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Police Interrogation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Police Sergeant

Oakdale, CA ยท On-site

$102K - $124K/yr

... and interrogation. 3. Analyze crime and service patterns and to develop effective, tactical ... Four years of professional police experience, with at least one year in a lead capacity. Training:

Brawley Police Department organization, policies and directives. Principles, practices and ... Interviewing and interrogation techniques. Geography of the City of Brawley. Traffic and crowd ...

Police Officer

Brawley, CA ยท On-site

$54K - $63K/yr

Police Department Division: Patrol Opening Date: 06/15/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description ... Interviewing and interrogation techniques. * Geography of the City of Brawley. * Traffic and crowd ...

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

Cotati, CA ยท On-site

$32.12/hr

Receives, learns and understands instruction in basic criminal investigation procedures and techniques, including but not limited to police ethics, witness interrogation, and collection of evidence

Police Officer (Lateral)

Modesto, CA ยท On-site

$94K - $125K/yr

Police Department - 600 10th Street Modesto, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 02695 Department ... interrogation techniques; collection of evidence; and technology including various computer ...

Police Officer Trainee

Hollister, CA ยท On-site

$66K - $80K/yr

Interviewing and interrogation techniques. Ability to: Attend, fully participate in, successfully complete and graduate from a California P.O.S.T approved basic police academy. Attend all academy ...

Police Officer - Lateral

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$95K - $133K/yr

Police Opening Date: 06/15/2026 Description The City of Anaheim is seeking experienced Police ... interrogation techniques; collection of evidence; and technology including various computer ...

Police Officer Trainee

Hollister, CA ยท On-site

$66K - $80K/yr

Interviewing and interrogation techniques. Ability to: * Attend, fully participate in, successfully complete and graduate from a California P.O.S.T. approved basic police academy. * Attend all ...

... interrogation techniques; collection of evidence; and technology including various computer ... All non-probationary Police Officers must possess and maintain a valid POST Basic Certificate as a ...

Police Officer Trainee

Modesto, CA ยท On-site

$37.53 - $47.90/hr

... interrogation techniques; collection of evidence; and technology including various computer ... Modesto Police Officers Association (MPOA) Employee benefits are subject to change and are not ...

Police Officer (Lateral)

Modesto, CA ยท On-site

$94K - $125K/yr

... interrogation techniques; collection of evidence; and technology including various computer ... other police equipment. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading of work papers ...

Police Officer Trainee

Modesto, CA ยท On-site

$37.53 - $47.90/hr

... interrogation techniques; collection of evidence; and technology including various computer ... other police equipment. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading of work papers ...

Police Officer

Oakdale, CA ยท On-site

$83K - $102K/yr

... interrogation techniques. 7. Pertinent laws, codes, regulations and statues. 8. City geography ... and handle a police vehicle under emergency, high-speed situations. 7. Prepare and make ...

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Showing results 1-20

Police Interrogation information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$67.7K

$96.7K

How much do police interrogation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for police interrogation in California is $67,684.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $82,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is police interrogation?

Police interrogation is the process by which law enforcement officers question individuals who are suspected of being involved in a crime. The primary goal is to gather information, clarify facts, and obtain confessions or statements relevant to a criminal investigation. Interrogations are governed by legal procedures to protect the rights of suspects, such as the Miranda rights in the United States, which ensure individuals are aware of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney present. Techniques can include direct questioning, establishing rapport, and sometimes psychological strategies, but coercion or physical force is not permitted. Properly conducted interrogations are a critical part of criminal investigations.

What are some common challenges police interrogators face when interviewing suspects, and how are these challenges typically addressed?

Police interrogators often encounter challenges such as uncooperative or deceptive suspects, language barriers, and the need to ensure that interviews comply with legal and ethical standards. To address these issues, interrogators are trained in various communication and psychological techniques, such as building rapport, reading body language, and adapting their approach to each individual. Ongoing training, collaboration with legal advisors, and working in tandem with other law enforcement officers help ensure that interrogations are both effective and admissible in court.

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

To excel as a Police Interrogator, you need a deep understanding of criminal law, investigative techniques, and psychological principles, often supported by law enforcement training or a criminal justice degree. Familiarity with audio/video recording equipment, case management systems, and potentially certification in interview and interrogation methods is important. Outstanding communication, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills help build rapport and detect deception. These abilities are crucial for gathering reliable information, protecting legal rights, and ensuring investigations are thorough and ethical.

How do I become a police interrogator?

To become a police interrogator, you typically need to first serve as a police officer, gaining experience in law enforcement. Additional training in interrogation techniques, such as courses on interview and interrogation methods, is often required, along with a thorough understanding of legal procedures and ethics. Some agencies may also require specialized certifications or education in criminal justice or related fields.

Can you be a police interrogator without being a cop?

Police interrogation is typically conducted by law enforcement officers who are trained in interviewing and interrogation techniques. While some specialized roles in criminal justice may involve interviewing suspects or witnesses, the position of a police interrogator usually requires being a sworn police officer with relevant training and certification. Non-cop roles in interrogation are rare and generally involve support or administrative functions rather than direct interrogation duties.

What is the difference between Police Interrogation vs Police Detective?

AspectPolice InterrogationPolice Detective
Required CredentialsLaw enforcement training, police academy certificationLaw enforcement training, police academy certification, possibly specialized detective courses
Work EnvironmentInterrogation rooms, police stationsCrime scenes, offices, courtrooms, field investigations
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, criminal investigation units
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding interrogation techniques and rolesInvestigative work, solving crimes

Police interrogation involves questioning suspects or witnesses to gather information, typically conducted within police stations. Police detectives focus on investigating crimes, collecting evidence, and solving cases. While both roles require law enforcement training and work within police departments, interrogation specialists concentrate on questioning, whereas detectives handle broader investigations.

How long does it take to be a police interrogation?

Becoming a police officer qualified to conduct interrogations typically requires completing police academy training, which lasts about 3 to 6 months, followed by field training and on-the-job experience. Developing skills in interviewing and interrogation techniques can take additional months or years of experience. Certification in specific interrogation methods may also be pursued to enhance proficiency.
What are popular job titles related to Police Interrogation jobs in California? For Police Interrogation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Police Interrogation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Police Interrogation jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Police Interrogation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,684 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Police Officer (Lateral)

City of Modesto Police Department

Modesto, CA โ€ข On-site

$94K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 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