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Police Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Suffolk, VA

Police Officer (Recruit)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$55K - $84K/yr

POLICE Opening Date: 06/01/2026 Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Description *** SIGNING ... the lab; interrogates suspects and makes arrests; prepares investigation reports. * Serves legal ...

City of Suffolk

Police Officer (Recruit)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$55K - $84K/yr

The Suffolk Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Essential Job Functions Job ... the lab; interrogates suspects and makes arrests; prepares investigation reports. Serves legal ...

City of Appleton, WI

Police Officer

Appleton, WI · On-site

$34.90/hr

Read manuals, correspondence, investigative reports, follow-up reports, lab reports, policies and any other job-related documents relevant to the requirements of the police officer position.

City of Fontana, CA

Police Cadet

Fontana, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20.56/hr

Police Opening Date: 01/16/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Definition The Cadet Program is designed ... crime lab, appear in court to testify regarding the validity of evidence. * Provide support ...

City of Fontana

Police Cadet

Fontana, CA

$16.90 - $20.56/hr

... crime lab, appear in court to testify regarding the validity of evidence. Provide support ... Learn, understand, interpret and apply Police Department policies and procedures. Understand and ...

City of Deer Park

Police Officer

Deer Park, TX

$35.13 - $51.58/hr

Crime Scene Investigator/Crime Lab Officer; School Resource Officer; Crime Prevention Officer ... Texas police officers; 60 college hours, a current TCOLE license and at least two years of ...

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All JobsPolice Lab Jobs

Police Lab information

See salary details

$9

$25

$45

How much do police lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for police lab in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Police Lab?

A Police Lab, also known as a forensic laboratory, is a specialized facility where scientific techniques are used to analyze physical evidence collected from crime scenes. These labs are staffed by forensic scientists and technicians who examine evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, drugs, firearms, and other materials to assist law enforcement in criminal investigations. The findings from police labs can be crucial in identifying suspects, supporting prosecutions, and exonerating the innocent. Police labs play a vital role in modern policing by providing objective, scientific support to solve crimes.

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

AspectPolice LabCrime Scene Technician
Required CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in forensic analysisHigh school diploma or associate degree, training in evidence collection
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, offices, sometimes crime scenesCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsPolice departments, crime scene units
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for forensic analysis rolesFocuses on evidence collection at scenes

The Police Lab primarily conducts forensic analysis in labs, requiring specialized degrees and certifications. Crime Scene Technicians focus on collecting evidence at crime scenes, often with less formal education. Both roles support law enforcement but differ in work environment and responsibilities.

How to get a job in a crime lab?

To work in a crime lab, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory techniques, and familiarity with forensic tools and software; some positions may require certification or experience in evidence analysis. Applying through government agencies or law enforcement departments is common, and internships or entry-level positions can provide valuable experience.

What do you need to be a crime lab technician?

To become a crime lab technician, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, proficiency with laboratory equipment, and knowledge of forensic analysis techniques; certifications may also enhance job prospects.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Police Lab technician during a criminal investigation?

Police Lab technicians play a crucial role in criminal investigations by analyzing physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, fibers, and chemical substances. They are responsible for maintaining the integrity of evidence, conducting various laboratory tests, documenting results, and preparing detailed reports for law enforcement and court proceedings. Collaboration is common, as technicians often work closely with detectives, prosecutors, and sometimes testify in court as expert witnesses. The role requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict protocols to ensure the validity and reliability of results.

What are labs used for in police work?

In police work, a police lab is used to analyze physical evidence collected from crime scenes, such as fingerprints, DNA, ballistics, and drugs. These labs help identify suspects, link evidence to crimes, and support investigations by providing scientific analysis performed by trained forensic scientists using specialized tools and techniques.

How hard is it to get into the CSI?

Getting into a police lab as a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) typically requires a background in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, along with relevant experience or training. Competition can be high, and candidates often need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with forensic tools and techniques. Certification and passing background checks are also common requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Police Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Lab Technician, you need a solid background in forensic science, chemistry, or biology, often supported by a relevant degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, evidence management systems, and certifications such as those from the American Board of Criminalistics are typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written communication skills help you accurately process evidence and convey findings. These competencies are crucial for ensuring evidence integrity and supporting law enforcement investigations with scientifically sound results.
More about Police Lab jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Lab jobs? Cities with the most Police Lab job openings:
What states have the most Police Lab jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Lab jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Police Lab jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Lab jobs are:
Police Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Lab job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, and 70% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Police Lab Technician

City of Richmond Indiana

Richmond, IN • On-site

$13/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Dept/Div: Police/N/A FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $13.00 hr

General Definition of Work

Performs intermediate technical work processing evidence for court appearances, completing required reports and documents, delivering evidence to crime labs, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the close supervision of the Police Captain.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

Receives, processes, and stores collected evidence from crime scenes.

Completes and delivers State Crime Lab request forms as needed.

Reviews court documents, pulls and disposes of evidence, and files related documentation.

Processes court ordered money forfeitures and weapon destruction orders.

Manages transfer of evidence for court, officers, and State Crime Lab.

Delivers and retrieves evidence from the State Crime Lab; completes forms related to the transfer of evidence to labs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of law enforcement methods, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the geography of the City and location of important buildings; thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department; thorough knowledge of the rules and regulation concerning the handling and storing of evidence; files and disposes of paperwork associated with evidence; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear comprehensive reports; ability to deal courteously, firmly and tactfully with victims, witnesses and the public; ability to process evidence collected during an investigation; ability to handle funds; ability to understand court orders; effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surround hazards and circumstances; ability to perform and exhibit physical agility and endurance; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, law enforcement agencies, legal representatives, victims, witnesses, and the general public.

Education and Experience

High School diploma or GED.

Physical Requirements

This works requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, frequently requires sitting, reaching with hands and arms and pushing or pulling and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing and stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather) and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

Valid driver's license in the State of Indiana.

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