Unit Dive Team - K-9 Handler

Hostage Negotiator - Major Crimes Detective - Property Crimes Detective - School Resource Officer

Gang Resource Unit - Tactical Unit (SWAT) - Bomb Technician - ACT Team Member

Range Master - Video Forensics Detective - Motorcycle Unit - Community Outreach & Enforcement Team

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Excellent physical condition.
  • U.S. Citizenship or a lawful permanent resident, or deferred action for childhood arrivals recipients (DACA).
  • Must be 20.5 years of age by eligible register certification date; and 21 years of age by date of commission.
  • Possession of, or the ability to obtain a valid Washington State Driver license within 30 days of hire and the ability to maintain it for the duration of employment.
  • Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

EXAMINATION PROCESS:

  • The screening process will consist of a written test weighted 100% (pass score 70.00 and above) AND successful completion (Pass) on the Physical Ability Test (PAT) within the six months prior to the closing date. Public Safety Testing conducts the City of Everett's written and PAT examinations. We consider the highest score received within the past one year.
  • Those applicants claiming VETERANS' PREFERENCE must submit a copy of their FORM DD214 – this can be uploaded to your PST account. Applicants claiming veterans' preference points in accordance with RCW 41.04.010 as amended and meeting eligibility criteria must submit form DD214, or its equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that characterizes his or her service as qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005.
  • All portions of the process are designed to sample and measure the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Additional screening prior to appointment to the Police Officer (Entry-Level) position includes an employment and general background investigation as well as medical, drug testing, psychological and polygraph examinations.

FILING OPENS: January 1, 2026 OPEN/CONTINUOUS A26001 Scores pulled and certified on a weekly basis